10 Free Online Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degrees

A bachelor's in early childhood education is vital to the professional development of childcare providers and educators. Workers and people with busy schedules benefit from online early childhood education degrees because they are typically self-paced and completed from home.

Unfortunately, online early childhood education degrees from accredited institutions are not free. However, the tuition costs of these degrees can be lowered or eliminated with financial aid. Don't let high tuition rates discourage you from your dream of educating young children.

Top Free Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degree Programs

These low-cost online programs include early childhood education courses focusing on child well-being, working with children with disabilities and special needs, and adapting to unique learning environments. Alongside the coursework are opportunities to gain real-world teaching and mentoring experiences.

Learn more: How To Get a Free Teaching Degree

1. University of Florida Online � BA in Early Childhood Education

The University of Florida Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education for aspiring pre-K through grade three teachers to gain initial licensure. The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and the Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP) approve this undergraduate program.

UF Online has a net price calculator to help students determine their tuition costs as full-time freshmen. This calculator can also help students see what financial aid they may qualify for.

2. Florida International University Online � BS in Early Childhood Education

Florida International University (FIU) provides a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education with high-quality classroom management, decision-making, and mental health online courses. This degree prepares students for childcare and child development careers.

Like UF Online, FIU Online has a tuition fee calculator to help evaluate educational expenses. Florida students can benefit from financial aid options such as the Bright Futures Scholarship.

3. Eastern University � BS in Early Childhood Education

Eastern University has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education with a certificate program for future teachers. This program emphasizes special education, inclusivity, and early literacy fundamentals. The university promotes its programs with an annual cost from $2,500 to $7,500. Affordable online textbooks are built into the courses.

4. Arizona State University (ASU) Online � BAS in Early Childhood Education

Arizona State University Online offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood education. Graduates of this program can also pursue a master's degree in elementary education.

Students can transfer up to 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution toward completing this degree. Many scholarships for learners are available, such as the Douglas G. Arner Academic Freedom Scholarship.

5. Pacific Oaks College � BA in Early Childhood Education

Pacific Oaks College provides a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education with flexible coursework for busy students. This degree program highlights the significance of creative arts in early childhood education.

Students are encouraged to contact a representative in financial aid services to learn about bookstore vouchers, student loans, and loan consolidation. Pacific Oaks is partnered with i3 to help students manage student loans.

6. University of North Dakota � BS in Education, Early Childhood Education

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a Bachelor of Science in education in early childhood education that teaches students about child development from birth to grade three. Students are encouraged to gain practical skills and engage in small group work.

Those with financial needs may benefit from freshman and transfer scholarships. UND gives students more than 975 scholarships, many being for future teachers.

7. Millersville University � BS in Early Childhood Education

Millersville University has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education focused on providing diverse learning environments. Students should expect to learn about pedagogy to teach young children in pre-K to grade four.

The financial aid office can assist you with completing the FAFSA to assess your eligibility for financial aid. A net price calculator is also available for students to estimate their potential out-of-pocket expenses.

8. University of Wisconsin � Bachelor's in Early Childcare and Education

The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers a bachelor's degree in early childhood education for aspiring educators. This undergraduate program does not provide students with teaching licensure.

Students needing financial help should complete the FAFSA. The university also suggests considering a Parent PLUS or private loan.

9. Colorado Christian University � BA in Early Childhood Education

Colorado Christian University offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education taught from a Christian viewpoint. Licensure and non-licensure tracks are available for students depending on their educational goals.

Active-duty members and veteran dependents are eligible for discounted tuition rates. However, students cannot combine institutional scholarships with discounted tuition deals.

10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro � BS in Early Childhood Development and Education

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Greensboro provides a Bachelor of Science in early childhood development and education for aspiring pre-K and kindergarten teachers. This degree program includes a birth to kindergarten teacher licensure.

The university has several first-year and transfer undergraduate scholarship opportunities for students. Some examples include the UNCG Blue & Gold Merit and Next NC scholarships.

Can I Earn My Early Childhood Education Certification Online for Free?

Unfortunately, early childhood education certifications from accredited institutions are not free. Online and in-person programs will require fees and tuition. However, there are things you can do to bring certification costs down, such as exploring financial aid options.

Are There Any Accredited Online Colleges Offering Free Early Childhood Education Degrees?

Accredited online colleges do not offer free early childhood education degrees. However, online degree costs can be reduced or eliminated by exploring scholarship options, filling out the FAFSA, or participating in a work-study program.

How To Make Your Degree Free or Low-Cost

You can lower the cost of your education with several steps. Here are some great ways to make your degree free or low-cost.

Financial Aid

You must complete the FAFSA online form to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Depending on the information collected from your application, you may be eligible for student loans, grants, or other federal programs.

Scholarships

You can find many scholarships for future teachers. Many companies, organizations, and local governments offer scholarships to students with financial need. Students are not required to repay scholarships and can apply for multiple to cover various expenses.

Grant Programs

Most grants require students to fill out the FAFSA form to determine whether or not they qualify. Notable grants include the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Grant programs are competitive, so apply early.

Choose a Degree Completion Program

A degree completion program helps students with existing college credits to complete their degrees. It is more cost-effective and quicker than starting over and completing a degree from scratch. Working individuals can complete an online degree completion program at their own pace at various accredited colleges.

Use Transfer Credits

Numerous colleges accept transfer credits from other institutions. This helps students complete degree programs more quickly and with fewer expenses. Ensure you enroll at an institution that accepts transfer credits to maximize this benefit.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree Today

Earning an online bachelor's degree is the first step to starting a rewarding career in early childhood education. Pursuing higher education is crucial whether you want to become an elementary school or preschool teacher. Contact one of the institutions featured on Learn.org today for more information.