Best Early Childhood Education Degrees Online of 2025
TheBestSchools.org 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 TheBestSchools.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
If you love working with young children and want to make a career out of it, consider earning a degree in early childhood education. Early childhood education programs help you develop skills like leadership and communication, as well as classroom management, curriculum development, and child advocacy.
You can earn an early childhood education degree online and start working in preschools, elementary schools, or related centers to support child development. In this guide, find everything you need to decide if this degree is right for you, including common courses, career paths, and average salaries.
10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs
Ball State University
Muncie, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Ball State University allows you to choose from a BA or BS in early childhood education. The major requires 90 credits, and you can select any minor to complete the degree, including early intervention, applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder, psychology of human development, and more.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The program is 100% online and asynchronous, so you can watch courses and complete homework on your own schedule.
- If you live and work in Indiana, you may qualify for the TEACH scholarship that covers most of your tuition and book expenses.
- The curriculum emphasizes theories in child development, effective teaching techniques, and understanding diverse family structures and backgrounds.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This degree completion program requires an associate degree in early childhood education with a practicum or at least 45 credits from an accredited college or university.
- You'll need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify for a credit transfer.
- In-State$8,688
- Out-of-state$26,696
- In-State$9,884
- Out-of-state$21,222
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled20,440
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Bay Path University's online bachelor's in early childhood education licensure program meets Massachusetts's requirements for licensure. The program helps you develop the expert teaching skills necessary to qualify for various careers in education. The accelerated structure means you could graduate in as little as three and a half years.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in Massachusetts
Things We Love:
- You can choose from career-focused majors such as early childhood leadership, education studies in a non-licensure track, or elementary education licensure.
- The curriculum includes one-on-one instruction from expert faculty to develop your skills.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $410 per credit for full-time students for the 2024-2025 school year, total program tuition is around $49,200.
- You can transfer in up to 90 credits to earn your degree faster.
- In-State$35,781
- Out-of-state$35,781
- In-State$19,235
- Out-of-state$19,235
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled2,465
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Campbellsville University offers a BS in early childhood education with a curriculum that builds competence in child development and pedagogy. The program aims to develop a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive classrooms.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- CU allows you to add a Montessori specialization to your degree.
- In the BS program, you can earn a director's credential for additional career advancement.
- Choose from courses that are eight or 16 weeks to customize your degree.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- With tuition of $424 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students, total tuition is about $50,880 as of the 2024-2025 school year.
- CU is a military-friendly school and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program.
- In-State$25,600
- Out-of-state$25,600
- In-State$8,904
- Out-of-state$8,904
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,775
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Central Michigan University offers BS in education that specializes in teaching early childhood from birth through kindergarten as well as early childhood special education. You'll gain the skills and credentials necessary for a career in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes intensive real-world experience during this 51-credit major.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 124
- Programmatic Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- During this degree program, you'll learn practice-based education in teaching young children with and without disabilities.
- The coursework emphasizes learning through play and the social, emotional, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children.
- CMU reports that 94.9% of students are employed, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can access annual scholarships through the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development.
- CMU has a high 91% admissions rate.
- In-State$10,992
- Out-of-state$19,800
- In-State$808
- Out-of-state$808
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled14,423
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Central Wyoming College
- Riverton, WY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Central Wyoming College calls its bachelor of applied science in early childhood education the "path to a career that makes a difference every day." You'll learn skills to teach children from pre-K through third grade and have opportunities to practice skills during field experiences in different education settings.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- Coursework includes foundations of education, elementary math and science, psychology, special education, technology, literature, and more.
- You can choose between asynchronous and synchronous courses throughout your degree program.
- Before graduation, you are required to attempt the Education of Young Children Praxis 5024.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 before enrolling in upper-division courses.
- In-state tuition is around $156 per credit as of the 2024-2025 school year, while out-of-state tuition is $366 per credit.
- In-State$3,150
- Out-of-state$9,450
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online BS in early childhood education that aligns with Hawaii requirements and National Association for the Education of Young Children standards. The curriculum includes fieldwork experience.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- You'll have the chance to study developmentally appropriate practice, leadership and guidance, and language arts curriculum and methods.
- Chaminade University is accredited in Montessori education, which allows you to add specialized courses as part of your degree program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Pre-major requirements include child development; music, art, and creative movement in early childhood education; and health and family issues.
