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 |
Salary Comparison
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 | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2,917 | N/A | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
1,398 |
SAT: 1058-1175 ACT: 19-24 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
657 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| University of the Cumberlands |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
408 | N/A | Williamsburg, Kentucky | Private | ucumberlands.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
349 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
343 | N/A | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
320 |
SAT: 1010-1230 ACT: 22-27 |
Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
315 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of West Alabama (UWA) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
301 |
SAT: 820-978 ACT: 17-22 |
Livingston, Alabama | Public | uwa.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
297 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
293 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| Niagara University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
275 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 23-27 |
Niagara University, New York | Private | niagara.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
265 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 18-24 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
262 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 20-27 |
Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
255 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-23 |
Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
255 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| University of West Georgia (UWG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
250 |
SAT: 930-1130 ACT: 17-23 |
Carrollton, Georgia | Public | westga.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
227 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
222 |
SAT: 970-1250 ACT: 18-26 |
Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
209 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
202 | SAT: 995-1185 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Walden University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
200 | N/A | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | waldenu.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
200 |
SAT: 1080-1250 ACT: 25-30 |
Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
196 | SAT: 1100-1320 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| Alder Graduate School of Education |
Master's
|
194 | N/A | Redwood City, California | Private | aldergse.edu |
| University of Central Missouri (UCM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
188 | ACT: 18-24 | Warrensburg, Missouri | Public | ucmo.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
187 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 21-27 |
Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Bachelor's
|
180 |
SAT: 1090-1250 ACT: 23-28 |
Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
175 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
174 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
|
172 | ACT: 19-27 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Mercer University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
171 |
SAT: 1180-1350 ACT: 25-31 |
Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
168 | N/A | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Bachelor's
|
163 |
SAT: 1170-1320 ACT: 25-29 |
Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
162 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
161 | ACT: 18-26 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
161 | N/A | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
159 |
SAT: 1060-1300 ACT: 20-28 |
Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| William Carey University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
158 |
SAT: 880-1200 ACT: 20-27 |
Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Private | wmcarey.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
157 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
157 |
SAT: 970-1150 ACT: 18-25 |
Kearney, Nebraska | Public | unk.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Bachelor's
|
155 |
SAT: 920-1130 ACT: 16-20 |
Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
151 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
149 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
146 | N/A | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Fort Hays State University (FHSU) |
Bachelor's
|
145 |
SAT: 970-1200 ACT: 19-25 |
Hays, Kansas | Public | fhsu.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
145 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
143 | SAT: 1140-1420 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
142 |
SAT: 1200-1360 ACT: 27-31 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
142 |
SAT: 820-1010 ACT: 16-20 |
Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
142 | N/A | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| SUNY College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
136 | N/A | Potsdam, New York | Public | potsdam.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
134 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
134 |
SAT: 1170-1340 ACT: 24-29 |
New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
|
133 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Pittsburg State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
133 | ACT: 18-24 | Pittsburg, Kansas | Public | pittstate.edu |
| Jacksonville State University (JSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
132 |
SAT: 970-1260 ACT: 17-24 |
Jacksonville, Alabama | Public | jsu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
132 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-28 |
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Bachelor's
|
132 |
SAT: 1020-1215 ACT: 19-25 |
Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
130 | ACT: 18-24 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
129 | N/A | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWL) |
Bachelor's
|
129 | ACT: 21-27 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | uwlax.edu |
| University of North Alabama (UNA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
125 | N/A | Florence, Alabama | Public | una.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
125 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
123 |
SAT: 900-1130 ACT: 16-21 |
Americus, Georgia | Public | gsw.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
123 |
SAT: 1110-1290 ACT: 22-27 |
Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
123 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
122 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Harding University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
122 |
SAT: 1050-1280 ACT: 21-28 |
Searcy, Arkansas | Private | harding.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
120 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Northern Kentucky University (NKU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
118 |
SAT: 916-1133 ACT: 19-25 |
Highland Heights, Kentucky | Public | nku.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
117 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Kean University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
116 | SAT: 1020-1198 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
116 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 21-27 |
Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Winona State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
115 |
SAT: 980-1250 ACT: 19-25 |
Winona, Minnesota | Public | winona.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
114 |
SAT: 1300-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| Athens State University |
Bachelor's
|
113 | N/A | Athens, Alabama | Public | athens.edu |
| Troy University (TROY) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
110 |
SAT: 950-1160 ACT: 18-25 |
Troy, Alabama | Public | troy.edu |
| Piedmont University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
108 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Demorest, Georgia | Private | piedmont.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Bachelor's
|
106 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
106 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
105 | SAT: 960-1190 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
104 | N/A | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
104 |
SAT: 1030-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| Rowan University |
Bachelor's
|
104 |
SAT: 1100-1310 ACT: 26-30 |
Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
104 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Bachelor's
|
104 | ACT: 18-24 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Bachelor's
|
103 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
103 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
102 | SAT: 1210-1470 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
101 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 17-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
101 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-31 |
Ewing, New Jersey | Public | tcnj.edu |
| Tennessee Technological University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
|
101 |
SAT: 1020-1250 ACT: 20-27 |
Cookeville, Tennessee | Public | tntech.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | ACT: 20-25 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
101 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) |
Master's
|
101 | N/A | Irvine, California | Public | umassglobal.edu |
| Brenau University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (O)
|
100 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 17-23 |
Gainesville, Georgia | Private | brenau.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
100 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
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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