Most of us can recall an inspirational high school teacher. Perhaps a teacher energized you to focus on a project, work harder in sports, or simply pay attention in class. You can likely think of a teacher who made classes more engaging, someone who demonstrated a real interest in your success. Maybe you could be an inspiration for a future high school student. It’s possible, but you need the right degree, such as an affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education.
We have compiled a list of the top online bachelor’s degrees in secondary education. As you’ll see, these programs may be challenging, but many come with an affordable price tag.
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Average Cost (In-state): ~$44,700
Least Expensive (In-state & Out-of-state): University of the Cumberlands ~$24,680
Most Expensive: Chaminade University of Honolulu ~$74,135
We have created a simple, data-driven approach, so you can easily find the right program for your needs. We have meticulously calculated total full-time tuition, including any fees, for the most accurate total cost possible. These rankings accurately show the most affordable online bachelor’s in secondary education so that you can find the ideal program. Everything above the dividing line is a “Best Buy”; all of these cost less than the national average.
11 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $24,680.00 | All Students |
2 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $29,948.00 | All Students |
3 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $31,400.00 | All Students |
4 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $31,830.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $33,600.00 $25,980.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $34,875.00 | All Students |
7 | SUNY College at Brockport | (NY) | $35,600.00 $42,560.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Dickinson State University | (ND) | $36,473.00 $44,873.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $41,024.00 | All Students |
10 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $41,887.00 $75,035.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Valley City State University | (ND) | $42,156.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mayville State University | (ND) | $44,723.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $48,892.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Wilmington University | (DE) | $49,018.00 $30,840.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $53,041.00 $32,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $54,615.00 | All Students | |
Arizona Christian University | (AZ) | $56,050.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $57,105.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $67,673.00 | All Students | |
Chaminade University of Honolulu | (HI) | $74,135.00 $33,935.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online bachelor’s degree in secondary education must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. The school profile for an online bachelor’s degree in secondary education in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online bachelor’s degree in secondary education including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Cheapest Online Teaching Degrees: Pros & Cons
There are numerous reasons to consider these degrees, as well as the subsequent career of a high school teacher. From job stability to a working in a rewarding profession, here are some of the top reasons people choose an affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education:
- Stable career: The career is expected to see 5% growth. By 2031 there should be over 1.1 million high school teaching positions. These professionals are needed in every corner of the country, so graduates can work in any community.
- Respected profession: High school teachers have some of the most challenging jobs, but they can also become highly respected and well-known throughout the community.
- A concentration for you: Bachelor’s degrees in secondary education can focus on your skills and interests. You can study to become a high school math, science, history, or business teacher, just to name a few.
What’s the Cost for an Online Degree in Secondary Education?
Every program comes with a different price, so students need to research the total costs to find a degree that fits their budget. Programs in this database range between roughly $25,000 to over $74,000, so you can’t simply jump into the first program that accepts your application.
The average price for an online bachelor’s in secondary education found in our database is $44,700. This translates to roughly $11,200 a year, assuming a four-year plan.
There are, of course, plenty of options priced far below the average. There are 14 programs priced below $35,000, so students should be able to find a degree that fits their budget while providing the specific education they need.
As you may expect, there are plenty of high-priced options as well. The most expensive is the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu, a private school in Hawaii. This degree costs $74,135, making it roughly $29,000 more than the average.
Let’s learn a little more about the top three most affordable bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs:
#1. University of the Cumberlands – Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education
At less than $25,000, the University of the Cumberlands offers the most affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education. In addition to a low cost for all students (tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students), a CAEP-accredited curriculum ensures a quality education valued in the education community.
This program specifically focuses on the middle school years, from fifth through ninth grade. Coursework covers a vast range of subjects, from classroom technology to educational psychology. Keeping in mind the vital role that teachers play during this transitional time in students’ lives, classes address the social and emotional needs of students in addition to educational needs.
Concentrations are available in the following areas to suit your personal and career interests:
- Mathematics Studies
- Science
- English/Communications
- Social Studies
- Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disabilities
#2. Fort Hays State University – Bachelor of Science in Business Education / Business Teacher Licensure (6-12)
The second cheapest program on our list specializes in preparing future business educators for their roles. As with the #1 program in this category, Fort Hays also offers the same tuition rate to all students regardless of residency. The four-year program can be completed for a total of just under $30,000.
