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2023 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 7/19/2023
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An online bachelor's degree in early childhood education opens the door to a number of career opportunities working with infants, toddlers, and young children. Programs are designed to give you the tools and information you need to provide the best possible care and education for children up to the age of eight.

Once you've earned your degree and a state license, you'll be qualified to assume one of the many jobs available in childcare and teaching. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that, by 2031, there will be more than 1.5 million positions for kindergarten and elementary school teachers and more than 80,000 positions for preschool and childcare center directors.

You can review our top-ranking affordable online bachelor's degrees below or discover more options on our list of the best online bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about us

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 North Seattle College Seattle (WA) $3,938
# 2 #2 Aspen University Denver (CO) $5,400
# 3 #3 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg (KY) $5,970
# 4 #4 Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) $6,806
# 5 #5 Wichita State University Wichita (KS) $6,843
# 6 #6 Western Carolina University Cullowhee (NC) $6,974
# 7 #7 Athens State University Athens (AL) $6,975
# 8 #8 University of the Potomac Multiple Locations $7,200
# 9 #9 Florida Gateway College Lake City (FL) $7,216
# 10 #10 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville (FL) $7,263
#1
#1

North Seattle College

Seattle (WA)
Annual Tuition: $3,938
Annual Tuition: $3,938
Annual Tuition: $3,938

North Seattle College (North) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science, which prepares students for administrative, teaching, and leadership positions in academia and child services. Core classes include Guiding Behavior, Health, Safety and Nutrition, and Curriculum Development. A capstone project is also required, and it should demonstrate a student's ability to compile research and present their teaching philosophy. Overall, 180 credits are required to graduate, all of which long-distance learners can earn through Canvas. Full-time students can finish the degree in two to three years, depending on whether they have transferable credits.

This online degree at North is offered in a fully online or hybrid format. Students that live within 100 miles of the school are required to attend in-person workshops, ranging from two times weekly for the hybrid program and once per quarter for the online program. Those outside that radius can complete all meetings through Zoom. NSC offers a variety of services for hybrid and online students including career advising, counseling, IT support, and tutoring.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 69%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,189
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: NWCCU
#2
#2

Aspen University

Denver (CO)
Annual Tuition: $5,400
Annual Tuition: $5,400
Annual Tuition: $5,400

Aspen University (Aspen) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies that requires 120 credit hours. Completion time varies from two to four years, depending on pre-existing credits. The curriculum follows professional standards set by the Association for the Education of Young Children. Students take core courses that include Early Childhood Research, Infant and Toddler Mental Health, and Strategies for Classroom Management, with the purpose of gaining a multi-faceted understanding of child development and education psychology. A senior capstone project is also required for graduation. Importantly, the program is not intended to be a teacher certification program or lead to state licensure. Instead, it prepares graduates for work in child care organizations, early childhood education programs, private kindergartens, or elementary schools.

Aspen is a medium-sized, private institution with online coursework hosted on Brightspace, a popular learning management system. Although classwork follows an asynchronous format, students are still expected to meet assignment and project deadlines. Student services include academic and career counseling.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 69%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,136
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 3,604
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: DEAC
#3
#3

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg (KY)
Annual Tuition: $5,970
Annual Tuition: $5,970
Annual Tuition: $5,970

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education from University of the Cumberlands (UC) is an online program requiring 120 credits hours. This program focuses on all aspects of teaching young children in an academic environment. Blackboard is the primary learning management system used for this program, and it includes courses such as Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods, Teaching Infants and Toddlers, and Early Childhood Administration and Leadership. All full-time students can complete the required coursework in three to four years. They are also required to complete an in-person, supervised student teaching session to gain hands-on skills in a functioning classroom.

UC is a medium-sized, private, Christian institution offering counseling services for mental health and career advancement. Graduates of the bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education may go on to explore careers as a classroom teacher for preschool to kindergarten students.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Average SATs: 940 -1200
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,623
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,168
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a medium-sized, public institution with a Bachelor of Science in Education - Early Childhood Unified that prepares students for a teacher's license in Kansas, where the school is located. Students may also complete the degree from other states through 100% online coursework, but they may need to adhere to different licensure requirements. Students may also go on to become administrators or education coordinators. All 126 credits must be completed — including courses in Curriculum and Assessment, Literacy Methods, and Educational Psychology, as well as a student teaching practicum. The program also includes special education coursework, which indicates a "unified" approach.

