Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs in Arizona
All 10 Elementary Education bachelor's-level programs in Arizona, ranked overall on graduation rate, affordability, and more, from the IPEDS database.
A bachelor's in elementary education is the standard credential behind an Arizona teaching license, and Arizona has 10 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. International Baptist College and Seminary ranks first with a score of 74, on a 88 percent graduation rate.
Elementary school teachers in Arizona earn a median of $56,590 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, Arizona licensure, accreditation, online and accelerated formats, and career outlook, so you can compare elementary education programs in Arizona on the factors that change your outcome rather than on marketing.
- 1
International Baptist College and Seminary
74score- 88%Grad rate
- $13,800/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 48Undergrads
- 1Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Teacher Education (Elementary Education emphasis)
- On-campus
About the programInternational Baptist College and Seminary offers a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Teacher Education with an Elementary Education emphasis for kindergarten through grade six, pairing Bible college coursework with classroom preparation. Students complete a student teaching capstone and build a teaching portfolio. The seminary also offers a Secondary Education emphasis for grades seven through twelve, with subject options in mathematics, music, history, science, and English. Classes are held on campus in Chandler, Arizona. Among Arizona's 10 ranked bachelor's-level programs, this one posts the highest graduation rate at 88%. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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 88% graduation rate lands it in the top 1% of Arizona programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. The one drag is price, $13,800 in state, above the Arizona median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.
- 2
University of Arizona
65score- 68%Grad rate
- $11,835/yrIn-state tuition
- $38,165/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 86%Admit rate
- 44,848Undergrads
- 120Grads/yr
- 1285SAT mid
- Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.) in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programThe University of Arizona connects theory to daily classroom practice in its Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education, which prepares students for an Arizona Elementary Teaching Certificate covering grades K-8. Offered through the College of Education, the program builds toward that credential through required practicum work and student teaching held at local school sites, so candidates test their methods with real learners as they study. What sets it apart is a set of pathways woven into the same major, including ESL, bilingual, and Indigenous Teacher Education, giving future teachers ways to prepare for Arizona's diverse classrooms. Coursework and fieldwork unfold on the Tucson campus and at partner schools across the state. The result is a certification route that pairs classroom experience with options for specialized preparation. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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, 68% of students graduate, top 22% among Arizona programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 86%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $11,835 in state, tuition runs below the Arizona median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 3
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
57score- 68%Grad rate
- $11,478/yrIn-state tuition
- $32,394/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 90%Admit rate
- 65,450Undergrads
- 313Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programArizona State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education through its Tempe campus, preparing graduates for K-8 teacher certification in Arizona. The elementary education program builds in clinically embedded coursework from the sophomore year onward, moving students through a series of internships with mentor teachers before a semester-long full-time student teaching experience. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and students work alongside faculty and peer cohorts to develop hands-on classroom practice ahead of licensure. The major is also available through ASU Online and other Arizona locations beyond the Tempe campus. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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 68% graduation rate lands it in the top 22% of Arizona programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 90%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $11,478 in state, tuition runs below the Arizona median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. That combination is what puts it in the top handful here.
- 4
Northern Arizona University
54score- 61%Grad rate
- $11,378/yrIn-state tuition
- $18,795/yrOut-of-state tuition
- 90%Admit rate
- 22,990Undergrads
- 241Grads/yr
- Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Education
- On-campus
About the programNorthern Arizona University's Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education lays a broad foundation for teaching K-8 learners, taught on campus in Flagstaff through the Department of Teaching and Learning. Its design brings together a common professional core, a subject concentration, and teacher preparation coursework, so candidates gain both range and a defined area of depth. That concentration can lean toward subjects such as history and social studies or math and science, and students may add an ESL and bilingual endorsement to widen where they can teach. Classroom practicum experiences build steadily toward a full semester of student teaching, and the CAEP-accredited program leads to Arizona K-8 teacher certification. Graduates of this elementary education program at the bachelor's level often go on to work as elementary school teachers.
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, 61% of students graduate, top 33% among Arizona programs, which is the biggest reason it sits where it does. Admission is close to open access at 90%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. Cost only helps its case: at $11,378 in state, tuition runs below the Arizona median, so students are not paying a premium for those results. Strong on the measures that matter most, it earns a place near the top.
