Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs in Alabama
All 22 Elementary Education bachelor's-level programs in Alabama, ranked overall on graduation rate, affordability, and more, from the IPEDS database.
A bachelor's in elementary education is the standard credential behind an Alabama teaching license, and Alabama has 22 accredited elementary education bachelor's programs to compare. This ranking scores every one on the outcomes that actually affect your return: graduation rate, in-state affordability, and selectivity, all pulled from the public federal IPEDS database. Auburn University ranks first with a score of 88, on a 82 percent graduation rate.
Elementary school teachers in Alabama earn a median of $61,380 a year according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, against a national median of $63,970. Each section below covers a specific decision point, cost and real ROI, Alabama licensure, accreditation, online and accelerated formats, and career outlook, so you can compare elementary education programs in Alabama on the factors that change your outcome rather than on marketing.
- 1
Auburn University
88score- 82%Grad rate
- $11,016/yrIn-state tuition
- $33,048/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 46%Admit rate
- 27,907Undergrads
- 72Grads/yr
- 1325SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programAuburn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education through its College of Education in Auburn, AL. The on campus program prepares students for Alabama teacher certification in grades K-6 and includes clinical field experiences that give candidates hands on classroom practice before graduation. Auburn's educator preparation programs hold CAEP accreditation, reflecting a curriculum reviewed against national standards for teacher licensure. Graduates leave ready to pursue elementary teaching positions with a state approved credential. Among Alabama's 22 ranked bachelor's-level programs, this one posts the highest graduation rate at 82%. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. Its strongest card is completion: a 82% graduation rate lands it in the top 1% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 46% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Alabama programs at $11,016 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.
- 2
University of Alabama in Huntsville
70score- 64%Grad rate
- $10,374/yrIn-state tuition
- $24,650/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 69%Admit rate
- 6,800Undergrads
- 18Grads/yr
- 1310SAT mid
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (K-6)
- CAEP-accredited
About the programThe University of Alabama in Huntsville offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (K-6) through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, leading to Alabama teacher certification for grades K-6. Students may add a collaborative special education (K-6) endorsement with additional coursework and an internship. General education requirements make up roughly one third of the degree. All teacher certification programs at UAH are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. Start with the outcome that matters most, 64% of students graduate, top 20% among Alabama programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. A 69% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Alabama programs at $10,374 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.
- 3
The University of Alabama
66score- 73%Grad rate
- $11,380/yrIn-state tuition
- $33,372/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 77%Admit rate
- 34,389Undergrads
- 87Grads/yr
- 1285SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Elementary Education
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education built for candidates who want to cover the youngest grades as well as the elementary years. Delivered on campus through the CAEP-accredited College of Education, the 120-hour degree leads to Alabama Class B certification spanning both Elementary, grades K-6, and Early Childhood, grades P-3. The program is organized around four professional semesters, each pairing coursework with practicum placements so learning theory and classroom practice advance together. Everything builds toward a full internship and accompanying seminar in the final term, when candidates step into sustained, day-to-day teaching. By the time they pursue Alabama licensure, elementary education majors have logged extensive time in real schools rather than only in lecture halls. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Alabama's elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 73% graduation rate lands it in the top 10% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 77% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $11,380 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 4
Tuskegee University
63score- 55%Grad rate
- $21,064/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 49%Admit rate
- 2,659Undergrads
- 2Grads/yr
- 22ACT mid
- Elementary Education, B.A.
- On-campus
About the programTuskegee University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education through its School of Education, preparing candidates for K-6 licensure. Taught on campus in Tuskegee, Alabama, the program builds toward a capstone teaching internship in the spring of the senior year. The School of Education received continuing accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation in October 2024. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. Start with the outcome that matters most, 55% of students graduate, top 40% among Alabama programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. A 49% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $21,064 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 5
University of Alabama at Birmingham
60score- 64%Grad rate
- $9,048/yrIn-state tuition
- $22,512/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 88%Admit rate
- 11,959Undergrads
- 35Grads/yr
- 1330SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Alabama at Birmingham prepares its Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education candidates to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, blending broad foundations with subject preparation. Coursework reaches across humanistic and behavioral studies, child development, and developmental reading, and its numerical reasoning work is aligned with the Alabama Numeracy Act, tying instruction to state priorities. What makes the program hands-on is the arc of classroom time: students complete field experiences both before and after admission to the Teacher Education Program, then take on a nine-hour capstone internship with supervised teaching and a gradual handover of full classroom responsibility, supported by an internship seminar. Most of the learning happens through on-campus, in-person meetings. Graduates finish eligible to apply for the Alabama Class B professional educator certificate in elementary education, grades K-6. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. Its strongest card is completion: a 64% graduation rate lands it in the top 20% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 88%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $9,048 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. Together, that is one of the strongest profiles on the page.