FHSU offers online students academic advising, career services, and support via counseling services. All remote learning coursework is completed through Blackboard's learning management system in collaboration with the school's Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) department. Students generally take four years to graduate on a full-time schedule.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,138
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,462
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $6,843
Annual Tuition: $6,843
Annual Tuition: $6,843

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education from Wichita State University (WSU) is another Kansas-based licensure program for aspiring Pre-K to sixth grade educators through their Teacher Apprentice Program. Courses are taken 100% online, and students can complete them in four years on a full-time study schedule. They also offer flexible schedules for students to maintain their work as a paraeducator. WSU is a medium-sized, public university with student services in online academic advising.

The curriculum for this online program is designed in an "inverted" way, meaning professional teaching skills are taught at the onset instead of later in the program. For this reason, many students choose this program in order to gain work as a full-time early childhood educator in public and private schools. Required classes include Content Literacy, Professional Collaboration in Schools and Communities, and Engaging and Motivating the Learner. Students must also complete a 16-week internship in an education environment.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 89%
  • Average SATs: 983 -1220
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,529
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 895
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#6
#6
Annual Tuition: $6,974
Annual Tuition: $6,974
Annual Tuition: $6,974

Western Carolina University (WCU), a public university with a medium-sized student population, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Birth-Kindergarten - Early Childhood that prepares students for professional work in a non-public school setting through the study of the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of young children. The program requires 42 credits for liberal studies, 30 credits for birth-kindergarten core courses, and 9-15 credits of elective courses — all of which can be completed in four years or less on a full-time schedule. Core coursework includes Family Collaborative Planning, Environments for Young Children, and STEM in the Early Years. A capstone practicum is required before graduating. It should be noted that this program is not a track to become a licensed teacher in public schools.

WCU offers a separate distance learning tuition and fee rate for online students. Online coursework is hosted on Canvas and may follow a blended synchronous and asynchronous format. Additionally, online students have access to tutoring support, library and technology resources, career services, and a distance orientation. Undergraduate distance learning programs are not intended for first-year students who want to register full time.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
  • Average SATs: 1060 -1230
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,091
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 729
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#7
#7
Annual Tuition: $6,975
Annual Tuition: $6,975
Annual Tuition: $6,975

Athens State University (Athens State) is a medium-sized, public institution with two options for early childhood education degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Education - Educational Studies - Early Childhood Education provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills used in nontraditional classroom settings, but it does not lead to a teaching license. Courses cover general childhood development, such as Language Development, Primary Reading, and Classroom Management. Graduates may go on to seek employment in community organizations, nonprofits, or after school programs.

An alternative track would be the Bachelor of Science in Education - Technical Education - Early Instructor. With this option, students explore effective learning techniques to prepare for careers in a wide variety of industries, including government agencies, private companies, and healthcare. At Athens State, 124 credits are required for both degrees, which most students complete in four years on a full-time schedule. Furthemore, both programs can be completed entirely online through Blackboard.

  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,438
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 235
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#8
#8

University of the Potomac

Multiple Locations
Annual Tuition: $7,200
Annual Tuition: $7,200
Annual Tuition: $7,200

University of the Potomac (UOTP) is a small, private institution featuring career development services and student advising through personal counseling. UOTP's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development is an online degree program that focuses on the development of academic, social, and personal skills for children from birth to third grade. Coursework includes Early Childhood Intervention, Behavior Management for Special Needs, and Inclusive Care of Infants and Toddlers. A supervised field experience is also required of all students. Classes can be taken online through Blackboard, but the choice is left to the students as to whether they want to attend classes fully online or through a hybrid learning format that involves campus visits.

Overall, UOTP's 120-credit hour program may take students approximately four years while studying at a full-time pace. Students may go on to seek employment as childcare center directors, nannies, or preschool and kindergarten teachers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 56%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 25
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 73
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: MSCHE
#9
#9

Florida Gateway College

Lake City (FL)
Annual Tuition: $7,216
Annual Tuition: $7,216
Annual Tuition: $7,216

Florida Gateway College (FGC) is a medium-sized, public institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. This online program aims to provide a deeper understanding of classroom techniques by helping students develop their own teaching philosophies. Core classes include Education and Development of Young Children, Language Development, and Creative Arts for Preschool Education. Field experience is also required in the form of an in-person internship. Career outcomes include public or private school teacher or community resource manager.

