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.
2026To help you navigate your path to a preschool or elementary school teaching career, we’ve ranked the top online early childhood education programs. We used metrics such as affordability, reputation, and academic quality, but the best college for you depends on your goals.
For example, conveniently earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Arizona State University or customize your education with one of 23 minors at Ball State University. Explore these top choices and other colleges that offer early childhood education online.
Best Colleges That Offer Early Childhood Education Online
How We Rank Schools
Arizona State University
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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, 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.
What to Look for in Online Early Childhood Education Programs
Aside from providing you with a solid education, your prospective program/school should be accredited and prepare you for state licensure. Affordability and flexibility are additional considerations.
Consider Cost and Financial Aid
The programs in our rankings list average between $206 to $580 per credit. However, financial aid availability and state residency could affect what you actually pay.
- Ticket Price: A school’s ticket price may sound appealing, but your choice shouldn’t be based on cost alone.
- FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can determine your eligibility for federal financial assistance.
- Residency: You may qualify for lower tuition if you live in the state where your school is located.
Find Financial Aid for Your Education Program
Ensure Your Program Holds Accreditation
Accredited early childhood education programs provide high-quality education and career preparation. Some are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Also, make sure the school itself is accredited by a reputable agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission.
Balance Flexibility With In-Person Requirements
Many of the top colleges that offer early childhood education online still have in-person requirements, such as occasional campus visits or student teaching hours.
For maximum flexibility and convenience, consider schools that offer asynchronous course delivery and assistance with field placements. Most importantly, prioritize schools that best align with your goals and needs.
Choose a Program Meeting State Licensure Requirements
It is imperative that your program meet the licensure/certification requirements of the state in which you plan to work.
For example, ensure your program includes at least 12 weeks of student teaching experience if you’re seeking certification in Arizona. For Indiana licensure, choose a program that includes training in child abuse/neglect and human trafficking.
How Much Does an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Cost?
The programs in our rankings list average $430 per credit ($366 and $493 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively). This is less than the average per-credit cost for all undergraduate programs.
Like state residency, your enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and the amount of financial aid you secure can impact program cost.
- Average In-State, Per-Credit Cost On the List: $366
- Average Out-of-State, Per-Credit Cost On the List: $493
- Average Per-Credit Cost for All Undergraduate Programs: $490
What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?
Earning an early childhood education degree qualifies you for childcare and teaching roles with toddlers and school-aged children. Special education, elementary school, and kindergarten teachers are among the top earners.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2025) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $35,080 | Work with young children and help nurture their early growth and development. |
| Elementary School Teachers | $72,650 | Teach young students basic subjects such as reading, science, and math. |
| Kindergarten Teachers | $69,370 | Teach students around 5 years of age basic concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, and time. |
| Preschool Teachers | $43,030 | Work with children under the age of 5 to teach them basic skills in preparation for kindergarten. |
| Special Education Teachers | $74,730 | Work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, and/or physical disabilities in an educational setting. |
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Early Childhood Education Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Earning an online early childhood education bachelor’s degree takes about four years of full-time study. You can also earn this 120-credit degree in just three years through accelerated degree programs.
Some schools are beginning to offer 90-credit (3-year) bachelor’s degrees. These programs boast lighter courseloads and do not require transfer of previously earned credits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges That Offer Early Childhood Education Programs Online
Yes, you can teach preschool and elementary school students with an online early childhood education degree. You can also focus your attention on children with special needs. However, a state license/certificate is required to teach in public schools.
Explore More College Resources
8 Courses You Can Expect to Take in an Early Childhood Degree
Considering an early childhood education degree? Here are the courses you’ll take, plus the career-focused skills you’ll develop in the classroom and during fieldwork.
Updated March 30, 2026
Best Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Programs
Earning an online early childhood education degree doesn’t have to break the bank. Explore financial aid options, affordable programs, and more.
by Charmaine Robinson, MSN-Ed, RN
Updated May 1, 2026
Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs of 2025
An online master’s in early childhood education allows you to continue working while you earn a higher degree.
Updated May 23, 2025
Other Education and Teaching Resources
Education and Teaching
programs