- 6
Athens State University
60score- $7,680/yrIn-state tuition
- $15,360/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 2,535Undergrads
- 113Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education Major (K-6)
- CAEP-accredited
About the programAthens State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education with an Elementary Education major for kindergarten through grade six. As an upper-division institution, it builds on transfer coursework to prepare candidates for Alabama Class B certification. Students complete a supervised internship in an elementary or collaborative K-6 classroom, and the College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. It carries the lowest in-state tuition among Alabama's 22 ranked bachelor's-level programs, at $7,680. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. Cost only helps its case: at $7,680 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 7
University of Montevallo
59score- 54%Grad rate
- $12,090/yrIn-state tuition
- $25,110/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 54%Admit rate
- 2,642Undergrads
- 45Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Montevallo's College of Education and Human Development offers a bachelor's in Elementary Education preparing candidates to teach grades K-6. After completing 60 hours of college credit (48 with General Studies), students apply to the Teacher Education Program. Completion leads to Alabama Class B certification, required for public school teaching, and the degree. Teacher candidates complete a full-time 16-week internship in a public school during their senior year. The College states it holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for its teacher certification programs, including initial preparation. Delivered on campus. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. Its strongest card is completion: a 54% graduation rate lands it in the top 45% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 54% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $12,090 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 8
University of South Alabama
59score- 53%Grad rate
- $8,976/yrIn-state tuition
- $17,952/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 71%Admit rate
- 9,241Undergrads
- 55Grads/yr
- 1080SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programThe University of South Alabama's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is offered on campus through the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education, which is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The degree leads to dual Class B certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Collaborative Special Education (K-6). During the final three semesters, candidates complete intensive field experiences in assigned elementary classrooms. Students may add Early Childhood certification through additional coursework. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Alabama programs at 53%, solid without being a standout. A 71% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $8,976 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 9
Samford University
55score- 77%Grad rate
- $39,000/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 82%Admit rate
- 4,210Undergrads
- 4Grads/yr
- 1160SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Early Childhood/Special Education/Elementary/Collaborative (ESEC)
- On-campus
About the programSamford University in Birmingham, AL offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood/Special Education/Elementary/Collaborative (ESEC), a program built around elementary education teacher certification for grades K-6. Students complete early and ongoing classroom placements in partner schools, plan lessons alongside experienced teachers, and finish with a required student teaching internship. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and prepares graduates for Alabama teacher licensure across four certificate areas, including elementary and early childhood education. Samford's School of Education has also received national recognition for its teacher preparation model. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. Its strongest card is completion: a 77% graduation rate lands it in the top 5% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 82% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $39,000 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 10
Jacksonville State University
50score- 55%Grad rate
- $10,440/yrIn-state tuition
- $20,880/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 78%Admit rate
- 8,663Undergrads
- 96Grads/yr
- 1145SAT mid
- B.S.E. - Elementary/Early Childhood Education
- On-campus
About the programJacksonville State University's Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary/Early Childhood Education moves students through the program together as a cohort, an on-campus structure that builds a steady community as candidates prepare to teach young children. Housed in the Department of Teacher Education, it leads to the Alabama Class B Professional Teaching Certificate spanning both Early Childhood Education for PK-3 and Elementary Education for K-6, a broad license covering the earliest school years. Classroom training is layered in through early childhood and content-area practica and closes with a capstone internship. What sets the coursework apart is its grounding in statewide initiatives, including the Alabama Reading Initiative, the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative, and Science of Reading training, so graduates enter classrooms fluent in the methods Alabama schools use. The program holds CAEP accreditation. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. Its strongest card is completion: a 55% graduation rate lands it in the top 40% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 78% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Tuition is middle of the road for Alabama programs at $10,440 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 11
Oakwood University
50score- 45%Grad rate
- $21,344/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 45%Admit rate
- 1,177Undergrads
- 3Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programAt Oakwood University in Huntsville, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education move steadily from classroom theory toward real teaching, capped by a supervised internship in local elementary schools that puts them in front of young learners before they graduate. The 143 credit curriculum is deliberately practice oriented, weaving coursework together with hands on field experience so that methods learned in lectures are tested where they matter. Housed in the School of Education and Social Sciences, the program is accredited by CAEP and approved by the Alabama State Department of Education, signals of a preparation that meets rigorous state and national standards. Graduates finish ready to apply for Alabama Class B teacher certification covering kindergarten through grade 6. For anyone drawn to the elementary classroom, it offers a clear and well supported route into the profession. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 45% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. A 45% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $21,344 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 12
University of Mobile
49score- 57%Grad rate
- $25,320/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 78%Admit rate
- 1,308Undergrads
- 4Grads/yr
- 25ACT mid
- Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Mobile offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education through its School of Education, preparing candidates to teach kindergarten through sixth grade and leading to Alabama teacher certification. Students enter classroom field experiences early in the program and complete a full student teaching placement before graduating. The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. Its strongest card is completion: a 57% graduation rate lands it in the top 25% of Alabama programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. A 78% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $25,320 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 13
University of North Alabama
49score- 55%Grad rate
- $10,200/yrIn-state tuition
- $20,400/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 87%Admit rate
- 7,662Undergrads
- 52Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programThe University of North Alabama's Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education, housed in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, prepares candidates for Class B K-6 certification approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. Spanning 121 hours, the program balances a broad foundation with focused teacher training, moving from 45 hours of general education into professional studies that require formal admission to the Teacher Education Program, then into 39 hours of teaching field courses and a 12-hour elementary internship. That structure keeps content learning and classroom practice in step. Candidates who want to reach a wider range of learners can add a concentration in Collaborative Special Education for K-6. The university's certification programs hold CAEP accreditation through Spring 2028. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. Start with the outcome that matters most, 55% of students graduate, top 40% among Alabama programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 87%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Tuition is middle of the road for Alabama programs at $10,200 in state, so cost neither helps nor hurts its standing. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 14
Alabama A & M University
44score- 24%Grad rate
- $8,610/yrIn-state tuition
- $17,220/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 58%Admit rate
- 6,370Undergrads
- 6Grads/yr
- 925SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
About the programBuilt for future K-6 teachers, Alabama A&M University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education carries candidates from foundational theory to a Class B teaching certificate. The Teacher Education and Leadership Department frames the degree around teaching a diverse student body, and coursework consistently threads technology through the core elementary subjects, from reading and language arts to mathematics, science, and the arts. That emphasis gives graduates a practical, integrated sense of how a modern elementary classroom actually runs. The program holds CAEP accreditation through May 31, 2031, a signal of external review that matters to prospective candidates. Before graduating, every education candidate completes the edTPA, a performance assessment that asks them to demonstrate their teaching rather than simply describe it. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts rank is built from three numbers: graduation rate, admission rate, and in-state tuition, in that order of weight. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 24% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. A 58% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $8,610 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. On balance it is a well-rounded pick, which is what earns it a spot this high.
- 15
Stillman College
41score- 25%Grad rate
- $10,026/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 62%Admit rate
- 731Undergrads
- 8Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6
- On-campus
About the programStillman College's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education prepares K-6 teachers through the School of Education's teacher education program, known as STEP, across a 120-credit course of study rooted in the liberal arts. Field experiences are threaded throughout rather than saved for the end, then culminate in a full-semester internship worth 12 credit hours during which candidates take no other coursework and must pass the edTPA to graduate and earn certification. Each program area is reviewed and approved by the Alabama State Department of Education, keeping the curriculum aligned to state expectations. Most coursework happens on campus, with hybrid delivery for some courses. STEP is accredited by NCATE and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the School of Education has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThree things decide where a program lands on this list: how many students finish, how selective it is, and what it costs. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 25% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. A 62% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. Cost only helps its case: at $10,026 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. No single weakness drags it down, and that consistency lands it in the upper tier.