At FGC, students take online coursework at either a full- or part-time pace, and they generally finish their degree in around two years. The degree requires 120 credits, including general education classes, electives, and upper division courses. FGC uses Blackboard for their coursework, which is 100% online. Academic advising and career services are available for all distance learning students.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 78%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,265
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#10
#10
Annual Tuition: $7,263
Annual Tuition: $7,263
Annual Tuition: $7,263

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education that features a curriculum based on practical experience for aspiring teachers. Students utilize Canvas for all 120 credits required for graduation. Coursework features core classes, such as Child Growth and Development, Observing and Recording Child Behavior, and Appropriate Strategies for Learners with Special Needs. In order to ensure students have sufficient training to meet the needs of Florida's teacher education requirements, 150 hours of fieldwork is required. Graduates can gain employment in public or private schools, preschools, and child development centers.

At FSCJ, most students study on a full-time schedule and complete all requirements within four years. As a large, public university, they offer robust student services, including career development, academic advising, and a First Year Experience featuring scheduled experiences outside of the classroom.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 87%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 10,664
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC

Overview of Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

Graduates with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education often find work as teachers or administrators. While a bachelor's degree is not required to work as a caregiver in a daycare center or as a preschool teacher in a nursery school, it will qualify you for higher-paying positions as a kindergarten or elementary school teacher or as a daycare director.

Early childhood education programs help you develop both the technical skills and knowledge essential to caring for and educating young learners. Among the technical skills you'll acquire are the abilities to plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, observe and assess each child's progress, and utilize technology to enhance learning. You'll also study child development, health, and nutrition.

As you proceed through your degree program, you'll also develop soft skills like communication, patience, flexibility, and creativity. These qualities are necessary for effectively engaging young children and fostering an environment conducive to learning.

The coursework in an online early childhood education program typically involves a variety of projects and assignments designed to give you practical experience. For example, you may be asked to create lesson plans for different developmental stages, review case studies to analyze children's behavior and learning patterns, and participate in simulated teaching exercises. 

For more bachelor's degrees in this field, explore our lists of the best education degrees, best elementary education degrees, and best educational leadership degrees.

Common Courses

An online degree in early childhood education usually requires the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Some programs may also require you to complete practicums or internships in early childhood education settings so that you can apply your newly learned skills to real-world scenarios. Full-time students may be able to meet all of the degree requirements in four or five years, but part-time students may need additional time. 

The following classes are commonly found in early childhood bachelor's degree programs.

Child Development

Students learn about the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children from infancy through early childhood. They also study how environmental factors can influence development.

Early Literacy Development

This course focuses on techniques for teaching reading and writing to young children. Students learn about phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.

Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods

In this course, students learn how to design, implement, and assess curriculum for young learners, addressing their developmental needs and interests.

Classroom Management

This course introduces students to strategies for managing behavior and creating a safe, positive learning environment in early childhood classrooms. Topics may include diversity and multiculturalism.

Special Education in Early Childhood

Students learn about the characteristics of young children with special needs. Coursework often includes hands-on practice in adapting teaching strategies to meet specific learning requirements.

Funding an Online Early Childhood Education Degree

If you're considering earning a bachelor's degree, you're no doubt aware that it's a significant investment of time, energy, and money. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on a college education. Consider some of these possibilities:

  • Opt for an online program. Did you know that many colleges charge in-state tuition rates for online students? Some even charge slightly reduced tuition rates for distance learners. By carefully reviewing each school's rates and fees, starting with our list of the most affordable online early childhood education degrees above, you'll be able to identify your most cost-effective options. 

    Also, keep in mind that as an online student, you won't have to pay for on-campus room and board or transportation to and from school. 

  • Choose a public university. The most current data from the National Center for Education Statistics provides another tip for saving money. It shows that the average tuition for in-state students attending public schools was $9,375 in the 2020-21 school year. On the other hand, the average for students attending private schools was nearly four times higher at $32,825. Of course, these are just averages, and there is a lot of variation in tuition rates across schools, but in general, state-run universities cost less.

  • Attend community college first to complete your general education requirements. The first two years of a bachelor's program are usually taken up with mostly general education courses like English, math, and science. By taking these early classes at a community college — which average $3,501 in tuition rates, according to the NCES — you can complete these requirements at a significantly reduced cost. 

    Later, you can transfer your accumulated credits to a four-year school where you can finish your bachelor's degree. Many community colleges offer associate transfer degrees specifically for this purpose.

  • Live someplace cheap. We all recognize that earning a degree online won't eliminate all of your living expenses. Even with help from your family, you may still need to pay for housing, food, and transportation. However, you can minimize some of these expenses while you're in college by moving to the most affordable place you can find.

  • Get a job to earn money for school. Many students work part time or full time to earn income to put toward college expenses. There are pros and cons to this approach, and you may need to take fewer classes each term to maintain a healthy work-school balance. However, taking extra time in school so you can graduate with less debt — especially student loan debt — may pay off in the end. 

