What is the cheapest online college for a teaching degree?

Western Governors University (WGU) offers one of the cheapest online teaching degrees. WGU charges $3,825 per semester, regardless of the number of classes taken. Most students graduate within 36 months, making the entire program cost $22,950.

What is the shortest teaching degree?

Accelerated bachelor's programs in teaching are the shortest teaching degree programs. These accelerated programs may offer licensure tracks and asynchronous classes. If you are interested in a master's degree, an accelerated bachelor's and master's program can be completed within five years.

How much money will you make with a degree in early childhood education?

According to Payscale, professionals with a bachelor's in early childhood education earn around $50,000 per year. But pay varies depending on your job title, industry, and location. For example, preschool teachers in elementary and secondary schools earn a median salary of $49,670, while those in child daycares earn $31,010, according to the BLS. For preschool and childcare center directors, pay can range from under $35,000 to more than $85,000.

What’s the best degree for early childhood education?

The best early childhood education degree depends upon your personal learning goals and ideal career paths. You can choose your preferred degree level, format, location, and major. Potential major choices include early childhood development, early childhood studies, and elementary education.

Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2024

Online early childhood education degree programs prepare you to teach young children. Discover the best programs, financial aid, and career paths.

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Updated September 18, 2024

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Have you ever felt a sense of pure joy when you helped a young kid learn something new? Maybe it was teaching them how to write their name or ask for something they wanted.

That’s a feeling that early childhood educators get to experience all the time at work. They’re trained to work with children in various settings — such as preschools or childcare centers — and teach them foundational skills that will help set them up for success later in life.

The best jobs for early childhood educators often require a bachelor’s degree. Fortunately, many schools offer affordable degrees to make the investment worthwhile.

Popular Online Programs for Early Childhood Education

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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In this Article

Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Online Programs

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,566

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

54,906

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

54,906

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

National University

San Diego, CA4 yearOnline

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

55%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,480

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,480

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

17,972

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,320

National University

San Diego, CA4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,320

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,320

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

80%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,480

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,480

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

17,972

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$25,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

867

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,740

Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,740

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

867

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$2,095

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,947

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

20,717

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,095

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,947

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,095

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,947

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

78%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

20,717

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Charter Oak State College

New Britain, CT4 yearOnline

$7,656

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,056

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,720

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,618

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,656

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,056

Charter Oak State College

New Britain, CT4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,656

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,056

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,288

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,720

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,618

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$24,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,473

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,473

Retention Rate

61%

Students Enrolled

10,238

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,900

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,900

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,473

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,473

Retention Rate

61%

Students Enrolled

10,238

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Central Methodist University

Fayette, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$6,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,075

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,075

Retention Rate

33%

Students Enrolled

3,242

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,240

Central Methodist University

Fayette, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,240

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,075

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,075

Retention Rate

33%

Students Enrolled

3,242

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,730

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,700

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

43,458

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,356

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,730

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,700

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

43,458

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$11,868

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,604

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,740

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,080

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,958

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,868

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,604

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,868

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,604

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

87%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,740

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,080

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,958

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

13,129

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,700

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

87%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

13,129

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Early Childhood Education Degree Overview

About the Degree: Early childhood education focuses on teaching children up to 8 years old. It combines theory, teaching methods, and field experience.

Length: Full-time students typically graduate in four years, while part-time students may finish in about six years.

Cost: Education degrees have more opportunities to cost less. There are generally a lot of scholarships, grants, or student loan forgiveness options for those pursuing education. Federal and state aid, as well as student loans, can make the degree even more affordable.

Career Paths: Graduates often work in childcare centers, preschools, elementary schools, and private programs as teachers, education specialists, consultants, and administrators.

“A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education provides one with knowledge and skills to be an excellent teacher for young children. Teaching young children is not an easy task — it requires intellectual work on the part of the early childhood teacher.”

— Sarah Jean Baker, BA in Early Childhood Education, Concordia University

Is an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Affordable?

Earning your early childhood education degree online doesn’t have to break the bank. While it’s true that online tuition can sometimes come in lower than on-campus tuition, most universities charge online students the same tuition per credit.

What makes an early childhood education degree affordable is not the difference in sticker price from other programs, but in the readily available financial support. An early childhood education degree can cost less because of the applicable financial aid options and student loan forgiveness programs specific to educators.

“There are scholarships for persons interested in studying early childhood education. Some early childhood centers even provide tuition reimbursement to students seeking an early childhood degree. And lastly, loan forgiveness can be another option for students who teach in areas of high need (e.g. rural school district).”

— Sarah Jean Baker, BA in Early Childhood Education, Concordia University

Paying for Your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree

College can be costly, but early childhood education programs can be affordable. You have a few options to help pay for your degree, including federal student aid and student loans.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be your first step when looking for financial aid. This application can lead to loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.

Loans

You also have access to several loan types, including federal and private loans. You may qualify for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Plus, early childhood educators may be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Grants

There are various grants available to those with financial need. This list includes Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Prospective teachers may also qualify for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.

Work-Study Programs

Federal work-study programs provide paid work experiences for students who demonstrate financial need. These federal work-study jobs offer funding, targeted experience, and flexible schedules. The available work-study jobs depend on the school, and positions may be available on campus or in the community.

Scholarships

You can search for scholarships in various ways. These financial aid programs come from the federal, state, and local governments, as well as specific colleges, universities, and organizations. Early childhood education online students can access scholarships through various national education organizations, such as the National Education Association.

Education scholarships available to you:

Career Paths in Early Childhood Education

Graduates from early childhood education programs often work with young children as teachers. Teaching career paths include preschool, kindergarten, or special education teaching roles. Other fields can also utilize the skills learned in early childhood education programs, including consultancy or the public sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many teaching careers are expected to slightly grow or shrink between 2023 and 2033.

Careers for Graduates of Early Childhood Education Programs
Job	Median Salary (May 2023)	Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Preschool or Daycare Director	$54,290	-2%
Preschool Teacher	$37,130	4%
Kindergarten Teacher	$62,690	-1%
Elementary School Teacher	$63,680	-1%
Special Education Teacher, Preschool	$65,270	2%
Special Education Teacher, K-6	$67,190	-1%

Source: BLS

“A career in early childhood education means you have a daily opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and have a more lasting impact on future generations.”

— Michele Lucia, BS in Childhood Development, Walden University

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Program?

Undergraduate coursework in early childhood education will give you an understanding of child development, how to adapt to students’ learning styles, and how to be a positive influence through theories and practices.

Child Development. Young children go through rapid growth and development in the years after birth. You’ll learn about social, emotional, physical, speech, and communication development.
Language and Literacy Development. Children need help learning to use language to communicate their thoughts and feelings and develop the ability to read and write. This course teaches you strategies to develop these skills, including singing, storytelling, and drawing.
Curriculum Planning. Early childhood educators create and design curricula for their students. You’ll learn how to plan activities, select materials, and use effective teaching strategies throughout the school year.
Assessment and Evaluation. Teachers assess and evaluate children to keep parents informed and support them as they grow. This class focuses on observing children and how they learn, react, and interact with new situations. You’ll then reflect on the students’ successes and areas that need growth.
Social and Emotional Learning. Young children take a while to grasp socialization skills and understand their emotions. You’ll learn how to help them work on self-awareness, self-control, and everyday challenges and interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

Florida International University (FIU) offers one of the cheapest online teaching degrees. For its bachelor’s program in early childhood education, FIU charges $235.57 per credit for in-state students and $648.87 per credit for out-of-state students. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credits, making the entire program cost around $29,000 (in-state) or $78,000 (out-of-state).