- 16
Spring Hill College
38score- 52%Grad rate
- $23,504/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 77%Admit rate
- 782Undergrads
- 10Grads/yr
- 23ACT mid
- B.S. in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programSpring Hill College offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education through its Division of Education, delivered on campus and leading to teacher licensure. Majors begin working in classrooms early in their studies, completing field experiences in private, parochial, and public schools. The Division of Education holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for its educator preparation program. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Alabama programs at 52%, solid without being a standout. A 77% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $23,504 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 17
Huntingdon College
37score- 48%Grad rate
- $27,570/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 69%Admit rate
- 880Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- 1114SAT mid
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Collaborative Special Education
- On-campus
About the programHuntingdon College's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Collaborative Special Education is designed for students who want to reach a wide range of learners, carrying dual Alabama certification in both areas. Offered through the Department of Teacher Education, the program is unusually field-intensive, asking students to complete more than 700 hours in field and clinical settings during their junior and senior years, with placements spread across three counties. That immersion means candidates spend serious time in real classrooms before they graduate. The degree is based in the Dr. Laurie Jean Weil Center for Teacher Education and Human Performance on the Cloverdale campus and holds CAEP accreditation. Its grade-band listings vary between K-5 and K-6 across the college's own official sources. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Alabama programs at 48%, solid without being a standout. A 69% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $27,570 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 18
Troy University
35score- 50%Grad rate
- $10,176/yrIn-state tuition
- $20,352/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 96%Admit rate
- 10,222Undergrads
- 76Grads/yr
- 1075SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Online
About the programTroy University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education prepares candidates for K-6 licensure through the Department of Teacher Education, and it leans hard into classroom time. Before their formal internship, students spend two full semesters in elementary classrooms working alongside mentor teachers, including a dedicated literacy practicum and a separate math, science, and STEM practicum. That structure lets candidates build reading and math instruction skills in real settings rather than only in lecture. Troy reports that it is the only four-year university in Alabama to embed professional certifications such as AMSTI, the Alabama Reading Initiative, dyslexia simulation training, MTSS, and co-teaching directly into the degree. Students can pursue the program at the Troy and Dothan campuses or fully online. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWe rank on the things that actually shape a teaching degree: whether students finish, how hard it is to get in, and the price of admission. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Alabama programs at 50%, solid without being a standout. Admission is close to open access at 96%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $10,176 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results.
- 19
Faulkner University
32score- 37%Grad rate
- $21,930/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 73%Admit rate
- 1,758Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- 20ACT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- CAEP-accredited
- On-campus
About the programFaulkner University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is a 127 credit-hour, on-campus program in the College of Education, which is CAEP accredited. Requiring 48 upper-level hours, the degree prepares candidates for Alabama K-6 certification and Highly Qualified Teaching status. Students complete a nine-hour K-6 internship. Set within a faith-based Christian university, the program also notes that candidates seeking comprehensive P-12 certification must additionally complete the B.S. in Physical Education. Instruction is delivered through traditional on-campus coursework. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Alabama's elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 37% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. A 73% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $21,930 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
- 20
Auburn University at Montgomery
30score- 33%Grad rate
- $8,832/yrIn-state tuition
- $19,800/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 92%Admit rate
- 3,325Undergrads
- 29Grads/yr
- 1120SAT mid
- Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programAuburn University at Montgomery's Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood and Elementary Education is an on-campus program in the College of Education that leads to K-6 licensure. It gives candidates room to shape their focus, letting them concentrate in early childhood for grades P-3, elementary for K-6, or both. What stands out is the sheer amount of classroom time built in, more than 300 hours of supervised field experience before the final internship, with practicum placements at the university's Early Learning Center or in nearby schools. The program closes with a culminating internship guided by a local expert teacher, so candidates step into student teaching already seasoned. It is approved by the Alabama Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and all of its education faculty hold P-6 teaching experience. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 33% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. Admission is close to open access at 92%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $8,832 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results.
- 21
Alabama State University
27score- 30%Grad rate
- $8,328/yrIn-state tuition
- $16,656/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 98%Admit rate
- 3,521Undergrads
- 9Grads/yr
- 858SAT mid
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programAlabama State University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education keeps future teachers close to real classrooms from the start, weaving field experiences throughout the coursework rather than saving them for the end. One notable resource is the on-campus Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center, a 15,000-square-foot facility with four classrooms where candidates observe and practice, supplemented by placements across Alabama school districts and a culminating internship. The degree, offered on campus through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, leads to K-6 teaching licensure. It carries accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), was earlier accredited by NCATE, and holds approval from the Alabama State Department of Education. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageThe ranking rewards programs that graduate their students, stay at least somewhat selective, and keep tuition reasonable, so here is how this one measures up. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 30% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. Admission is close to open access at 98%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $8,328 in state, tuition runs below the Alabama median, so students are not paying a premium for those results.
- 22
Miles College
23score- 16%Grad rate
- $11,764/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 1,180Undergrads
- 1Grads/yr
- Early Childhood Education (P-3rd Grade)
About the programMiles College offers an Early Childhood Education major covering preschool through third grade, leading to Alabama Class B Teacher Certification, the state's initial certification for beginning teachers. Students complete field observations each semester across three- to four-week periods in urban and suburban classrooms, culminating in a 16-week internship split into two eight-week school placements. Candidates may opt to join Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Alabama.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageWhere it lands is a story about completion first, then selectivity, then cost. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 16% the graduation rate trails the Alabama median, which caps how high it can climb. The one drag is price, $11,764 in state, above the Alabama median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability.
