The face of America continues to change. As a nation, America tells an immigration story. The ratio if non-native English speakers and native English speakers continues to change. Our classrooms reflect this diversity more than ever before. Speakers of a language other than English are prevalent in the PreK-12 setting and beyond. To reach this unique body of learners, teachers must think about curricula and instruction decidedly differently than in the past. Today, teachers are required to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students they teach, have a foundational knowledge of linguistic patterns, and create lesson plans relevant to English as a Second Language (ESL) students. To do so, teachers are once again heading back to school. In most states, an add-on endorsement is all it takes to fulfill this requirement. If you are an educator who wants to meet this needs of this changing bunch of students, then an online endorsement in ESL may be the right fit. To help you choose a Program that works for your career and your schedule, we surveyed online endorsements that offered this program online, in a flexible format, were high quality and affordable. Realizing that you need to maximize your time and money, here’s what we came up with for the 20 bets online ESL endorsements.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private 4-year distance learning institution based in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are 98,627 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 41:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits WGU to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. WGU is a popular option for individuals who are self-driven as the course moves forwards according to a competency-based system. Some students may be able to tackle their online learning in three times the speed of a comparable online program. Others will take a bit longer. That’s one of the perks of taking classes with WGU, the length of each course is completely different so you can truncate or stretch out course-length at your own pace. WGU offers online degrees in some of the most in demand fields: business, education, computer science, and health.

WGU offers an online English Language Learning (ELL) Endorsement for PreK-12. We selected this online program for the affordable tuition rate and flexible self-paced and accelerated format. This is a good fit for licensed teachers looking to aid English language learners in their classroom. The program is recognized by the TESOL International Association. The program is 8 courses in length and is typically completed in a range of 6 to 20 months. Students will study Assessment Theory, Subject Specific Pedagogy: ELL, Language Production, Theory and Acquisition, Planning Implementing and Managing Instruction and more. All students participate in a field experience. Try this program if you are self-driven and are looking for an accelerated route towards an endorsement in ESL.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $398
• Flexibility: self-paced; accelerated

2. ) Wayne State College

Wayne State College (WSC) is a public 4-year university located in Wayne, Nebraska. There are 3,292 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WSC to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. The institution’s student support services include: tutoring, academic counseling, career counseling, and employment opportunities for students. WSC offers a wide range of academic programming including degrees in the Fine Arts, chemistry and biology but their most robust college is by far their college of education- offering over 30 degrees and professional certifications. Currently there are 10 degrees available online.

WSC offers an online English as a Second Language (ESL PreK-12) teaching endorsement. We selected this online ESL endorsement for the affordable tuition rate and high quality of academic programming. Their National Teacher College Ranking is 130. The program is designed to meet the needs of any individual looking to teach individuals whose native language is not English. Upon completion, you may seek employment in a public or private school or choose to teach abroad. As a supplemental endorsement, this program is 15 credit hours taught over 5 courses: Language and Human Behavior, ESL Programming, ESL Methods and Assessment, ESL Linguistics Theory, and ESL Practicum PreK-12.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $361
• Flexibility: NA

3.) Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University is a private Southern Baptist institution located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. There are 7,207 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Campbellsville to award comprehensive degrees and professional certifications. To aid in student success the university offers tutoring as well as academic and career counseling. The university offers a wide-range of academic offerings from biology to bible studies. Their largest colleges are their college of business, education, and visual and performing Arts. Currently, there are 25 online degrees and certifications available including their online master’s in ESL and online bachelor’s degree in social work.

