People who want jobs as early childhood educators have a special responsibility in society. They take on the sometimes rewarding, sometimes frustrating task of getting young people interested in education and preparing them for many more years of schooling.
According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS), the job opportunities for kindergarten or elementary school teachers are projected to grow by about 4% from 2019 to 2029, and there is very much a need for people to help shape the next generation.
If you’re interested in Early Childhood Education, you might be wondering how to go about getting a
job
in the field. A bachelor’s degree in child development or education can help. Think you don’t have time to go back to school? Don’t worry! Thanks to the increasing use of technology on college campuses, it is now possible to earn a bachelor’s degree entirely
online
. For more general information regarding best value online education programs visit our ranking of
the best online colleges
.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
The Top 20
Cheap Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
for 2021
The highest-ranking university on our list offers a unique option for candidates interested in both theory and practice. One of the most unique features of National University's top online BA in Early Childhood Education is that it puts a relatively large weight on classroom learning rather than job training. As such, students receive a thorough education in topics that range from early cognition and nutrition to STEM pedagogy and trauma. Degree candidates can even choose from three specialized tracks: Early Childhood Administration, Infant and Toddler, and Teaching Education. Even so, all program participants must complete one academic seminar/field experience before graduating.
Graduation rate: 40%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: La Jolla, CA
Standardized test scores/requirements: Students are usually admitted with an SAT score between 750-1170.
Av. grad salary: On average, NU graduates earn between
$27,000 and $84,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
South Dakota State University makes it easy for aspiring grade K-3 educators to gain the credentials they need. Faculty within the CAEP-accredited education department have worked to align the ECE degree with NAEYC student learning outcomes to maximize program effectiveness. This means that degree candidates get a hefty dose of hands-on training. In addition to teaching in the university's own early learning center, ECE majors also complete work experiences in kindergarten or primary school environments (up to Grade 3) in their local area. With all that practical knowledge under their belt, it's no surprise that graduates of SDSU's accredited early childhood education bachelor' degree online readily find work throughout the SD, MN, and IA school districts.
Graduation rate: 57%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$
Location: Brookings, SD
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school transcript or GED, SDSU looks for an ACT composite score or 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore of 970
Av. grad salary: On average, SDSU graduates earn between
$26,353 and $74,845
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Contact: 605-688-4321 or stephanie.sandmeier@sdstate.edu
This NCATE-accredited online early childhood education program is available entirely at a distance, making it one of our ranking's more convenient options. Better yet, UC's program earned recognition as an exemplary model for distance learners. Although there are likely many reasons for its success, the program's supportive atmosphere and individualized approach go a long way with online students. Program participants enjoy access to personal advisors and can discuss their personalized degree plan over the phone at any time. The result is an impressive track record among graduates, who frequently continue to pursue careers as program administrators, preschool teachers, consultants, and infant/toddler specialists.
Graduation rate: 21%
School status: Public research
Tuition cost: $$$$
Location: Blue Ash, OH
Standardized test scores/requirements: Open admission policy; high school transcript or GED required
Av. grad salary: On average, UC graduates earn between
$24,000 and $55,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Contact: 513-556-1100 or
this link
will allow you to learn more.
Ideal for West Coast residents, Brandman's online BA in Early Childhood Education offers classes over the web and through several satellite campuses in California and Washington. The curriculum provides nearly all the lower and upper division courses that ECE majors need; applicants only need 12 transferable baccalaureate-level credits to qualify for admission. Once accepted, you'll launch into a powerful degree plan that will take you from novice to expert in no time. The first few semesters focus on education fundamentals to prepare students for more advanced classes in pedagogical theory and practice - like "The Intentional, Reflective Teacher," for example. Throughout the program, you'll also complete two teaching practicums and take a final capstone course in decision-making.
Graduation rate: 8%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Irvine, CA
Standardized test scores/requirements: Brandman requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, as well as 12 or more transferable baccalaureate level credits, or the equivalent.
