Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)

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What is Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)?

This major prepares you to teach grades 1 through 6. You’ll learn how to teach students subjects like reading and math as well as skills like studying and communicating with others. You'll create lesson plans and develop skills on how to teach fundamental ideas to students. You'll also learn to assess students to test their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. You'll be able to work with them individually to overcome specific learning challenges.

Career Options

Educational therapy
Elementary education
Guidance counseling
Middle school education
School administration

Post-Graduation Success¹

96% employed or continuing education

93% employed after graduation

3% attending graduate school

$45,311 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Chicago Public Schools (4), Washington Elementary School (4), Champaign Unit 4 School District (3) View All

Sample grad school destinations: National Louis University, DePaul University, William Rainey Harper College View All

Program Resources

College of Education Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong English coursework and performance
Interest and experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

100% first-year retention rate

90% four-year graduation rate

96% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $36,970
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,050

Learning and Education Studies - EDU

Middle Grades Education (Grades 5-8) - EDU

Special Education - EDU

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.