Campbellsville offers an online ESL Endorsement for grades PreK-12. We selected this online program for the affordable tuition rate and for the accelerated courses. The cost is just $399 per credit hour and requires 15 for completion. Classes are just 8 weeks long and the entire program may be completed in as little as one year. You will study: language and culture, second language acquisition, ESL/EFL assessment, and more. For a fast and affordable route towards and endorsement in ESL, this is a great option.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $399
• Flexibility:accelerated

4.) University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa is a public 4-year institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. There are 11,861 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. According to U.S. News UNI ranks as the 25th best school in the region, 17th best college for veterans, and 2nd top public school. To support their students’ success the university provides tutoring, academic counseling, career counseling, and on-campus daycare. The university offers a large amount of academic programming with the highest concentration in the fields of business and education. In fact the education school alone offers over 30 programs to both undergraduate and graduate candidates alike. In addition to business and education the university offers programming in the performing arts, sciences, liberal arts, social sciences, and so much more. UNI currently offers 16 online degrees and online professional certifications.

UNI offers an online ESL endorsement. This online program meets the requirements for the state of Iowa and works well for individuals who are looking to teach overseas. We selected this online course primarily because of the high quality of academic programming. Students may take this course in conjunction with their Master of Arts in ESL. To obtain this endorsement, students must complete 7 course and two practicum experiences- both in K-6 and in grades 7-12. You will study: Introduction to Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Approaches to Language Learning and Teaching, Principles and Practices in Language Teaching, and Studies in your ESL Practicum.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $509
• Flexibility: N/A

5.) Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public 4-year institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. There are 30,896 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Northern Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Oregon State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. According to U.S. News Oregon State University ranks as the 140th best school in the nation, and 116th best value school. To support their students’ learning OSU offers remedial help as well as academic and career counsel. When it comes to academics OSU offers a wide range of programming from agriculture to visual arts. Among their many impressive offerings includes their robust online degree offerings. Currently, OSU offers nearly 50 online degrees and professional certifications at all levels.

Oregon State University offers an online endorsement for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for grades PreK-12. We selected this online endorsement for the high academic quality and high value tuition rate. According to U.S. News OSU ranks 130th for the online graduate education programs. The cost of tuition is $538. While that price may be a little higher than some of our other college picks, we think that the quality of academics adds the value. The program is 18 credit hours in length or 6 classes. Students will study: Racial and Cultural Harmony in the K-12 classroom, foundations of ESOL education, Instructional Approaches for ESOL education, Partnerships and Ideologies in ESOL Education, Linguistics for Teachers and an ESOL Internship.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $538
• Flexibility: N/A

6.) Concordia University Nebraska

Concordia University Nebraska is a private 4-year institution located in Seward, Nebraska. There are 2,520 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Concordia University Nebraska to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. There are a number of initiatives that support students’ interests and academic success including ROTC, online options, study abroad, and academic and career counselling. When it comes to academic offerings Concordia University Nebraska offers a wide range of programs including in literature, business, computer information sciences, Art, history, and theology. Their largest college by far is their college of education- offering 50 degrees and professional endorsements in education. Currently CU Nebraska offers over 20 online degrees and certifications.

CU Nebraska offers an online English as a Second Language/ English Language Learners (ELL) endorsement program. We selected this online program for the affordable tuition rate, and accelerated format. The program requires just 5 courses for completion and may be completed in 10 months. Each course is 3 credit hours for a total of 15 credit hours. The cost per credit hour is approximately $425. You will study the following four courses: ELS/ELL Instruction, ESL Curriculum and Assessment, Linguistics for Educators, and Language and Culture. The program culminates with a Capstone experience.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $425
• Flexibility:accelerated courses

7.) Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are 24,190 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Drexel to award comprehensive degree programming and professional certifications. According to U.S. News Drexel ranks as the 103rd best school in the nation, 64th best college for veterans, and 13th most innovative school. Their student support services include remedial help, academic and career counseling, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academic, the opportunities are endless including programming in biotechnology, architecture, informatics, higher education, museology, anthropology, and photography. There are currently over 75 online degrees and professional certifications available.

Drexel offers an online certification in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). This online certification satisfies the Pennsylvania state education requirements to teach English as a Second Language. The program features 10-week accelerated quarters and four required courses. Students will study Language Learning & Teaching, Structure and Sound System of the English Language, Design and Assessment, and the Intercultural Learner. This course is intended as an add-on endorsement for teachers who are already certified with their initial teacher license. Though our most expensive choice, the high quality of academics and accelerated pace make this a high value sought-after program.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $949
• Flexibility: accelerated courses

8.) Doane University

Doane University is a private school with campuses located in Crete and Lincoln, Nebraska. There are approximately 3,000 students who attend Doane and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Doane to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News Doane ranks as the 155th National Liberal Arts College and 162nd for best high school counselor programs. Their student support services include tutoring, online programming, and credit for life experiences. This small liberal arts college offers programming in the fields of education, business, health, visual arts, psychology, homeland security, and criminal justice among others. Their most popular program is their master’s in curriculum and instruction.

Doane University offers an online ESL endorsement in K-12 education. This program is appropriate for individuals who are certified teachers looking for an add-on ESL endorsement. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate- approximately $252 per credit hour and requires just 15 credit hours for completion. Students will take five classes: Communicating in An Educational Environment, Curriculum for ESL Students, Linguistics for ESL Teachers, Methods for Teaching and Assessing ESL Students, and an Internship for ESL. To be eligible for this endorsement, students must hold a K-12 Nebraska teacher certification.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $252
• Flexibility: N/A

9.) Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University (Olivet) is a private Church of the Nazarene institution located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. There are 4,986 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Olivet to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News Olivet ranks as the 53rd best school in the region, and 18th best value school. Their student support services include tutoring, academic and career counseling, and credit for life experiences. There are a vast number of academic programs available including in the fields of business, biology, education, theology and the visual arts. There are currently 11 online degrees available.

Olivet offers an ESL and or Bilingual Endorsement. This program requires 13 months to complete and 19 credit hours. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate which is $325 per credit hour. Students have the option to study 6 or 7 courses. Individuals who choose to pursue both the ESL and Bilingual Endorsement must complete 7 courses. All students will study: Assessment of the Bilingual Student, Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL, Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited-English Proficient Students, Contemporary Issues in Education English Language Learners, and Theoretical Foundations of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Students.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $325
• Flexibility: Options to advance to a Master’s Degree

10.) Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a public 4-year institution located in Richmond, Kentucky. There are 16,612 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits EKU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. EKU ranks as the 76th best school in the region, 28th top public school, and 76th for best online graduate education programs. To encourage student success, EKU offers tutoring, academic and career counseling, and employment for students. Their academic offerings are robust including everything from accounting to the visual arts. EKU currently offers nearly 50 online degrees and professional certifications.

EKU an online English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching endorsement. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and accelerated format. The estimated cost per credit hour is $510, and just $325 for active duty military. Students may transfer up to 9 credits from a regionally accredited institution. Terms are just 8-weeks in length and students are able to personalize their graduation plan. If you are looking for an accredited program that is accelerated and won’t break the bank, this online ESL endorsement from EKU may be a great option.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $510
• Flexibility:accelerated courses

11.) University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is a public research institution located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 21,402 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits University of Louisville to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. According to U.S. News the University of Louisville ranks as the 171st best school in the nation, 91st top public school, and 56th best school for online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including tutoring, academic and career counseling, on-campus daycare, online degrees, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics Louisville offers a wide-range of options from accounting to women’s studies. Their largest programs are in education, and health. Currently, there are 15 degrees and certification programs available online.

UL offers an online English as a Second Language Endorsement for PreK-12. We selected this online program for the academic quality and flexible online format. All classes are asynchronous so you can study any time and anywhere. This endorsement requires just 4 classes or 12 credit hours to complete. Students will study Linguistics for Educators, Teaching English as an International Language, Teaching and Assessing English Language Learners, and a choice between Language, Society & Power or Literacy Learning & Cultural Differences. This program also include a field experience which is just 30 documented supervised hours.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour:$714
• Flexibility:

12.) Seattle University

Seattle University is a private 4-year university located in Seattle, Washington. There are 7,278 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Seattle University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Seattle University as the 8th best school in the region, 4th best school for veterans, 8th best school for undergraduate teaching,16th best value school, and 13th most innovative school. The university offers a wide range of academic programs that include degrees in organizational leadership, journalism,creative writing, anthropology, and more. Their most popular programs are in the fields of business, health, and education.