- Chaminade University of Honolulu has a high acceptance rate of 93%.
- In-State$28,430
- Out-of-state$28,430
- In-State$25,200
- Out-of-state$25,200
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled2,039
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Charter Oak State College has a 100% online bachelor's in early childhood education with three concentration options, including Montessori, program administration and leadership, and early childhood teacher credential.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The degree programs prepare you to enroll in teacher certification programs after completing the undergraduate degree program.
- With six start dates throughout the year, you can get started whenever you like.
- You can qualify for various scholarships from the Charter Oak State College Foundation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for all full-time students is $329 per credit or $39,480 for the entire bachelor's program.
- COSC has a 100% first-to-second-year retention rate for full-time students.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an accelerated BA in early childhood education that allows you to begin working faster. The program prepares you to earn a Wisconsin early childhood teacher license.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in Wisconsin
Things We Love:
- The curriculum builds a strong foundation in early childhood education with opportunities for student teaching in classrooms or licensed early childhood facilities.
- The faculty are all practicing educators who can help you become an advocate for children from birth through third grade.
- The program accepts up to six credits from prior learning assessments, and, with the program director's approval, you can transfer in up to 84 credits.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $490 per credit for tuition for the 2024-2025 school year, the total program cost is $58,800 for full-time students.
- You can start on multiple dates in the fall, spring, and summer trimesters, with rolling admissions throughout the year.
- In-State$32,770
- Out-of-state$32,770
- In-State$12,042
- Out-of-state$12,042
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled5,063
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Fisher College
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
Fisher College's BA in early childhood education and care takes place in eight-week courses. The program trains you to implement developmentally appropriate practice by integrating research and education and typically takes three years and four months to complete.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in all 50 states
Things We Love:
- The curriculum includes fieldwork in early childhood development and pedagogy while emphasizing best practices, advocacy, and reflective practice in the context of family, culture, language, and society.
- The program emphasizes reflective thinking and gaining the skills necessary to become effective decision-makers.
- You can choose from 18 diverse minors to build unique professional credentials.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Total tuition is $34,489 per year for full-time students as of the 2024-2025 school year.
- You may earn up to seven credits for prior learning with a Child Development Associate credential.
- In-State$33,150
- Out-of-state$33,150
- In-State$27,090
- Out-of-state$27,090
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled1,421
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
You can pursue a 100% online BS in early childhood development at Florida International University. The degree focuses on the development of the whole child and includes courses on young children's cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The curriculum includes courses on classroom management, assessment techniques, family engagement, children with special needs, cultural diversity, and literacy development.
- A 24-7 online platform allows you to connect with other students and get real-time feedback from instructors.
- FIU has a strong 74% graduation rate.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Full-time, in-state students pay $236 per credit hour as of the 2024-2025 school year, while out-of-state tuition is $649 per credit.
- FIU has a 51% acceptance rate, and SAT or ACT scores aren't required to apply.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
What Is an Early Childhood Education Degree?
An early childhood education degree can lay the groundwork for you to work as a preschool teacher or director at a daycare center. These programs prepare you to educate and care for young children as they undergo rapid cognitive, social, and physical changes.
Some programs can also prepare you to pursue a teaching certificate. With an additional teaching certificate, this degree can also qualify you to work as an elementary teacher for K-3 students.
There are benefits to earning your degree in childhood education online. Online bachelor’s degree programs offer the flexibility for you to balance your studies with work or family commitments. With online degrees, you can also access highly ranked programs from any location.
Choosing the Right Online Early Childhood Education Program: 4 Key Factors
Take your time exploring different online early childhood education degree options. The first school you find might not be the right fit. Many institutions offer online programs, so it can be beneficial to remain discerning.
1. Program Cost
In general, public institutions are more affordable than private institutions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for public in-state college students was $9,750 for the 2022-2023 academic year. For private universities, that average was $35,250. At some schools, you can access in-state tuition as an out-of-state online student.
While online tuition prices vary dramatically from school to school, online education degrees cost less, on average, than on-campus degrees, according to the NCES. The average annual tuition costs between online and on-campus education degrees can be found below.
