Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2024
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
2024Have 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.
Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Online Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled54,906
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,972
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Oakland City University
- Oakland City, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,740
- Out-of-state$25,740
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled867
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,095
- Out-of-state$7,947
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled20,717
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,618
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$8,473
- Out-of-state$8,473
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled10,238
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$6,240
- In-State$6,075
- Out-of-state$6,075
- Retention Rate33%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$8,730
- Out-of-state$9,700
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled43,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Flint
- Flint, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,868
- Out-of-state$23,604
- In-State$12,740
- Out-of-state$19,080
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,958
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,129
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. This ranking is from 2024. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
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.
| 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% |
“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).
Explore More College Resources
Going Back to College for a Teaching Degree
What degree does a teacher need? Keep reading to learn about the education you’ll need to enter the teaching profession.
by Liz Simmons
Updated January 30, 2024
Scholarships for Education Majors
For those looking to become teachers, financing your degree can be a challenge. Learn what scholarships are available for education majors.
Updated April 19, 2024
Most In-Demand Education Careers
Discover the top 10 fastest-growing education careers and what they entail. From archivist to special education teacher, there’s a career for you.
Updated May 28, 2024
View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.