2025 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online
ON THIS PAGE
Rankings Compare Experiences FAQs
Earning an affordable online early childhood education degree allows you to gain skills in child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management — without accumulating overwhelming student debt. Our rankings highlight the most budget-friendly programs based on yearly tuition, but we also go beyond cost by analyzing key factors such as student satisfaction, graduation rates, potential earnings, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: Bay Mills Community College and Northwest Florida State College offer some of the lowest tuition rates, each below $4,000 per year.
- Best for Salary Outcomes: Southern Oregon University has the highest median earnings among early childhood education graduates on our list — $46,680.
- Best for Career-Focused: Western Carolina University and Wichita State University provide structured licensure pathways and hands-on internships, ensuring strong career preparation.
We manually collect and verify tuition costs to ensure accurate, up-to-date rankings. All student reviews referenced are based on surveys we collect. For details on how we collect and analyze our data, visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online
Overview of Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees: A Data-Driven Comparison
When selecting an online early childhood education program, several critical factors come into play: affordability, student outcomes, program structure, and unique offerings. We’ve analyzed a range of programs, considering tuition costs, graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, financial aid availability, and proprietary Salary Score data to help you make an informed decision.
Below, we break down key insights from our rankings, providing a thoughtful comparison of these top institutions.
Cost-Conscious Choices for Future Educators
Choosing an affordable online school is important for early childhood education majors because salaries in the field tend to be lower compared to other education-related careers. Graduates often enter roles such as preschool teachers or childcare center directors, where earnings may not leave much room for repaying student loans. Choosing a low-cost program helps minimize financial strain while still providing necessary qualifications.
Among our top-ranked programs, Bay Mills Community College leads with an annual tuition of just $2,850. This is significantly lower than Northwest Florida State College ($3,708) and especially Eastern New Mexico University ($6,174), making Bay Mills a standout option for those prioritizing low-cost education.
Other institutions, such as Western Carolina University ($6,249) and Florida State College at Jacksonville ($6,556), also provide cost-effective pathways.
However, affordability isn't solely about tuition. Schools like Cumberland University and Charter Oak State College demonstrate strong financial aid commitments, with 100% of their students receiving aid. Schools with high financial aid packages, such as Central Methodist University ($18,044 average aid) and Northwestern College ($22,228), further ease financial burdens, making them worthwhile options despite slightly higher tuition costs.
Earning your degree on a tight budget? You'll find plenty of cost-effective options on our lists of the most affordable bachelor's in education programs and the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education programs.
Evaluating Salary Outcomes of Early Childhood Education Majors
Potential earnings after graduation are crucial to consider. Our proprietary Salary Score provides insight into how these programs compare nationwide. Among the schools reporting earnings, Southern Oregon University graduates earn a median of $46,680, ranking among the highest in our analysis. Nationwide, it has a Salary Score of A- when compared to similar programs.
Fort Hays State University ($41,703) and North Carolina Central University ($43,985) also offer strong earnings potential. Conversely, some programs, such as Purdue Global ($28,654), show lower earnings, which may impact long-term financial stability.
I believe this comparison is particularly useful for early childhood education bachelor's students, as it provides a clearer picture of the total financial commitment over four years rather than just annual tuition.
Understanding the full scope of tuition costs helps students make informed decisions about affordability and potential return on investment.
By juxtaposing the four-year tuition with median earnings, students can evaluate which early childhood education programs offer the best balance between cost and future salary, ensuring they choose an online degree that aligns with both their financial and career goals.
Tailored Pathways for Diverse Career Goals in the Field
Program structure and specializations play a significant role in differentiating these degrees even further. Several institutions stand out with distinctive features:
BMCC integrates Native American cultural perspectives into early childhood education, making it a unique choice for students interested in diverse pedagogical approaches.
NFSC offers professional certifications in Early Childhood Development, Infant/Toddler, and Preschool, enhancing career readiness in related sectors.
WCU provides a competitive licensure pathway with required internships, preparing students for North Carolina’s teaching certification.
WSU tailors its program for paraeducators, allowing students to earn a degree while working in the field.
SUNY Canton blends business administration with early childhood education, equipping students with leadership and management skills for childcare center operations.
These distinctive program elements cater to different career aspirations, from direct classroom teaching to administrative roles in early childhood settings.
What Do Online Early Childhood Education Students Say?
At OnlineU, we collect hundreds of student surveys to provide transparent, data-driven insights into online education. Our surveys come directly from students and graduates who have firsthand experience with online programs, ensuring authentic perspectives on course quality, faculty support, affordability, and overall satisfaction.