This is actually a dual degree program, with graduates earning a BS in Business Education as well as a BS in Secondary Education. Coursework focuses on licensure for middle and high school business teachers. After completing this degree, some of the roles that graduates can qualify for include marketing teacher, curriculum developer, computer teacher, BPA advisor, and more.
Major coursework covers topics such as:
- Spreadsheet applications
- Business law
- Web development
- Organization and administration of career and technical education
- Instructional technology
- Teaching accounting and information systems
#3. Western Governors University – Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education & Bachelor of Science in Science Education (Various Concentrations)
Western Governors University, a 100% online institution, offers bachelor’s programs in multiple specialties for aspiring math and science teachers. These programs come at a cost of $31,400 to students in all states, making these the third lowest-priced degrees on our list. On top of that, all the programs are accredited by both the CAEP and AAQEP.
WGU uses a unique structure that allows students to progress through courses at their own pace, potentially saving time and money as tuition is calculated per semester rather than per credit. New sessions begin each month. The university focuses on providing timely, relevant, and practical coursework that prepares students for teaching licensure.
Students can choose from the following options:
- BS in Science Education
- BS in Mathematics Education
Secondary Education: What to Expect from These Programs
Whether you study online or take in-person classes, you should expect roughly four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. They usually require about 120 credit hours. Through eight semesters (the traditional track for a bachelor’s), this means about 15 credit hours per semester. Most students will have between three and five classes each semester.
The best online bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs come in many forms and have a variety of concentrations. They come as bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of education degrees.
The differences are sometimes hard to see, but in general a bachelor of arts will focus more on the theoretical and philosophical approaches to teaching. Meanwhile a bachelor of science will concentrate on data, scientific research, and provable claims about the teaching profession.
A bachelor’s of education, on the other hand, will concentrate more on the structure of teaching institutions. People who want to enter leadership roles, such as school principals or administrators, often prefer these degrees.
These degrees come in various concentrations as well, usually so graduates can teach a specific subject. For example, you can find online teaching degrees that train students in business, math, or science. Once complete, graduates can then move on to become high school business, math, or science teachers, depending on their courses.
Courses in a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education
To help you understand the various courses found in an online bachelor’s degree in secondary education, let’s take a closer look at a small sample of programs:
Western New Mexico University – Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
This is a broad, all-encompassing degree that teaches students how to plan and execute classroom instruction. It focuses on practical skills, preparing students for careers as high school teachers.
The secondary education component of this four-year degree includes a variety of classes that are specific to high school teachers. Courses include multicultural education, technology in the classroom, classroom management, and student assessment. Students can also complete an endorsement, which basically functions as a concentration. These include art, bilingual education, mathematics, reading, social studies, and more.
Liberty University – Bachelor of Education in Mathematics Education (6-12)
While the previous program focused on teaching business, this one is for aspiring math teachers. The degree combines courses found in traditional math degrees along with education classes, helping graduates effectively teach this important subject.
Courses include “Content Instructional Design,” a teaching course that discusses learning objectives, systems of evaluation, and course development. There are also math-specific classes, including “Calculus and Analytic Geometry,” and “Linear Algebra.”
Accreditation for Bachelor’s Degrees in Secondary Education
Aspiring students looking for a high-quality degree should start by looking at accredited schools. Accreditation, which is a form of quality control for academia, is completed by independent organizations that review and approve various schools. When an entire school receives accreditation, it’s known as institutional accreditation. All of the programs in our database, from the most expensive to the most affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education, have institutional accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation is another important form. Specialized groups that focus on a specific subject conduct this type of accreditation. For example, a degree in health informatics may have accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Secondary education degrees are often accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which accredits a variety of education degrees.
Degrees in this database accredited by the CAEP include:
- Western New Mexico University – Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
- Valley City State University – Bachelor of Science in Education / History Education
- Liberty University – Bachelor of Education in Middle Education / Science
- Wilmington University – Bachelor of Science in Education Studies / Middle Level Education
- Chaminade University of Honolulu – Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education
There is another accrediting group operating in the education space. The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is a newer organization that accredits all types of educator-preparation programs.