Financial Aid

Many students apply for various types of financial aid to minimize the cost of earning a college degree. You may receive funding provided by the federal and state government if you can demonstrate a clear financial need. School-sponsored and private scholarships may also be awarded based on your financial situation, academic achievement, or some other criteria, such as your major. 

If you're enrolled in an accredited online degree program, you are eligible for financial aid. To apply, simply fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At a later date, after your application has been reviewed, you'll be notified as to how much aid you're being offered.

The best types of financial aid are grants and scholarships because they don't have to be repaid. However, if you don't qualify for enough grant or scholarship money to cover your full college expenses, you may need to take out a student loan. 

As much as possible, federal and private student loans should be avoided because the loan interest can dramatically increase the total cost of a college education. Generally speaking, private student loans have even higher interest than federal loans. Before accepting any offer, you may want to use a student loan repayment calculator to determine how much the loan will cost in the long run. 

Grants and Scholarships

Because childcare workers and educators are so essential, both the government and private organizations sponsor grants and scholarships to encourage talented individuals to pursue a degree in early childhood education. A few of these opportunities are listed below:

TEACH Grant: This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to education majors who commit to teaching in a high-need field in a low-income area after graduating. Some states also offer an extension of this program called the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program.

Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Prospective Educator Scholarships: The PDK organization, an international association of education professionals, offers several scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000 for prospective educators who are members.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship: Only high school seniors are eligible to apply for this program. Each year, the program grants scholarships of $20,000 to 150 students who plan to make a positive impact on their communities, possibly through teaching.

Earning your degree on a tight budget? You'll find plenty of cost-effective options on our lists of the most affordable bachelor's in education programs and the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education programs.

What Can You Do With an Online Early Childhood Education Degree?

For those who want to work with young children, there are a variety of career opportunities in both the public and private education sectors. Some possible entry-level jobs include preschool teacher and childcare worker. However, the median annual salaries for these roles are rather low ($30,210 and $27,490, respectively). 

One of the biggest advantages of earning an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education is that it prepares you for higher-paying positions in the field. For example, an early childhood teacher has an average salary of $61,350 with a job growth projection of 4% over the next decade. Childcare center directors earn around $47,310, and the job growth rate is expected to be 8%.

Regardless of which occupation you choose, you will probably need a state-issued license. Most states require anyone who works with children to have some kind of license or credential. Before enrolling in any bachelor's program, make sure your online program will prepare you to meet the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to teach, not in the state where your college is located.

Further Education

Once you've earned your bachelor's degree, you can consider furthering your education. Although you'll need to carefully manage your budget to allow for an advanced degree, earning a master's degree in early childhood education can open the door to higher-paying roles such as educational administrator or early childhood education specialist. 

If classroom teaching is your passion, you may also be interested in a master's in education or a master's in elementary education. On the other hand, if your talents lie in administration or policymaking, you may want to consider a master's in educational leadership or even a doctorate in educational leadership.

Additionally, teachers can seek various certifications, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) to enhance their credentials.

Do you envision working with young children in a learning environment? Learn more about becoming a teacher and teaching careers

FAQs About Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

How Do I Choose an Early Childhood Education Degree?


Choosing an online early childhood education degree program is a highly personal decision. You'll want to take several factors into account, and you'll have to weigh them according to your own priorities. Program details, tuition fees, faculty, online format, and student services may all be influential considerations. 

However, it's essential to enroll in an accredited school. Accreditation means that a school's programs, faculty, and services have been evaluated for academic excellence and proven to meet the highest standards. Enrollment in an accredited program is required for you to receive financial aid, and it will likely be needed to transfer to another school or to gain admission into graduate school. 

How Does an Early Childhood Education Degree Differ From Other Education Degrees?


An early childhood education degree focuses specifically on educating children from birth through eight years old. It emphasizes the unique developmental needs and learning styles of this age group, and the curriculum explores both the care and teaching of small children. Other education degrees mainly focus on teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, each dealing with different age groups and their respective developmental and academic needs.

Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth the Cost?

Whether you aspire to become an early childhood teacher or childcare center director, an early childhood education degree can provide a foundation for a rewarding career. However, given that most related occupations offer median annual salaries in the $48,000-$62,000 range, this career path may not provide you with the highest return on your financial investment. 

Fortunately, thanks to opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, and potential savings from studying online, an online early childhood education degree may be worth it for those passionate about shaping the future of young learners.

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