Av. grad salary: On average, Brandman graduates earn between
$32,000 and $56,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Central Methodist University's selective ECE program is available to both first-time undergraduates and current childcare professionals. Taking a balanced approach, CMU develops each student's individual abilities by complementing online courses like "Organization & Administration of Early Childhood Programs" with subject-specific teaching practicums. And as you near the end of this affordable online early childhood education degree, you'll have the option to complete a final student-teaching semester to fine-tune your skills and solidify your readiness for the job market. Many degree candidates also use their last semester to get a jumpstart on Missouri's teaching certification process.
Graduation rate: 44%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$
Location: Fayette, MO
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school transcript or GED, Central Methodist University requires an AC composite score of 21, or an SAT composite score of 1050.
Av. grad salary: On average, Central Methodist University graduates earn between
$25,000 and $61,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Contact: 660-248-6251 or admissions@centralmethodist.edu
If you're a New Hampshire resident who currently works an early learning setting and wants to boost your credentials, you're in luck. Granite State College offers a top online early childhood education degree that is designed to do exactly that. By emphasizing fieldwork experience, this teaching licensure program prepares ECE majors for work in kindergarten to 3rd-grade classrooms at public schools across the state. In addition to acquiring relevant training (with guidance from highly skilled mentors, of course) you'll also take online courses that explore the theory behind the practice, including topics like brain research and creative pedagogical methods.
Graduation rate: 14%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$
Location: Concord, NH
Standardized test scores/requirements: Open admission policy; high school transcript or GED required
Av. grad salary: On average, Granite State College graduates earn between
$33,000 and $63,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
In most preschools and elementary classrooms, in addition to the main teacher, there are often many staff members on hand to assist the students in a variety of ways. These other jobs (the non-teaching roles) are the focus of Fayetteville State University's cheap online early childhood education degree. Through this fully online BS program, teaching assistants and other classroom aides can acquire an advanced certification that will give their resume a valuable boost. The curriculum even requires ECE majors to declare a minor in sociology or psychology to maximize the value of their degree. At the end of their four years, graduates will have received a highly-relevant, career-oriented education that they can leverage into positions ranging from nursery school assistants to after-school program supervisor.
Graduation rate: 35%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Standardized test scores/requirements: Open admission policy; high school transcript or GED required
Av. grad salary: On average, Fayetteville State University graduates earn between
$22,000 and $69,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Though Mayville State has been conferring degrees for over a century, its cheap online early childhood education program is a fairly recent addition to its list of majors. The university's decision to create an ECE degree reflects its sensitivity to economic conditions - and its recognition of the need for qualified, degree-holding educators. To meet this need, the CAEP-accredited curriculum adheres to all licensing requirements for the state of North Dakota, and possibly other states as well. What's more, MSU offers a readily affordable tuition rate (it's even one of the cheapest on this list!) to ensure that financial limitations don't stand in the way of producing the high-quality, well-prepared educators that this country needs.
Graduation rate: 42%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$
Location: Mayville, ND
Standardized test scores/requirements: Test score requirements are currently waived for MSU.
Av. grad salary: On average, Mayville State University graduates earn between
$26,000 and $42,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Contact: 701-788-4721 or connie.kaldor@mayvillestate.edu
Montana Western's Education Department is a well-regarded, NCATE-accredited nationally training center for rural educators. With an eye on the future but feet firmly planted in reality, UMW works to make its teaching degree as accessible as possible to students around the state. Indeed, this university offers one of the best online early childhood education programs for busy students in the Northern Midwest. The degree combines online courses with convenient face-to-face meetings at a number of campuses in the Montana University System, thus extending its reach to all corners of the state. Plus, most traditional classes utilize "block scheduling," which condenses a week's worth of material into a single three-hour session.
Graduation rate: 46%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Dillon, MT
Standardized test scores/requirements: The University of Montana-Western requires an ACT composite score of 22 or an SAT composite score of 1120.
