Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2026
Are you interested in supporting the growth and development of young students? Check out our guide to the best online early childhood education programs.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
2026A career in early childhood education can be gratifying, from helping children learn how to read their first book to teaching them how to write their name.
If this is something that interests you, enrolling in an early childhood education program can help you become a early childhood educator and equip you with the fundamental skills to help children growth and develop.
In this guide, we rank the best online early childhood education programs based on factors like graduation rate and program cost.
Best Online Colleges That Offer Early Childhood Education
How We Rank Schools
Arizona State University — Best Program for Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- Tempe, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: ASU offers an accelerated path that lets students earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time.
You can combine the online early childhood studies degree at ASU with one of several master's degrees. ASU's Accelerated Master's Program can save you time and money and prepare you to gain certification in early childhood special education or elementary education.
The early childhood bachelor's can lead to master's in early childhood special education with or without certification, and elementary education programs with or without certification. In your undergraduate senior year, you'll take courses that count as dual credit toward both your bachelor's and master's degrees, allowing you to graduate from your master's program in just a year. Standard master's programs take around two years to complete.
What We Like About ASU
- ASU has an extensive network of transfer partners.
- ASU is accessible for transfer students, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA to be eligible.
- International opportunities exist through the ASU Global Education Office.
What We Don't Like
- A bachelor's degree alone does not qualify students for teacher certification.
- A rate of $580 per credit hour for Arizona residents and nonresidents is less competitive with similar programs on this list.
58%
$11,822
87%
$34,014
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 79,818
- Institution Type
- Public
Ball State University — Best for Earning a Minor
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: At BSU, you can earn your bachelor’s degree and choose from the most minor options on our list.
The bachelor's in early childhood education (non-licensure) at Ball State allows you to customize your education with one of 23 different minors. Options include early intervention, early childhood special education, deaf studies, autism spectrum disorders, family engagement, and social work.
Most of the minor options require 15-21 credits of coursework, which is about 5-7 classes on your specialization of choice alone. Not only will this help prepare you to work with students from birth through 5 years old, but you'll also be able to tailor your education to your additional career goals, whether that includes working with students with disabilities or social work.
What We Like About Ball State
- Ball State participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, funding $4,000 per student per year for 30 student service members.
- The bachelor's program was developed in accordance with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
- The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
What We Don't Like
- This program does not lead directly to teacher certification.
- Applicants must have an associate degree in early childhood education (including a practicum) or at least 45 applicable credits from an approved program.
61%
$ 8,948
78%
$27,496
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,089
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University — Best Online Student Support
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: FIU offers comprehensive support services for online students, such as success coaches and mental health services.
FIU goes the extra mile to help students get ahead, including for those in the university's bachelor of science in early childhood education program. For example, the FIU Online Success Coach initiative was designed specifically for online learners looking for guidance on finances, time management, and other important areas. Every undergraduate student is paired with a success coach.
In addition, the Panther Den and Panther Success Network provide health and wellness support as well as access to tutors and career counseling, and connections to instructors and fellow students. FIU’s Office of Clinical Experiences also helps students apply for field placements.
What We Like About FIU Online
- The program offers three annual start dates.
- The program is particularly budget-friendly for Florida residents, with its $236 in-state cost per credit hour being one of the most affordable price points on this list.
- The Canvas Help Center offers round-the-clock tech support.
What We Don't Like
- Out-of-state students pay $649 per credit, which is on the more expensive side for this list.
- This track does not result in teacher certification.
66%
$ 6,168
93%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,817
- Institution Type
- Public
Iowa State University — Best Program for Experiential Learning
- Ames, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: The program’s two practicum courses offer valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings.
ISU's bachelor's degree in early childcare education and programming includes two practicum courses in real-world settings. The first, a practicum experience with young children, is a three-credit course and includes 36 hours of in-person field experience in your local community. The second, a senior capstone experience, is a six-credit course with 108 hours of either in-person field experience or action research.
While other programs on our list, like the University of Washington's, offer experiential learning opportunities, ISU offers the most practicums. ISU is also the most clear on its requirements for early childhood field experience credits, compared to other schools on the list.
What We Like About ISU
- If you attend full time, you can complete the entire program in about 27 months.
- The program features three start dates.
- ISU offers rolling admissions, meaning you can submit an application any time and hear back soon after.
What We Don't Like
- This program does not lead to teacher certification.
- A tuition rate of $448 per credit hour is one of the highest costs on this list.
57%
$ 9,530
88%
$28,578
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,432
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Most Affordable Degree Completion Program
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UW is the most affordable option on average on this list.
Affordability is a signature appeal of UW's online bachelor of arts in early care and education (ECE) program. This degree completion program costs $231 per credit, making it the most affordable program on this list, on average. You must have completed at least 45 transferable quarter credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities to apply. Your total cost will depend on the number of transferable credits you have.
Even if you have the minimum number of transferable credits, UW offers scholarships to bring down the already-affordable tuition cost. The Early Learning Equity Scholarship for ECE students covers unmet financial need, prioritizing first-generation students.
What We Like About UW
- UW also offers an Accelerated Certification for Teachers, which can be completed in as little as one year.
- The fully online ECE program can be full- or part-time and completed in 2-3 years.
- If you already have a bachelor's degree, you will only need to complete ECE coursework.
What We Don't Like
- The ECE program does not directly lead to teaching certification.