Online students in early childhood education and related fields frequently highlight flexibility, affordability, and strong faculty support as key factors in their experience. Many are working professionals who rely on online programs to advance their careers while balancing work and family.
Teisha Ford, who graduated from ENMU in 2016, appreciated the seamless online experience, stating, "ENMU made it possible for me to complete my entire degree online... This made me feel like more of a 'traditional student' than with any other online learning program I have participated in." This reflects how a well-structured online program can provide a sense of community and engagement.
Flexibility is another key factor at this school. Valerye, an ENMU graduate from 2021, shared, "This school is really easy to work with. 100% online, I have not once had to go to campus. Professors are very responsive. I work a 40-hour week and am able to do the program full-time."
For early childhood education students who often work in schools or childcare settings, the ability to complete coursework asynchronously is invaluable.
Heidi Meiners, a graduate from WSU, praised the structured online program for educators, saying, "The online program has been well-structured to assist professional educators further their education, increase their resources, and fine-tune their skills. It makes it doable to work full-time while furthering one's education."
At the University of West Alabama (UWA), an education graduate shared, "I was enrolled in the online Master of Arts in Teaching program and loved the experience. The small class sizes made it easy to communicate with peers and faculty. Admissions, financial aid, and graduation support were all excellent." This highlights how graduate opportunities are available for those who want to go beyond a bachelor's and get a master’s degree in teaching or even an online master's in early childhood education.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Cost, Earnings, and Career Goals
Selecting the right online early childhood education program requires balancing cost, future earnings, student support, and program features. For example, programs with both low tuition and high student recommendation rates, such as WCU (97%) and WSU (80%), demonstrate strong student approval alongside financial accessibility.
For students prioritizing affordability, BMCC and NFSC lead in low tuition, while SOU and NCCU offer the best earnings potential.
Student engagement is also helpful to consider for early childhood education majors, as their coursework often involves interactive learning, hands-on teaching strategies, and child development theories that benefit from personalized instruction. Smaller class sizes, like those at Aspen University (5:1) or Minot State (10:1), allow for closer faculty mentorship, which can be valuable when mastering early education techniques.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your financial situation, career goals, and learning preferences. By considering both quantitative data and firsthand experiences, you can confidently select an online early childhood education program that aligns with your needs.
FAQs: Affordable Online Early Education Bachelor’s Programs
What is an Online Early Childhood Education Degree?
Graduates with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education often find work as teachers or administrators. While a bachelor's degree is not required to work as a caregiver in a daycare center or as a preschool teacher in a nursery school, it will qualify you for higher-paying positions as a kindergarten or elementary school teacher or as a daycare director.
Early childhood education programs help you develop the technical skills to care for and educate young learners. Among these skills you'll acquire are the abilities to plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, observe and assess each child's progress, and utilize technology to enhance learning. You'll also study child development, health, and nutrition.
As you proceed through your degree program, you'll develop soft skills like communication, patience, flexibility, and creativity. These qualities are necessary for effectively engaging young children and fostering an environment conducive to learning.
An online degree in early childhood education usually requires the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Some programs may also require you to complete practicums or internships in early childhood education settings so that you can apply your newly learned skills to real-world scenarios. Full-time students may be able to meet all of the degree requirements in four or five years, but part-time students may need additional time.
For similar online bachelor's degrees in this field, explore our list of the best online education degrees and online elementary education degrees.
How Does an Early Childhood Education Degree Differ From Other Education Degrees?
An early childhood education degree focuses specifically on educating children from birth through eight years old. It emphasizes the unique developmental needs and learning styles of this age group, and the curriculum explores both the care and teaching of small children. Other education degrees mainly focus on teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, each dealing with different age groups and their respective developmental and academic needs.
What Are Some Common Courses You Can Expect?
The following classes are commonly found in early childhood bachelor's degree programs.
Child Development: Students learn about the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children from infancy through early childhood. They also study how environmental factors can influence development.
Early Literacy Development: This course focuses on techniques for teaching reading and writing to young children. Students learn about phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.
Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods: In this course, students learn how to design, implement, and assess curriculum for young learners, addressing their developmental needs and interests.
Classroom Management: This course introduces students to strategies for managing behavior and creating a safe, positive learning environment in early childhood classrooms. Topics may include diversity and multiculturalism.
How Can You Fund an Early Childhood Education Degree?
