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 programView International Baptist College and Seminary's Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Teacher Education (Elementary Education emphasis) 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.
- 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 programView University of Arizona's Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.) in Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Arizona State University Campus Immersion's Bachelor of Arts in Education in Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Northern Arizona University's Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Education 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.
- 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 programView Grand Canyon University's Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Arizona Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView University of Phoenix-Arizona's Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Ottawa University-Surprise's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Dine College's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education 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.
- 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 programView Prescott College's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education 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.
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.