- If you have completed fewer than 40 transferrable quarter credits at the time you submit your application, you will need to satisfy admission requirements through high school and/or college coursework.
18%
$12,270
95%
$43,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 39%
- Students Enrolled
- 57,067
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like admission requirements, affordability, and student support services. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in December 2025.
Why You Should Get an Early Childhood Education Degree
Rewarding Career: As an early childhood educator, you can have a significant impact on children’s lives, teaching them how to read, write, and communicate effectively.- Opportunity for Growth: After years of experience, you could move into administration positions or even start your own business, such as a daycare center.
- Work in a Variety of Settings: Early childhood educators can work in several work environments, including preschools, elementary schools, and childcare centers.
Benefits of Getting an Early Childhood Education Degree Online
According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report:- An online program provides the flexibility to work while studying. Just over 2 in 5 students enrolled full time in online programs of any major also work full time.
- More than 90% of students and program graduates say their online degree will have or has had a positive return on investment.
- Out of more than 100 survey respondents, 100% of psychology, education, and social sciences online students and program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
How to Choose the Best Online Early Childhood Education Program for You
When evaluating an online early childhood education program, consider its cost, program length, and accreditation.
You should also take time to think about the specific skills you want learn from a program so you can evaluate its core courses and electives.
How Much Does an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Cost?
Online Education Bachelor’s Degrees
Avg. Tuition & Fees (2019-2020)
$9,594
Avg. Net Price (2019-2020)
$5,334
Source: NCES PowerStats
During the 2019-2020 academic year, the average tuition and fees for an online bachelor’s degree in education was just under $9,600. However, if you factor in grants and scholarships, the average net price was just over $5,300.
There are several options you can explore to help lower the cost of your early childhood education degree. For instance, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also contact your schools financial aid office to find out if you qualify for other loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Also, note that online students in early childhood education may qualify for special scholarships offered by organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Education Association.
Find Financial Aid for Your Early Childhood Education Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Early Childhood Education Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A degree in early childhood education typically requires 120 credits and four years to finish, if you’re a full-time student. As a art-time student, it may take an additional year or more for you to graduate, depending on how many classes you sign up for per semester.
If you want to fast-track your degree, there are several steps you can take, such as taking summer courses, transferring credits, and earning credit for work and life experience.
You can also consider enrolling in an accelerated education program. An accelerated program lets you finish your degree faster by offering shorter courses or dividing the academic year into more than two semesters, depending on the school.
Early Childhood Education Degree Application Requirements
Minimum GPA, typically between 2.0 and 2.75- Previous experience in early childhood education
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Accreditation for Early Childhood Education Programs
Make sure to choose an online early childhood education program from a school that holds institutional accreditation, particularly regional accreditation, which is known for having more rigorous quality standards.
Additionally, many early childhood education programs hold programmatic accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This agency requires programs to meet standards in areas like teaching approaches, staff qualifications, and relationships with children’s families.
What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?
An early childhood education degree can prepare you for several positions in the education field, such as a childcare worker and elementary school teacher.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects around 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year between 2023 and 2033, despite a decline in employment.
Similarly, the BLS projects 162,500 yearly openings for childcare workers through 2033. Preschool teachers have the highest demand in the field, with a 4% projected job growth between 2023 and 2033.
You typically need a state license for teaching positions, and an early childhood education degree can help prepare you for the licensing process. However, while many online teaching programs can help you earn a license, you might still need in-person student teaching experience to qualify.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $32,050 | Work with young children and help nurture their early growth and development. |
| Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | Teach young students basic subjects such as reading, science, and math. |
| Kindergarten Teachers | $61,430 | Teach students around 5 years of age basic concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, and time. |
| Preschool Teachers | $37,120 | Work with children under the age of 5 to teach them basic skills in preparation for kindergarten. |
| Special Education Teachers | $64,270 | Work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, and/or physical disabilities in an educational setting. |
Learn More About Early Childhood Education Jobs
Is an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?
An online early childhood education degree can be worthwhile if you’re interested in working with young children.
With this degree, you can typically qualify for teaching roles at preschools and elementary schools or as a childcare worker. And while entry-level positions in early childhood education may not offer high salaries, many find it a rewarding career with a consistent employment demand.
Online education programs are also usually highly recommended by students and graduates, according to our research.
Our 2024 Online Education Trends Reports found that 93% of students and graduates thought earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment. Additionally, all of the psychology, education, and social sciences online students and program graduates we surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
A bachelor’s in early childhood education can help you land entry-level roles like teacher and childcare worker. But if you’re looking for career advancement and increased earning potential, you might want to get a master’s degree in education.
There are different types of master’s degrees in education available, including a master of education (M.Ed.), a master’s in early childhood education, and a master’s in elementary education. These programs take 1-3 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in advanced research and academic leadership, you might consider earning a doctor of education (Ed.D.), which takes around three years to complete on average.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Early Childhood Education Degrees
The best degree for early childhood education is generally a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Alternative options include degrees in early childhood development, early childhood studies, and elementary education.
Explore More College Resources
8 Jobs for Education Majors Besides Teaching
Careers for education majors stretch beyond the classroom. From academic advising to career counseling, here is what you can do with an education degree.
Updated September 26, 2025
Most Popular College Majors
Curious about which college majors attract the most students? Check out our list of the 10 most popular majors.
Updated August 15, 2024
Other Education and Teaching Resources
Education and Teaching
programs
careers