Financial aid is especially important for early childhood education majors, as they often enter careers with modest salaries, making it crucial to minimize student debt. Because childcare workers and educators are so essential, both the government and private organizations sponsor grants and scholarships to encourage talented individuals to pursue a degree in early childhood education. A few of these opportunities are listed below:
TEACH Grant: This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to education majors who commit to teaching in a high-need field in a low-income area after graduating. Some states also offer an extension of this program called the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship: Only high school seniors are eligible to apply for this program. Each year, the program grants scholarships of $20,000 to 150 students who plan to make a positive impact on their communities, possibly through teaching.
School-sponsored and private scholarships may also target early childhood majors, rewarding those who demonstrate academic excellence or a passion for working with young children. Seeking out aid specifically designed for educators can help make earning a degree more affordable and financially sustainable in the long run.
If you're enrolled in an accredited online degree program, you are eligible for financial aid. To apply, simply fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At a later date, after your application has been reviewed, you'll be notified as to how much aid you're being offered.
As much as possible, federal and private students loans should be avoided because the loan interest can dramatically increase the total cost of a college education. Generally speaking, private student loans have even higher interest than federal loans. Before accepting any offer, you may want to use a student loan repayment calculator to determine how much the loan will cost in the long run.
What Can You Do With an Online Early Childhood Education Degree?
For those who want to work with young children, there are a variety of career opportunities in both the public and private education sectors. Some possible entry-level jobs include preschool teacher and childcare worker. However, the median annual salaries for these roles are rather low ($37,130 and $30,370, respectively).
One of the biggest advantages of earning an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education is that it prepares you for higher-paying positions in the field. For example, an early childhood teacher has an average salary of $63,670, and childcare center directors earn around $54,290.
Regardless of which occupation you choose, you will probably need a state-issued license. Most states require anyone who works with children to have some kind of license or credential. Before enrolling in any bachelor's program, make sure your online program will prepare you to meet the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to teach, not in the state where your college is located.
Additionally, teachers can seek various certifications, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) to enhance their credentials.
Student Reviews of Online Early Childhood Education Programs
I love the when it comes to the education, however I am very disappointed in their customer service and technical support. I have been trying to register for my next semester for three weeks now, everytime I talk to someone there is a excuse and everytime I submit a ticket there is a excuse. Ashworth College use to be on point with everything and now there lagging behind. I am really considering transferring to another college. This is getting to be overwhelming and truly ridiculous.
Review Date: 4/25/2023
Would Recommend: No
Great school! Flexible, learned a lot! I loved my professors and the knowledge that I am learning. It worked within my schedule as a mom and work full time. I can’t wait to do my masters program through this school. I loved the having assistance when I needed it.
Review Date: 4/24/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Aspen University's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies program is a comprehensive and flexible online program for those passionate about working with young children. The program's curriculum covers essential topics in early childhood education, from child development to curriculum planning, and it provides a strong foundation for a career in the field. One of the program's strengths is its user-friendly online platform, which accommodates students with various life commitments. The faculty... Read More
Review Date: 10/31/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
My experience with As worth college has been a great one The teacher are great and have shown me a lot of support thank you for your support Angelica Perez got my High Scholl through Education Direct and Associated through Early Education continue Bachelors I even grew so much with my education in prove my self so much. I prove to my self I could let the world know you can to. I love learning is the best experience in my life. I went to private School grammar Saint Bridge School and Immaculate High... Read More
Review Date: 5/25/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
I am currently on my fourth term at Purdue Global. It has been a roller coaster to say the least. Let me start off by saying I have absolutely loved all of my professors and I enjoyed every class so far. I think the coursework and curriculum are extremely helpful and I know I will use the resources the professors provide throughout my career in education. Each professor has made themselves available to email and even call if students have any questions or concerns. So my huge problem with this school... Read More
Review Date: 7/2/2019
Would Recommend: No
I have enjoyed attending Ashford's online campus. I enrolled for my B.S. in Early Childhood Education in 2017 and graduated 10/2020. After graduating and the experience I had at Ashford, I decided to re-enroll for my M.A. in Special Education, and so far, I am happy I did. I will be graduating with my master's on 8/21. After attending Ashford, I feel very confident in seeking a new career in education. All of my professors were excellent and very helpful throughout my entire education—outstanding... Read More
Review Date: 3/25/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
I have nothing but great things to say about Purdue Global. I am a mother of 6, entrepreneur and often times working over 50 hours a week. Online learning with Purdue makes it so easy and convenient to get your degree. The professors are great and work with you and the advisors go above and beyond to help in any way they can. Thank you Purdue I will recommend Purdue Global University to family and friends.
