Elementary Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Elementary Education programs equip future educators with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to inspire and support young learners in grades K–8. This comprehensive training emphasizes pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and subject mastery to foster academic growth and social development in diverse classroom settings.
- Foundations of Teaching and Learning: Explores developmental theories, learning styles, and instructional models tailored to children in the elementary years.
- Curriculum Design and Instructional Methods: Focuses on creating engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans across core academic areas.
- Reading and Language Arts Development: Covers literacy acquisition, phonics, comprehension strategies, and writing instruction for emergent and proficient readers.
- Mathematics Education: Builds proficiency in teaching foundational math concepts, problem-solving techniques, and numeracy development.
- Science and Social Studies Instruction: Prepares educators to deliver inquiry-based science lessons and introduce historical, cultural, and civic concepts age-appropriately.
- Classroom Management and Behavior Strategies: Addresses techniques for fostering positive learning environments, managing diverse student needs, and promoting emotional well-being.
- Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction: Teaches the use of formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress and inform teaching practices.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education: Emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, accessibility, and strategies to support all learners, including those with special needs.
Elementary Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Elementary Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Elementary Education degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,452,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2021 | $62,340 | $46,440 - $102,010 | 1,393,310 | N/A |
Elementary Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,795 in Mississippi to $91,875 in California—a 68% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,452,400 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Elementary Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Elementary Education programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Elementary Education is found at Western Governors University (WGU) (2,917 graduates), Grand Canyon University (GCU) (1,398 graduates), Liberty University (657 graduates), University of the Cumberlands (408 graduates), and Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (349 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 20,747 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2,917 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,398 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
657 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| University of the Cumberlands |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
408 | Williamsburg, Kentucky | Private | ucumberlands.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
349 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
343 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
320 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
315 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of West Alabama (UWA) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
301 | Livingston, Alabama | Public | uwa.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
297 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
293 | Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Niagara University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
275 | Niagara University, New York | Private | niagara.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
265 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
262 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
255 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
255 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| University of West Georgia (UWG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
250 | Carrollton, Georgia | Public | westga.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
227 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
222 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
209 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
202 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Walden University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
200 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
200 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
196 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| Alder Graduate School of Education |
Master's
|
194 | Redwood City, California | Private | aldergse.edu |
| University of Central Missouri (UCM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
188 | Warrensburg, Missouri | Public | ucmo.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
187 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Bachelor's
|
180 | Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
175 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
174 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
|
172 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Mercer University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
171 | Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
168 | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Bachelor's
|
163 | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
162 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
161 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
161 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
159 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| William Carey University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
158 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Private | wmcarey.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
157 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
157 | Kearney, Nebraska | Public | unk.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Bachelor's
|
155 | Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
151 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
149 | University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
146 | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Fort Hays State University (FHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
145 | Hays, Kansas | Public | fhsu.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
145 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
143 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
142 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
142 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
142 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| SUNY College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
136 | Potsdam, New York | Public | potsdam.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
134 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
134 | New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
|
133 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Pittsburg State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
133 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| Jacksonville State University (JSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
132 | Jacksonville, Alabama | Public | jsu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
132 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Bachelor's
|
132 | Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
130 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
129 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWL) |
Bachelor's
|
129 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | uwlax.edu |
| University of North Alabama (UNA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
125 | Florence, Alabama | Public | una.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
125 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
123 | Americus, Georgia | Public | gsw.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
123 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
123 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
122 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Harding University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
122 | Searcy, Arkansas | Private | harding.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
120 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
118 | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
117 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Kean University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
116 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
116 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Winona State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
115 | Winona, Minnesota | Public | winona.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
114 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| Athens State University |
Bachelor's
|
113 | Athens, Alabama | Public | athens.edu |
| Troy University (TROY) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
110 | Troy, Alabama | Public | troy.edu |
| Piedmont University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
108 | Demorest, Georgia | Private | piedmont.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Bachelor's
|
106 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
106 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
105 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
104 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
104 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| Rowan University |
Bachelor's
|
104 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
104 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Bachelor's
|
104 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
|
103 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
103 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
102 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
101 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
101 | Ewing, New Jersey | Public | tcnj.edu |
| Tennessee Technological University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | Cookeville, Tennessee | Public | tntech.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) |
Master's
|
101 | Irvine, California | Public | umassglobal.edu |
| Brenau University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
100 | Gainesville, Georgia | Private | brenau.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
100 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Elementary Education programs
How much can I earn with a Elementary Education degree?
Salaries for Elementary Education graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earn around $62,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $91,875 compared to $54,795 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,452,400 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Elementary Education programs?
Currently 1,109 accredited institutions offer Elementary Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Governors University (WGU) (2,917 graduates), Grand Canyon University (GCU) (1,398 graduates), and Liberty University (657 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Elementary Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 64,334 in 2010 to 42,205 in 2023-24. This represents a 34% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Elementary Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,452,400 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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