Online Education Degrees
$9,590
In-Person Education Degrees
$14,230
2. Program Length
To complete your degree more quickly, consider enrolling in a full-time or accelerated program. Online degrees add convenience, allowing you to earn your degree without being tied to a specific location. If you have a busy schedule and prefer a slower pace, a part-time program can offer greater flexibility.
Typically, full-time students complete bachelor’s degree programs in four years, while part-time students take six to eight years. With an accelerated degree program, you could enter the workforce faster or pursue a graduate degree more quickly, completing your bachelor’s and master’s in as few as five years.
3. On-Campus Requirements
Most early childhood education programs require in-person practicums or residencies. If you live in a different part of the country from your university, pay close attention to a program’s on-campus requirements. In some cases, you may be able to fulfill these requirements at a local school or childcare center.
4. Accreditation
Always ensure that your online early childhood education program is accredited. Universities can be accreditated at both the institutional and programmatic levels. Attending an accredited institution ensures that you can receive federal financial aid and transfer credits between schools.
The DE and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation agencies to ensure their integrity. To learn more, check out CHEA’s list of accrediting bodies. You can also search the database of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to find accredited early childhood education programs. Other programmatic accreditors for early childhood education include:
Reality Check: Can I make a comfortable living as a childhood educator?
It’s no secret that many teachers are unsatisfied with their salaries. However, with certain early childhood specializations, you could earn a salary comparable to the national median salary for all workers of $48,060.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), preschool special education teachers made a median annual salary of $64,270 as of May 2024, and preschool and daycare administrators made a median annual salary of $56,270.
Early Childhood Education Salary and Career Outlook
Early childhood education is a versatile degree and can open the door to various careers. Further, you can choose to earn your teaching credential and work in elementary schools or special education.
Common careers for people with an early childhood education degree include preschool teacher, childcare worker, preschool and childcare center director, and teacher assistant. This degree could also be the starting point from which to pursue advanced degrees and careers such as curriculum developer or principal.
| Careers | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Preschool teachers | $37,120 |
| Childcare workers | $32,050 |
| Preschool and childcare center directors | $56,270 |
| Teacher assistants | $35,240 |
| Special education teachers | $64,270 |
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Program?
While curricula will vary based on specialization, a typical curriculum in early childhood education covers topics including special education, classroom organization, and emerging literacy assessment methods. Some common courses are:
- Principles of Development in Infancy: This class covers the normal stages of development during the first few months of a child’s life, including methods of recognizing and intervening in developmental problems.
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition: You’ll learn what children should eat, as well as accident prevention tactics and how to foster a healthy learning environment.
- Child and Family Development: In this course, you’ll learn about growth stages, normal development, and delays for children ages 3-6, plus how family development can affect the process.
- Relationships in Today’s Families: You’ll explore differences in family dynamics to understand how to best communicate with and motivate young children.
- Classroom Experience: Even in an online program, you’ll have the chance to work in classroom settings under lead teachers’ supervision to start gaining familiarity with creating and implementing lesson plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degrees
What is the best degree for early childhood education?
The best online early childhood education degree depends on your career goals and personal interests. In general, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education offers excellent preparation for most early childhood education careers.
However, if you want to pursue leadership or administrative roles, consider earning a master’s degree in childhood education.
What can you do with an early childhood education degree?
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can help qualify you to work as a preschool teacher, childcare worker, childcare center director, teacher assistant, or a K-3 elementary school teacher.
If you prefer behind-the-scenes roles, you could become a curriculum developer, educational consultant, or school counselor. These administrative positions typically require an advanced degree and additional certifications.
How long does it take to get a degree in early childhood education?
A typical bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Some online programs may offer accelerated options with shorter degree completion timelines.
Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?
In general, early childhood education is not a very lucrative field, but it allows you to perform fulfilling work helping young children. Earning an early childhood education degree can also put you in a better position to ask for raises and promotions than peers without postsecondary education.
How much do early childhood educators make?
How much you can make as an early childhood educator depends on your individual career path. At the low end, according to the BLS, the median annual salary for a preschool teacher is $37,120, and childcare workers earn $32,050.
If you become a special education teacher, the median annual salary is nearly double that at $64,270. Becoming a preschool director is another higher-paying career option, with a median salary of $56,270. If you want to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher, the median salary is $62,310.
Where you live will also affect your earning potential. According to the BLS, the states with the highest average salaries for preschool teachers are Colorado, California, New Jersey, and Nebraska.