Review Date: 6/23/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
So I finished my CDA through the school a few years ago and recently started chipping away at my degree through them because of it. I actually have really enjoyed my time through the school. While it is expensive, it's online and convenient. I have only had one complaint and that was one of my teachers was TERRIBLE. She never gave feedback or reasoning for any of her grading.
Review Date: 4/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I was nervous to start an all online program but I did it anyways and I'm glad I did. I have read reviews of teachers and staff not being very helpful, but honestly when I first started I received one call a week from my advisor checking on me and making sure I was understanding things. I felt like it was too much for me but I know that they were just trying to be helpful. The online classroom is really easy to understand and I am able to work school around my busy schedule. It is more expensive... Read More
Review Date: 5/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
The school appears to be everything at first, until you start having to deal with the unprofessional BS. Seems that every book is on back order even up to 8 months, if you purchase your book they wont reimburse you, also they tend to lie about how much the cost of the program is and keep going up on your tuition. Now if you can get the tuition paid everything would be fine but thats the hardest part because they keep sending you a prior semester lease to sign before the previous is paid off going... Read More
Review Date: 2/6/2018
Would Recommend: No
I have been with Ashford since Feb 2018 and have had nothing but a great experience. Even with a little mishap just now with my account and unpaid balance from last year it was taken care immediately. However, this is an ONLINE school, at a teach yourself type pace. If you put in the effort and time, you will receive good greats. The instructors, at least the ones I have come in contact with, have been helpful and understanding.
Review Date: 2/5/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I started college at csusb and ended it with national university with a ba in ece. I am starting my MBA in November and looking at the reviews for National does worry me because people don't seem to appreciate the school as valid. It was just as easy or hard as any other school if you ask me but just goes at a pace that works with your schedule. I am hoping that just because i got my degree from there it doesn't hurt my ability to get a job in the future.
Review Date: 9/23/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
When it comes to going to school its all about figuring out what school your going to go to along with it being the best. The idea of just going to a certain university because of it reputation is a great aspect that is why you should go to Grand Canyon. This school has everything you could possibly need in order to maintain and finish your degree. The administrators are a great asset to you and helping you full fill your educational dreams and goals. The campus life from what I have experienced... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Great support from advisor! I am taking online course to complete a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership. this course have been amazing opportunity for me to learn and keep my job at the same time. amazing supportive teachers, affordable tuition, and flexible schedule that helped me to earn the degree.
Review Date: 9/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I first earned my AA in Psychology then continued on to my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. Both degrees were completed online through Liberty. I was very pleased with my academic advisors who helped me every step of the way. Although the work load for each course is heavy, I learned a great deal and enjoyed my classes. They also offer great Military discounts and have a department for Military Affairs that will help with whatever you need and was very helpful in answering any questions I... Read More
Review Date: 12/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Phenomenal school. I have been enrolled for a few modules now and I am loving Post University online. It works perfectly with my schedule and my children's schedule. I never feel the pressure to be online at specific times and I log in on my own time. My admissions counselor (Kim W) was very helpful and always answered all of my questions when I called. About to take my 5th class at Post and I am very excited to start working with children.
Review Date: 3/27/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
The program was very well designed and interesting. I thought that an online degree program would be really difficult to manage but they program kept it stimulating and easy to use. The hardest part was working and doing the service learning hours. It is a challenging program to manage if you are working full-time and not in a child care profession.
Review Date: 4/18/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
I enrolled with Ashford University in 2013 and I have had nothing but great experiences. The course work is challenging and exciting, and I am only 7 months away from obtaining my bachelor's degree. I have truly learned a lot thus far and I have already been able to find a job in my field of study due to my knowledge gained within my program. You have to put in the work to see the results. It isn't going to be spoon fed to you, which is what a lot of people seem to expect. If you try hard and put... Read More
Review Date: 8/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
I am in my final few months at Ashford and it has been a truly satisfying experience. The courses were challenging and I learned a lot. It was a long journey and admittedly I thought about quitting a few times. Not the fault of the school, just my own laziness. A couple of minor hiccups with financial aid in the beginning, but nothing that wasn't easily solved. I admit that I was skeptical in the beginning of my online school journey. As a full time worker who desperately wanted a degree but couldn't... Read More
Review Date: 1/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I don't understand why such bad reviews, I had a great experience at Rasmussen college. It's accredited and has wonderful instructors. I enjoyed the live lectures and bring able to interact with my teachers and peers. The assignments were not the easiest but not too difficult. I did have a weekly class, reading, discussion boards and written assignments plus a,project. I don't miss written 10 page papers but it was definitely challenging . I got a great job 2 months after graduating. Love this school... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes