10 Affordable Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs 2025

Earning a Master of Arts (MA) in early childhood education can be a smart step for teachers looking to move forward in their careers. Whether you're aiming to lead a classroom, direct a preschool, or shape school policy, an online program offers the flexibility, with affordable rates, to meet your goals.

If you want to find a master's in early childhood education that fits your ambitions, keep reading. We'll explore several affordable options that provide quality learning opportunities for early childhood teachers.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Earning a master's in early childhood education online prepares educators to support the development and learning of young children, typically from birth to age eight. Offered through flexible online formats, these programs cover child development, curriculum design, and family engagement in early childhood settings.

Graduates often pursue roles as lead teachers, administrators, or specialists in educational settings, childcare, or early intervention programs. Some programs also lead to teacher certification, endorsement, or licensure.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education Cost?

Online programs in early childhood education typically cost anywhere from about $7,000 to $30,000 in total tuition. Financial aid (e.g., scholarships and grants) can help lower the cost of attendance. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal or state aid.

Cheapest Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs

There are many online opportunities for graduate students seeking a degree in early childhood education. Keep reading to learn more about these opportunities.

1. Northwestern College

Northwestern College in Iowa offers a fully online master's degree program in early childhood education. This 33-credit program is asynchronous and offered in eight-week rolling terms, offering flexibility for working adults.

The curriculum emphasizes key areas like advanced child development, curriculum design, educational leadership, and inclusive teaching strategies ?and culminates with a capstone project. Students may also opt for an early childhood endorsement pathway to earn a Birth through Grade 3 Inclusive Settings endorsement with an additional course and student-teaching field experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $360 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

2. Walden University

Walden University offers an online master's in early childhood studies, designed to deepen your expertise in areas like play-based learning, trauma-informed teaching, and contemporary child development. Offered in both instructor-led and flexible self-paced formats, this 50-quarter-credit program is flexible for online learners. Depending on which pace you choose, you'll complete the program in one to one and a half years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Institutional scholarships, grants, and FAFSA can help students afford costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul, offers a master's program for distance learners that's 30 credits long. Courses center around child development, curriculum design, cultural responsiveness, and ethical practices.

Students can graduate in under two years. The school offers many opportunities for financial aid, including for transfer students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships and fill out the FAFSA to be considered for other awards.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers an online master's degree in early childhood education. This 33-credit program can be completed in about one year and is delivered entirely online, allowing for flexible scheduling. Graduates can receive a Class A Professional Educator Certificate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction-early childhood education that emphasizes lesson planning, curriculum design, and leadership strategies for teaching young learners. This MEd in early childhood education can include an add-on endorsement for educators holding an initial Virginia teaching license.

Courses are only eight weeks long and are available fully online. The school has a generous transfer policy, allowing up to 50% off the total credit requirement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430
• Financial aid: Military discounts, scholarships, and grants are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. National University

National University offers a fully online master's in early childhood education. It qualifies graduates to pursue the California Child Development Director Permit.

This 45-credit program features year-round enrollment and self-paced courses, which allow students to finish their studies in less than one year. Online learners can access around-the-clock support and free tutoring sessions to aid in their academic success.

• Estimated tuition cost: $455 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use various scholarships, grants, and other awards via FAFSA to cover costs.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

7. Indiana Wesleyan University

Students can pursue their graduate degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University. The online early childhood education program is designed for working professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in human development. The curriculum centers on constructing safe and engaging learning environments, all while steeped in a Christian worldview.

It's delivered fully online, though students will engage directly with instructors throughout the program. Students also benefit from robust distance learning resources, including free tutoring and career support.

• Estimated tuition cost: $525 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, grants, veteran's benefits, and employer reimbursement programs are available.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. The University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers a remote master's degree program in early childhood education leadership. The program equips enrollees with skills in ethical practice, research-based advocacy, and innovative technology to support young children.

Students take one flexible five- to six-week course at a time, allowing easy balance of work, life, and studies. Students can graduate in under two years, though the school allows up to nine transfer credits, which can speed up this timeline.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, and grants are available for students.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

9. Merrimack College

Merrimack College offers a fully online program for early childhood education students. The 36-credit program prepares enrollees for licensure. Students complete a full-time practicum in addition to online coursework.

It's designed to be flexible, with multiple start dates per year. Extensive financial aid is available, including a tuition-free fellowship where the student works in a partner school district for a year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $620 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use alumni discounts, free-tuition fellowships, scholarships, partnership discounts, and employer tuition assistance to cover costs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. Eastern Michigan University

At Eastern Michigan University, students can complete a master's degree in early childhood education remotely. It's asynchronous, allowing working professionals the flexibility to fit studying into their busy schedules.

The program features accelerated 7.5-week terms and multiple start dates per year. While coursework is fully online, students must complete an in-person internship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $990 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use FAFSA awards, as well as institutional scholarships to cover costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To identify the best online master's programs in early childhood education, we evaluate key factors that reflect both academic quality and student value. Our methodology includes:

• Accreditation: We chose schools that are accredited by a recognized educational agency, such as NECHE.
• Affordability: We prioritized programs that offer low tuition rates and opportunities for financial aid.
• Program reputation: The programs on this list are well-respected by employers. They offer quality online learning experiences.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree

An online master's in early childhood education provides advanced training in teaching and leadership for educators working with children from birth through age eight. Programs generally take one to two years, though part-time students may take longer.

To graduate, students must complete 30 to 36 credit hours, though some accelerated options are available. The curriculum typically covers topics such as:

• child development and psychology
• curriculum design and assessment
• language and early literacy
• culturally responsive teaching
• family and community engagement
• leadership and advocacy in early childhood education

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Early Childhood Master's Programs

If you're thinking about earning a master's degree in early childhood education, check out these questions below. We cover program length, career prospects, and more.

Is an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Worth It?

Yes, an online master's in early childhood education can be worth it for educators seeking career advancement, higher salaries, or specialized roles in early learning. It can also open doors to leadership, curriculum development, and policy positions.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree?

With a master's degree in early childhood education, you can become a lead teacher, preschool director, curriculum specialist, early interventionist, or policy advocate. Graduates may also qualify for roles in educational consulting or teacher training.

There is demand for early childhood teachers in both public schools and private schools. Additional specializations can further career prospects.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Early Childhood Education Online?

Most online early childhood education master's programs take 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on whether you study full- or part-time. Accelerated options may take as little as one year.

Is It Hard To Get a Master's in Early Childhood Education?

While the coursework is rigorous and requires time management, most educators find the content engaging and manageable with proper support. Success often depends on your commitment and background in education.

What Is the Highest Degree You Can Get in Early Childhood Education?

The highest degree in early childhood education is a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in early childhood education. These advanced degrees prepare graduates for research, university teaching, or leadership roles in educational policy and administration.

Discover Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

Check out the online early childhood education degrees here on Learn.org. Once you find an academic program that interests you, reach out to their enrollment team for more information.