- 5
Grand Canyon University
49score- 43%Grad rate
- $16,473/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 79%Admit rate
- 75,936Undergrads
- 821Grads/yr
- 1060SAT mid
- Elementary Education
- Hybrid
About the programGrand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is a 120-credit program leading to initial teacher licensure for grades K-8, offered through the College of Education. Candidates ease into the classroom through roughly 120 hours of observational and practice-based field experiences before a 15-week student teaching placement supported by a certified mentor teacher, a course instructor, and a faculty supervisor. One of its more appealing features is choice, with four emphasis options in Christian Education, ESL, STEM, and Teaching Reading that let students align the degree with their interests. Coursework is mapped to InTASC and ISTE standards, and the College of Education's programs are accredited by AAQEP. Whether on campus in 15-week terms or online in 7-week terms, the schedule bends to fit different students. It awards more bachelor's-level elementary education degrees than any of Arizona's 10 ranked bachelor's-level programs, 821 in the most recent year. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Arizona'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. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Arizona programs at 43%, solid without being a standout. A 79% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $16,473 in state, above the Arizona median, so it earns its rank on outcomes rather than affordability. Together, that is one of the strongest profiles on the page.
- 6
Arizona Christian University
49score- 40%Grad rate
- $32,898/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 71%Admit rate
- 1,381Undergrads
- 13Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programArizona Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is a 120-credit, four-year degree offered through the Shelly Roden School of Education and Professional Studies, and it culminates in a full semester of Directed Student Teaching in a mentored classroom. What sets the curriculum apart is its grounding in the Science of Reading, with sustained attention to phonics, comprehension, dyslexia, and reading interventions, giving future teachers a research-based foundation for early literacy. Candidates also learn Structured English Immersion methods required for Arizona classrooms, preparing them for the state's multilingual learners. Students can shape the degree with an Early Childhood concentration and choose either a Certified licensure track or a Non-Certification pathway. All instruction takes place on campus. This bachelor's-level elementary education program prepares graduates for work as elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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. On completion, the heaviest factor, it lands mid-pack among Arizona programs at 40%, solid without being a standout. A 71% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $32,898 in state, above the Arizona 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.
- 7
University of Phoenix-Arizona
44score- 21%Grad rate
- $9,552/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 89,828Undergrads
- 183Grads/yr
- Elementary Education
- Online
About the programThe University of Phoenix's online Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary Education is designed for working adults who want to earn K-8 licensure without stepping away from their lives. Its 120 credits combine 19 core courses, general education, and an elective with clinical practice, and field-based experience is embedded throughout at appropriate grade and content levels rather than left to the end. The program closes with a full-time, 12-week student teaching capstone alongside a cooperating teacher and a faculty advisor, and students can choose a local district for their clinical hours and placement. Structured English immersion methods are part of the preparation, reflecting the classrooms graduates are likely to enter. Approved by the Arizona Department of Education, it also offers Direct Apply and Reciprocity pathways for candidates seeking out-of-state certification. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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 21% the graduation rate trails the Arizona median, which caps how high it can climb. Cost only helps its case: at $9,552 in state, tuition runs below the Arizona 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.
- 8
Ottawa University-Surprise
35score- 18%Grad rate
- $32,380/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 78%Admit rate
- 837Undergrads
- 4Grads/yr
- 1000SAT mid
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programAt Ottawa University's residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education leans heavily on time in real classrooms through its School of Education. Clinical work is unusually layered, moving from an introductory practicum through science and health methods, an advanced practicum, and a clinical lab before a culminating 12-week student teaching and research placement. That steady progression means candidates are practicing the job long before they finish. Because the coursework follows state, regional, and national licensure criteria and includes Arizona-specific study of the state and United States Constitutions plus methods for English Language Learners, graduates leave ready for elementary licensure. The program is state approved in Arizona and Kansas and accredited by CAEP. As a bachelor's degree in elementary education, it is one of the programs that lead to careers as elementary school teachers in Arizona.
Why it ranks hereProgram pageIts place on the list comes down to outcomes, selectivity, and price, weighted in that order. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 18% the graduation rate trails the Arizona median, which caps how high it can climb. A 78% admission rate makes it moderately selective, neither a gatekeeper nor open enrollment. The one drag is price, $32,380 in state, above the Arizona 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.