Seattle University offers an ELL endorsement as both an add-on postbaccalaureate program and a master’s program. Depending on your choice, this program varies in price. For those seeking to take this program along with their master’s degree, the cost is just $325 per credit hour- one of our most affordable options. This program is taught syncronously two times per week. For more information on this program, Seattle University requires you set up an appointment.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $325
• Flexibility: graduate level and postbacc available

13.) Aurora University

Aurora University is a private university located in Aurora, Illinois. There are 5,833 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Aurora University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. According to U.S. News Aurora University ranks as the 123rd best university in the region. To help with student success, Aurora University offers tutoring, academic counseling, career counseling, employment services, online programming, and accepts credits for life experiences. When it comes to academics, Aurora University offers programming in education, psychology, business, health, and more. There are currently 12 online programs available.

Aurora University offers an online ESL Endorsement. The program was selected for the affordable tuition rate and for the high quality of the academic programming. The cost is just $565 per credit hour and requires 18 credit hours to complete. Depending on pace, the program typically take 1-2 years to complete. Each course is just 8-weeks long. Students are required to complete the following courses: Foundations of Bilingual Education, Methods and Materials for Teaching ELLs, Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching English Learners, Assessment of English Learners, Applied Linguistics for ESL/ Bilingual Educators, and Methods and Materials for Teaching in Bilingual Programs.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $565
• Flexibility: 8-week accelerated classes

14.) Pacific University

Pacific University is a private university located in Forest Grove, Oregon. There are 3,893 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Pacific University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Pacific University ranks as the 21st best school in the region, and 48th best value school. Their student support services include academic and career counseling. When it comes to academics, the university offers programs in biology, physical sciences, education, psychology, health and much more. There are currently 3 programs available online.

Pacific University offers an online English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement. We selected this program because of the affordable tuition rate. The cost of tuition is just $385 and requires only 15 credit hours to complete. The curriculum includes 6 classes and one practicum experience. You will study: Language Policy in ESOL Education, Educational Linguistics for ESOL Teachers, Cultural Constructs and Diversity in ESOL Education, Foundations of ESOL Methods, ESOL Methods, Assessment and Technology, an Bilingualism and Biliteracy Development.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $385
• Flexibility:

15.) Rutgers University New Brunswick

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public research university located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. There are 49,577 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Rutgers to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Rutgers as the 56th best school in the nation, 28th best college for veterans, and 141st best program for online graduate education programs. To support a diverse student body the university offers online programming, tutoring, and academic and career counseling. When it comes to academic programming, Rutgers offers a number of robust programs in the fields of business, education, the sciences, and so much more. Student have a wide selection from which to choose. There are currently nearly 40 online degrees and professional certifications available.

Rutgers offers an online Endorsement for English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification. This is a professional development add-on program that was selected for the high quality of the academic programming. Students must complete six courses to graduate: Language and Culture, Principles of Language Learning and World Language Acquisition, Foundations of Language, Academic English in Content Areas, ESL Secondary School Methods, an an Introduction to ESL/Elementary Methods. The course requires 18 credit hours to complete and costs $1,000 per credit hour.

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• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1000
• Flexibility: N/A

16.) Concordia University Ann Arbor

Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private Lutheran University located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There are 1,081 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Concordia Ann Arbor to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Concordia Ann Arbor as the 37th best school in the region, 20th best college for veterans, and 37th best value school. When it comes to academics, Concordia Ann Arbor primarily offers a diverse selection of baccalaureate programs and online master’s programs. Students study the sciences, business, education, liberal arts, theology and so much more. There are currently 7 degrees offered online