Av. grad salary: On average, University of Montana-Western graduates earn between
$31,000 and $39,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Contact: 406-683-7537 or teacher.cert@umwestern.edu
Though Wilmington University's College of Education offers four distinct BS degrees, students who seek careers in the ECE sector should probably choose the Education Studies program. Majors may then select a concentration in Early Education Studies, which features a set of highly-focused courses on the unique educational needs of infants, preschoolers, and kindergartners. And though this top online early childhood education program does not result in state licensure or certification, degree recipients still acquire extensive classroom experience before graduating. From young ESL preschoolers to exceptional early literacy skills, WU imparts the skills that ECE majors need to succeed in a variety of instructional and childcare roles in the private sector.
Graduation rate: 35%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: New Castle, DE
Standardized test scores/requirements: No required test scores; a high school transcript or GED is required.
Av. grad salary: On average, Wilmington University graduates earn between
$30,000 and $73,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
With four unique tracks, Pacific Oaks College boasts one of the best online BA in Early Childhood Education programs for students who want specialized training. A degree-completion program with a focus on upper-level coursework, this BA only requires applicants to have at least 60 transferrable credits on their transcript - but not necessarily an associate's degree in education. Once they transfer, online learners can select their path from options that include STEAM and Dual Teaching Credential. The former emphasizes the importance of introducing children to science, technology, engineering, art, and math at a young age, while the latter qualifies graduates for the California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Graduation rate: This institution did not admit full-time first-time undergraduate-level students in the cohort year, therefore graduation rate information was not reported.
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$$$
Location: Pasadena, CA
Standardized test scores/requirements: No test score requirements, but a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher is required
Av. grad salary: On average, Pacific Oaks College graduates earn between
$38,000 and $40,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Florida International University's fully-online ECE program includes all four years of required coursework, meaning applicants don't need an associate's degree - or any transferable credits - to enroll. Both inexperienced and experienced students stand to benefit from FIU's cheap online early childhood education degree, which will quickly submerge you in foundational courses on classroom management, educational psychology, and instructional decision-making. And that's only the start; advanced classes focus on child development, family and community studies, and literacy development, among other topics. As an added perk, FIU encourages its distance learners to pursue Honors College status, for which they'll receive access to a personal faculty mentor plus unique internship, job, and study abroad opportunities.
Graduation rate: 54%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Miami, FL
Standardized test scores/requirements: FIU requires an official high school transcript, official ACT or SAT scores, and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Av. grad salary: On average, Florida International University graduates earn between
$14,000 and $72,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Technically, Chaminade University's accredited online early childhood education program does not result in teaching licensure. However, it does offer a unique Montessori Credential that specifically prepares students to work with young children in private school settings. The curriculum for this track meets Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) standards and includes two mandatory field assignments. And if you're not interested in this credential, you can opt for Chaminade's standard BS track instead. Graduates of this program - which is aligned with state requirements as well as the standards of the NAEYC - should have no problem finding work as private-school teachers and facilitators at early care centers.
Graduation rate: 49%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$$$
Location: Honolulu, HI
Standardized test scores/requirements: No test scores required; a high school transcript or GED is required
Av. grad salary: On average, Chaminade University of Honolulu students earn between
$27,000 and $62,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Arkansas Tech pairs with two local community colleges (North Arkansas and Ozarka) to offer its affordable online early childhood education program. As an ECE major, you'll complete most of the coursework for your associate's degree online through ATU. You can then continue to work toward your BS in Early Childhood Education by combining additional courses from ATU with other requirements from North Arkansas or Ozarka CC. While probably not ideal for out-of-state applicants, Arkansas residents should certainly consider this option. The curriculum meets assessment guidelines for CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials and even incorporates a teaching practicum into lower-level requirements.
Graduation rate: 45%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$
Location: Russellville, AR
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school transcript, ATU requires a composite ACT score of 19 or above or a composite SAT score of 1010.
Av. grad salary: On average, Arkansas Tech graduates earn between
$16,000 and $58,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
To qualify for the University of Toledo's ECE program, applicants must hold an AA in either early childhood education or childhood development. Ideal applicants also have at least some work experience on their resume and are currently employed at an early care or education center. Though some of these requirements may seem unnecessary or cumbersome, they are in fact crucial for students who want to be successful in UT's top online early childhood education program. And by limiting enrollment to a select group of degree candidates who share similar education and skill levels, the university can push a more challenging curriculum - complete with learning themes like "Supporting ECE Science and Math" and "Creating Effective Learning Environments."