- 9
Dine College
35score- 13%Grad rate
- $1,320/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 1,423Undergrads
- 5Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- On-campus
About the programDiné College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education on its Tsaile, Arizona campus, building on an associate degree foundation toward Arizona teacher certification. Coursework emphasizes bilingual and ESL instruction in Navajo and English along with Diné philosophy and culture. Students complete a sequence of field experiences and a student teaching placement in the final semester, preparing to teach linguistically diverse elementary classrooms. It carries the lowest in-state tuition among Arizona's 10 ranked bachelor's-level programs, at $1,320. Earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education is a common route toward becoming one of Arizona's 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. The sticking point is completion, the factor we weigh most heavily: at 13% the graduation rate trails the Arizona median, which caps how high it can climb. Cost only helps its case: at $1,320 in state, tuition runs below the Arizona 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.
- 10
Prescott College
28score- 56%Grad rate
- $33,960/yrTuition (in or out of state)
- 95%Admit rate
- 223Undergrads
- 2Grads/yr
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Online
About the programPrescott College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education for students preparing to teach kindergarten through grade eight. The program is offered online and leads to teacher licensure. Coursework centers on the pedagogy and subject content of the elementary classroom, preparing graduates to enter K-8 teaching in a range of school settings. A bachelor's-level path in elementary education, it builds toward a career among elementary school teachers in Arizona.
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 56% graduation rate lands it in the top 44% of Arizona programs, and since finishing counts for the most, that does much of the work. Admission is close to open access at 95%, so this is a program that bets on teaching students well rather than screening them out. The one drag is price, $33,960 in state, above the Arizona 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.
Key facts about a bachelor's in Elementary Education in Arizona
- Arizona has 10 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from federal IPEDS data.
- International Baptist College and Seminary ranks first among elementary education bachelor's programs in Arizona with a score of 74, on a 88 percent graduation rate.
- Dine College is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona, at $1,320 a year in-state tuition.
- Elementary school teachers in Arizona earn a median of $56,590 a year (BLS), ranking Arizona 43 of 51 states and territories for the occupation.
- 4 of the bachelor's in elementary education programs in Arizona offer an online or hybrid option.
- Arizona requires the AEPA/NES licensure exam, administered through Arizona Department of Education, Educator Certification, to earn a teaching license.
What a bachelor's in elementary education costs in Arizona (2026)
Published in-state tuition for a bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona runs from $1,320 to $33,960 a year across the 10 programs we rank, with a median of $11,835. The most affordable is Dine College at $1,320 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 48 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 Arizona
Elementary school teachers in Arizona earn a median of $56,590 a year, per BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), compared with a national median of $63,970. That ranks Arizona 43 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 Arizona is the entry point to that market, not the ceiling.
How to get an Arizona teaching license
To teach in Arizona you need a bachelor's in elementary education (or a bachelor's plus an approved preparation program), a supervised student-teaching placement, and an Arizona teaching license issued by Arizona Department of Education, Educator Certification. Arizona calls the initial credential the Standard Professional Teaching Certificate, and earning it means passing AEPA/NES (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments and National Evaluation Series) plus a background check.
Arizona uses AEPA and NES exams administered by Pearson, not Praxis. Confirm your program is currently state-approved before you enroll.
Sources: Arizona educator certification, AEPA/NES exam
Choosing an accredited elementary education program in Arizona
Pick a bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona that is regionally accredited and whose educator-preparation program is approved by the Arizona Department of Education, ideally with CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. State approval is what lets the degree count toward an Arizona teaching license, and CAEP is the national standard for program quality, so confirm both before enrolling in any elementary education program in Arizona.
Sources: CAEP accreditation
Online and hybrid elementary education programs in Arizona
4 of the bachelor's in elementary education programs in Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona
How many bachelor's in elementary education programs are in Arizona?
There are 10 accredited bachelor's in elementary education programs in Arizona in our 2026 ranking, all drawn from the federal IPEDS database.
What is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona?
Dine College is the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona, at $1,320 a year in in-state tuition.
How much do elementary school teachers make in Arizona?
Elementary school teachers in Arizona earn a median of $56,590 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 Arizona?
Arizona requires the AEPA/NES (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments and National Evaluation Series) licensure exam, administered for Arizona Department of Education, Educator Certification. See the <a href="https://www.aepa.nesinc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">official exam page</a> for current test requirements.
Is a bachelor's in elementary education worth it in Arizona?
For most future teachers, yes. A bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona is the standard credential for an Arizona teaching license, and it leads to a median elementary school teachers salary of $56,590 a year in Arizona. 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 Arizona for 2026, ranked on the outcomes that matter. Compare all 10 bachelor's in elementary education in Arizona 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 Arizona.