Concordia Ann Arbor offer an online English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. This program is a good fit for Michigan teachers looking to teach students to limited English proficiency (LEP) in a K-12 setting. The courses are 8-weeks long and the total credit requirements for the endorsement are 21. The cost per credit hour is approximately $596. Upon completion, you will qualify for the Michigan Endorsement in ESL. This program has both a theoretical and practical component. We selected it because the program is flexible and accelerated. You may either complete a master’s degree with the endorsement or the endorsement itself.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $596
• Flexibility: accelerated, also available as a master’s N/A

17.) University of Illinois

The University of Illinois (UI) is a public research university located in Champaign, Illinois. There are 48,216 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UI to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UI ranks as the 46th best school in the nation, 43rd best school for undergrad teaching, and 25th best school for online graduate education programs. UI boasts a number of quality departments and schools particularly their school for education, the performing arts, sciences, and engineering. There are currently 30 online degrees and professional certifications available.

UI offers an online Bilingual and ESL Endorsement. We selected this online program for the high quality of the academics. Though our most expensive option per credit hour, the quality of programming creates the value. Students will study five courses: Foundations of Bilingual Education, Culture in the Classroom, Bilingual ESL Methods, Probability Trends in Specialized FIelds, and Bilingual and ESL Assessment. The program requires 18-20 credit hours to complete and costs $1,370 per credit hour. This program is a good fit for Illinois educators.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1370
• Flexibility: online

18.) University of Washington Tacoma

University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) is a public research university located in Tacoma, Washington. There are 5,162 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits UW Tacoma to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. According to U.S. News UW ranks among the top most innovative universities in the world. UW Tacoma offers diverse academic programming including in fields like computer information sciences, ethnic studies, history, law, psychology, and social sciences. The university offers dozens of online degrees and professional certifications.

UW Tacoma offers an online endorsement in English Language Learning. We selected this online program for the high quality of academic programming. U.S. News ranks UW Tacoma as the 9th best school for online graduate education programming. Though the cost is higher than most, the high quality creates high value for this program. To complete this program, students are required to complete 5 classes and pass one standardized test. The classes include: Linguistics for Teachers, Cultural and Linguistic Contexts for Instructing ELL, Methods and Curricula in Literacy Instruction for ELL, Research and Methods in Math and Science Instruction for ELL, and a Testing and Evaluation for ELL.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1406
• Flexibility: online

19.) Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University is a private university located in Chicago, Illinois. There are 4,457 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Roosevelt University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Roosevelt University ranks as the 88th best school in the region and 125th for best online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial services, academic and career counseling, online degrees and credit for life experiences. When it comes to online degrees, Roosevelt University offers a wide diversity of programming including extensive course material in the visual and performing Arts, health, education, business and more. There are currently 15 online degrees available.

Roosevelt University offers an online endorsement in Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL). This is an add-on program that works well for teachers located in Illinois. Ther are 6 classes involved and 100 clinical hours. Students will study Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education, Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL, Assessment of Bilingual Students, Methods and Materials for Teaching Bilingual Students, Linguistics for ESL Teachers, and Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching Limited English Proficient Students. We selected this online program for the high quality academic rigor and affordable tuition rate which is just $415 per credit hour.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $415
• Flexibility: online

20.) College of Lake County

College of Lake County (CLC Illinois) is a public 2-year institution located in Grayslake, Illinois. There are 14,590 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits CLC Illinois to award associate’s degrees and professional certifications. To support the success of both traditional and nontraditional students, CLC Illinois offer tutoring services, academic counseling, career counseling, employment, and online options. When it comes to academics CLC offers a wide-range of academics and vocational programs for a diverse student body. Students may pursue programming in welding, social work, music, HACV, library science, dental hygiene, and education.

CLC offers an online ESL endorsement for teachers certified in the state of Illinois. We selected this program for the affordable tuition. The cost is just $415 per credit hour and requires 18 credit hours to complete. Students will study: Linguistics and Society, Theories of Teaching ESL and Bilingual Education, Methods of Teaching ESL, Assessment of the English Language Learners, Intercultural Communication, and one elective.

• Homepage
• Tuition Per Credit Hour: $415
• Flexibility: online