Graduation rate: 44%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Toledo, OH
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school diploma, UT requires a minimum 2.7 GPA and minimum ACT composite score of 21, or an SAT composite score of 1060.
Av. grad salary: On average, University of Toledo graduates earn between
$20,000 and $76,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Bluefield College's BS in Early Childhood Education offers an experience-oriented curriculum that requires degree candidates to complete an intensive capstone internship course. By the end of the class, students will accrue an impressive 120 hours of fieldwork. But it's not just about quantity - ECE majors can also tailor the details of their internship to match their professional plans. For example, you might choose to gain management experience by working in an administrative position or strengthening your teaching skills by working directly with students in a classroom. It's this emphasis on hands-on, practical learning that makes Bluefield's accredited online early childhood education program one of the best around.
Graduation rate: 50%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$$$
Location: Bluefield, VA
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school transcript or GED, Bluefield College requires test scores. On average, students with an SAT score between 900 and 1070 or an ACT score between 16 and 22 are admitted.
Av. grad salary: On average, Bluefield College graduates earn between
$16,000 and $57,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
For students who require flexibility, UNC Greensboro delivers one of the top early childhood education bachelor' degrees online. The curriculum is specifically geared towards North Carolina community college transfer students who have already received their AA degree. Once they've transferred, BS candidates can choose to acquire their remaining credits through either of two distinct tracks. First, the "Birth through Kindergarten" licensure track prepares students for teaching careers in early education classrooms. Or for a broader, more versatile education, program members can choose the BS in Early Care and Education, which will prepare them for non-licensure work in hospitals, child care centers, and private kindergartens.
Graduation rate: 56%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Greensboro, NC
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school transcript or GED, UNCG requires test scores. On average, students with an SAT score between 520-620 evidence-based reading and writing, and 510-600 math, or an ACT score around 23 are admitted.
Av. grad salary: On average, UNCG graduates earn between
$20,000 and $68,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Although a non-licensure program, Eastern Oregon University nonetheless offers a great option for students preparing to enter the early childhood sector. First off, candidates can earn their accredited, early childhood education degree online in just two years at EOU. And once they graduate, alumni can procure jobs as teachers, program directors, and even policymakers within the education sector. EOU also represents a speedy, affordable alternative for those who plan to earn their master's degree in teaching. With thoughtful classes like "Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities" and "Literature for Young Children," the curriculum provides a sound foundation for students who want to take their education to the next level.
Graduation rate: 31%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: La Grande, OR
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school diploma, EOU requires a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Av. grad salary: On average, EOU graduates earn between
$31,000 and $93,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Before applying to Lewis-Clark State's BAS program, you'll first need to complete your associate's degree in early childhood development. After earning your AA, you can transfer up to 50 credits to LCSC and complete your remaining requirements through their BAS curriculum. The advantage of this approach is that students can jump straight into upper-level coursework and start acquiring hands-on experience almost immediately after enrolling in this top online early education program. Experiential learning comes primarily in the form of an internship, through which degree candidates gain the valuable, career-oriented skills that potential employers seek. ECE majors who want extra training can opt for a second, intermediate-level internship as well.
Graduation rate: 27%
School status: Public
Tuition cost: $$$
Location: Lewiston, ID
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school diploma, Lewis-Clark State College requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, ACT composite score of 17, or SAT combined score of 780.
Av. grad salary: On average, Lewis-Clark State College graduates earn between
$24,000 and $65,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
Non-traditional learners can easily afford a top early childhood education degree online at Wayland Baptist University. The degree is especially suitable for current teachers as well as teaching assistants and program administrators. In fact, you can leverage your work experience to receive as many as twelve credits of coursework toward your degree. This will leave you with just 24 hours of upper-level classes to complete - a manageable mission even for full-time professionals. And with 15 metropolitan locations across the country, WBU considers accessibility a priority. Though the degree offers a 100% online option, students from Anchorage to Phoenix can easily access onsite classes, most of which meet conveniently at night.
