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Online Teaching Degrees Compared – Gracelyn, WGU, SNHU & Liberty
When you’re working in a school and trying to earn your teaching degree, flexibility matters—but so does support, cost, and mission alignment. With so many online options out there, how do you choose the one that fits your life and calling?
Today, we’re comparing four of the most talked-about options for online education degrees:
- Gracelyn University
- Western Governors University (WGU)
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Liberty University
Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about transferring from your current school, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
1. Flexibility & Format
University | Format | Pace | Schedule Support |
Gracelyn | 100% online | Guided with weekly structure | Yes – weekly expectations + success coach |
WGU | 100% online | Fully self-paced | Limited – mentor check-ins only |
SNHU | 100% online | Asynchronous, term-based | Some advisor support |
Liberty | 100% online | 8-week courses | Academic advising available |
What makes Gracelyn different: You get the flexibility of online learning without the isolation. Weekly goals, real instructors, and 1:1 coaching help you keep moving forward.
👉 Explore Gracelyn’s flexible online degrees
2. Student Support
University | Real Instructor Access | Coaching or Mentorship | Community |
Gracelyn | Yes – instructors + coaches | 1:1 success coach | Mission-driven student community |
WGU | Course mentors + evaluators | Assigned mentor | Peer forums |
SNHU | Academic advisors | Occasional faculty support | Optional engagement |
Liberty | Faith-based advisors | General advising team | Christian worldview emphasis |
Why it matters: WGU students often report feeling like they’re teaching themselves. At Gracelyn, you’ll never feel like you’re on your own.
3. Faith & Mission
University | Faith-Based? | Biblical Worldview Taught? |
Gracelyn | Yes | Yes – integrated throughout |
WGU | No | No |
SNHU | No | No |
Liberty | Yes | Yes |
What’s unique about Gracelyn: We combine academic excellence with a strong biblical foundation—ideal for educators who see their work as a calling.
👉 Learn about Gracelyn’s admissions and mission
4. Tuition & Cost Transparency
University | Tuition Style | Cost Estimate |
Gracelyn | Flat-rate monthly | Bachelor’s: $111–$222/month Master’s w/ Certification: $7,174 total |
WGU | Flat-rate per 6-month term | Approx. $3,800–$4,000 per term |
SNHU | Per credit hour | Approx. $39K+ total |
Liberty | Per credit hour | Approx. $25K–$30K total |
Why affordability at Gracelyn matters: You don’t have to go into debt to answer your calling. You can continue working and pay as you go.
👉 See Gracelyn’s full tuition breakdown
5. Student Teaching Requirements
University | Student Teaching Placement | Can You Work While Completing? |
Gracelyn | Yes – with support from faculty | Yes – flexible arrangements possible |
WGU | Yes – but unpaid and typically requires time off | No – must leave job during term |
SNHU | Yes – student must coordinate | Sometimes, depends on district |
Liberty | Yes – with placement assistance | Case-by-case |
Gracelyn works with paraprofessionals and aides to find realistic placement options that don’t disrupt your income.
Each of these universities offers a valid path to becoming a certified teacher. But for working adults who need structure, support, affordability, and mission alignment—Gracelyn stands out.
We don’t ask you to figure it out alone. We walk with you—every step of the way.