Degrees accredited by the AAQEP include:
- Western Governors University – Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education
Not all programs hold programmatic accreditation. That’s okay; as long as the degree comes from an accredited school, it will deliver a high-quality, reliable education respected by the professional community.
Typical Admission Requirements for Bachelor Programs
To enroll in a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to submit a variety of documents, and you’ll need to meet a specific set of academic requirements. Most bachelor’s degrees, including the top online programs, have reasonable standards. With so many options, most people can find a program that will accept their application.
The most basic requirement is a high school diploma or GED. If you have not completed a diploma, you’ll need to work on this step first. Fortunately, many online GED programs are available.
Once you have a high school diploma, you can apply to the best online bachelor’s degree in secondary education for your needs. Most programs will require an official transcript from your high school and other colleges you may have attended. Some may need SAT or ACT scores, and some schools also require an interview.
A bachelor’s program may require a certain GPA from your high school studies, although many do not. For example, SUNY Brockport, which offers the Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences Adolescence Education, requires a GPA equal to a B or higher. However, you can bypass this requirement if you meet other academic standards, such as a high school rank in the top 30% or an SAT score of 1140 or better.
Other programs do not have such high requirements. Most students with a quality academic background will find a program that accepts their application.
Licensing and Certification Requirements for High School Teachers
All teachers at public schools, including high school teachers, need a license. While the specific licensing requirements vary by state, the structure is usually similar.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in secondary teaching from an accredited school, you will be eligible for state testing. This usually includes a basic skills test which may cover reading, writing, and math. There will also be a subject-specific portion. For example, if you want to be a math teacher you will need to demonstrate your knowledge in algebra, calculus, and other math subjects.
Some states also require a teaching portfolio, which could include videos of yourself teaching students, as well as lesson plans that you have created.
After you have completed testing and other requirements, you can apply for a certificate through the state board. This application will likely include a background check. Once the application is approved, you can apply for jobs and start working as a high school teacher.
Salary and Career Outlook for High School Teachers
Teaching at any level is a calling. It’s something people do because they are inspired to educate children of all ages. They don’t enter this challenging career for the high salaries. But high school teachers can still earn a strong income.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for high school teachers is $61,820, while the top 10% earned over $100,000. Roughly 81% of high school teachers work at public schools; they have a median income of $62,410. The median for teachers at private schools is somewhat lower at $56,510.
While you must consider the cost of living, certain states have higher salaries for high school teachers. The top-paying states for teachers are:
- California: $92,960
- New York: $91,290
- Washington: $88,530
- Massachusetts: $82,960
- Connecticut: $80,230
This career is also considered fairly stable, with a large pool of jobs found in every corner of the nation. While other industries have concentrations in certain areas, high school teachers can work in major metropolitan areas, suburbs, small towns, and rural communities. No matter where you want to live, there is a high school needing top-notch teachers.
Overall, the career is expected to grow by 5%, which is in line with the national growth for all occupations. More noteworthy is the total job pool; by 2031 the BLS predicts that there will be over 1.1 million high school teachers.
You’ll need to be motivated by more than money, but teachers can expect healthy salaries and a large, reliable job market.
Continuing Education for High School Teachers
In many professions, especially careers that require licensing (like teaching), there will be some form of continuing education, often referred to as “CE”. This requirement helps you maintain a high level of excellence in your profession.
Most states have a formal requirement for continuing education. Many will require a minimum amount of CE hours by teachers every five years. This may include development courses, workshops, graduate credits, and other forms of education.
Each state is different, but let’s look at one example to understand the typical requirements. Texas, which holds more high school teachers than any other state, requires classroom teachers to complete 150 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours during a five-year period to maintain a teaching license.
You may decide to continue your formal education after completing an online bachelor’s degree in secondary education. In this case, the next step is a master’s degree. These programs, which often require about two years of teaching experience, build your expertise in curriculum, education research, and technology. Employers typically require a master’s degree if you want to become a school principal or work in professional development.
Start Your Journey with an Affordable Online Teaching Degree
Working as a high school teacher can be a challenge, but it’s one of the most rewarding and stable professions you can find. If you have what it takes, start your journey with an affordable online bachelor’s degree in secondary education.
GetEducated can help you find more information and resources on the best online bachelor’s degree in secondary education programs from accredited institutions. Let us help you find the perfect program today.