Graduation rate: 32%
School status: Private non-profit
Tuition cost: $$$$
Location: Plainview, TX
Standardized test scores/requirements: Along with a high school diploma, WBU requires an ACT composite score of at least 18, or SAT combined score of at least 860.
Av. grad salary: On average, WBU graduates earn between
$27,000 and $44,000
. However, as a teacher pay will depend on state and district guidelines.
At Best Value ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs.
We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the
National Center for Education Statistics
and the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric
Data Used
Percentage
Academic Quality
Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates
25%
Affordability
Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid
35%
Reputation
Admission and enrollment rates
15%
Program Offerings
Number of program options
10%
Online Enrollment Score
Portion of learners taking at least one online course
15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our
methodology page.
Have Questions About Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degrees? We Have Answers.
Why become an early childhood educator?
Many people are attracted to the field of early childhood education in hopes of helping to shape the lives of young children. If your passion is helping to educate and mold children during early childhood, this degree path could be a good fit for you. With a degree in early childhood education, you can become a preschool teacher, teaching assistant, child care worker, or special education teacher.
What is the average salary for a teacher in early childhood education?
The average salary for a preschool teacher in early childhood education is about $31,930, according to BLS. The average wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is about $60,660 per year. .
How much does it cost to get a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education depends heavily on where you choose to go to school, what degree plan you choose to pursue, and other factors. It can cost anywhere from about $9,000 to $20,000 or more per academic year to obtain this degree. If you’re looking for an affordable option, consider the schools on our list of cheap early childhood education online degree programs.
If you’re looking to get into an early childhood degree program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED and will likely need an SAT score of at least 1340, though it will depend on the program.
To graduate with your online degree in this field, you’ll likely need a 2.0 GPA or higher in some or all of your classes. Some programs will require you to have a much higher GPA score to remain in the program, however, so it’s important to know what the actual degree requirements are before enrolling in a program.
As part of your final semesters of the program, you’ll likely have to participate in a student-teacher program and complete a practicum as part of your degree requirements, both of which will require you to have hands-on experience in the classroom. Generally, you will have to obtain about 120 credit hours in both general education and degree-specific classes before you can graduate with a degree in early childhood education, though the credit requirements can vary based on the program and other factors.
Courses in an Early Childhood Education Degree
Program
Childhood Development
Child development teaches you about the development of children from prenatal to age 8. These courses will cover typical and atypical behavior and development of the brain, emotions, or social skills in children. You’ll also learn developmental theory and how it can be applied in your role as an educator.
Kindergarten Education
This course focuses on teaching undergraduate students about activities and issues specifically pertaining to kindergarten-aged children.
Pedagogy
Students in this course will learn how and what to teach children in their role as an educator. You’ll learn teaching strategies, how to build these strategies, and the best ways to engage children to learn with lesson plans. You’ll also learn to set goals for your students as well as how to navigate diversity in the classroom.
Inclusion and Diverse Learning
In this course, you can expect to learn theories and practices around diversity in early childhood classrooms. You’ll also learn the issues children of diverse backgrounds face when they’re in an early childhood classroom setting.
Career Path for an Early Childhood Education Degree
If you pursue a
degree in childhood education
, there are several career trajectories you can pursue, including preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, or childcare worker. If you want to seek a higher paying position, you’ll most likely have to pursue an advanced degree. With an early childhood education bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master of education (MEd) degree with a focus in early childhood education.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Early Childhood Education Students
Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship
:
This scholarship goes toward West Virginia undergraduate students. To qualify, you must agree to work in the West Virginia school system for two years for each year you receive the scholarship.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: Applications submitted by January are prioritize
STEM Teacher Scholarships
: If you’re pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education degree to teach in a STEM field, consider applying for the AFCEA Educational Foundation scholarship.
At Best Value ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs.
Amanda Push is a freelance writer who covers education topics for Best Value ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频, Grad School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree ig电子竞技(新疆)结果视频, and others. Her writing has also been featured at TheSimpleDollar.com, Interest.com, MyMove.com, and Safety.com.
Additional Resources
Use articles and resources to uncover answers to common questions, get guidance on your goals, and learn about applying to schools.
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