Key facts about a bachelor's in Elementary Education in Alabama
- Alabama has 22 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from federal IPEDS data.
- Auburn University ranks first among elementary education bachelor's programs in Alabama with a score of 88, on a 82 percent graduation rate.
- Athens State University is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama, at $7,680 a year in-state tuition.
- Elementary school teachers in Alabama earn a median of $61,380 a year (BLS), ranking Alabama 31 of 51 states and territories for the occupation.
- 8 of the bachelor's in elementary education programs in Alabama offer an online or hybrid option.
- Alabama requires the Praxis licensure exam, administered through Alabama State Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Leading, to earn a teaching license.
What a bachelor's in elementary education costs in Alabama (2026)
Published in-state tuition for a bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama runs from $7,680 to $39,000 a year across the 22 programs we rank, with a median of $10,440. The most affordable is Athens State University at $7,680 a year. These are published sticker rates from IPEDS; most future teachers bring the net figure down with the Pell Grant, the federal TEACH Grant, and state teacher-preparation aid, so weigh net price, not the sticker.
Cost only means something next to completion. The elementary education programs ranked here average a 50 percent graduation rate, and a lower-priced program where fewer students finish is not necessarily the cheaper path to a degree. Compare tuition and graduation rate together above.
Sources: IPEDS tuition data
What elementary school teachers earn in Alabama
Elementary school teachers in Alabama earn a median of $61,380 a year, per BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), compared with a national median of $63,970. That ranks Alabama 31 of 51 states and territories for elementary school teachers pay. Nationally, pay for this occupation spans roughly $47,960 at the 10th percentile to $104,340 at the 90th, with a master's degree, years in the classroom, and the local district salary schedule driving the climb.
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects 2 percent decline in elementary school teachers employment nationally from 2024 to 2034, with about 103,800 openings a year as teachers retire or change careers. A bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama is the entry point to that market, not the ceiling.
How to get an Alabama teaching license
To teach in Alabama you need a bachelor's in elementary education (or a bachelor's plus an approved preparation program), a supervised student-teaching placement, and an Alabama teaching license issued by Alabama State Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Leading. Alabama calls the initial credential the Professional Educator Certificate (Class B), and earning it means passing Praxis (The Praxis Series) plus a background check.
Alabama administers Praxis tests through its Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP). Confirm your program is currently state-approved before you enroll.
Sources: Alabama educator certification, Praxis exam
Choosing an accredited elementary education program in Alabama
Pick a bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama that is regionally accredited and whose educator-preparation program is approved by the Alabama Department of Education, ideally with CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. State approval is what lets the degree count toward an Alabama teaching license, and CAEP is the national standard for program quality, so confirm both before enrolling in any elementary education program in Alabama.
Sources: CAEP accreditation
Online and hybrid elementary education programs in Alabama
8 of the bachelor's in elementary education programs in Alabama offer an online or hybrid option. Online teacher-preparation still requires in-person student teaching, so these formats suit working adults and career changers who can complete supervised classroom hours locally while taking coursework online. An online bachelor's in elementary education from a state-approved, CAEP-accredited program leads to the same Alabama teaching license as an on-campus degree; the diploma does not distinguish the format.
Frequently asked questions about a bachelor's in Elementary Education in Alabama
How many bachelor's in elementary education programs are in Alabama?
There are 22 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in Alabama in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from the federal IPEDS database.
What is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama?
Athens State University is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama, at $7,680 a year in in-state tuition.
How much do elementary school teachers make in Alabama?
Elementary school teachers in Alabama earn a median of $61,380 a year, according to <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252021.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics</a>, versus $63,970 nationally.
What exam do you need to teach in Alabama?
Alabama requires the Praxis (The Praxis Series) licensure exam, administered for Alabama State Department of Education, Office of Teaching and Leading. See the <a href="https://praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/alabama-overview.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">official exam page</a> for current test requirements.
Is a bachelor's in elementary education worth it in Alabama?
For most future teachers, yes. A bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama is the standard credential for an Alabama teaching license, and it leads to a median elementary school teachers salary of $61,380 a year in Alabama. Compare graduation rate and net price above to find the best value in 2026.
These are the best bachelor's in elementary education programs in Alabama for 2026, ranked on the outcomes that matter. Compare all 22 bachelor's in elementary education in Alabama above by graduation rate, tuition, and selectivity, then open each program page to take the next step toward teaching in an elementary school classroom in Alabama.