2025 Best Early Childhood Education Colleges

Do you love working with little kids? Maybe you'd like to spend your career teaching young students in a school or daycare setting.

If this sounds like you, you're going to need a degree in early childhood education. In this article, we'll talk about some of the top early childhood education colleges and the programs they offer.

Best Early Childhood Education Colleges in 2024

There are many schools that offer early childhood education degrees, some online and others on-campus. Let's take a look at the top 10 schools for 2024.

1. Florida International University

Florida International University belongs to the State University System of Florida. With over 55,000 students, it is one of the largest public schools in the U.S.

Florida International offers a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education. This degree program is available both online and in-person.

Program concentrations are available so you can customize your degree to your specific interests. The program prepares students to become teachers, developmental specialists, and more.

2. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a small, rural public school in La Grande, Oregon. It offers a variety of degree programs.

Students can enroll in the fully-online early childhood education program, which is offered in both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts options.

Students who prefer to attend in person can major in elementary education. Regardless of the specific degree you choose, 180 total credit hours are required to graduate.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school located in Virginia. It boasts a massive enrollment of nearly 100,000 students.

Liberty offers an online Bachelor of Science in early childhood education interdisciplinary studies degree, as well as several elementary education degrees available both online and in-person.

The school's online degree programs boast multiple yearly start dates, flexible class scheduling, and the ability to graduate in under four years.

4. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a large, private Christian school with over 100,000 students, many of whom study online.

This school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in early child education and a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education and special education.

These degrees are available both online and in person. Various elementary education degrees are also available. Online course schedules are flexible to meet the needs of busy students.

5. West Chester University

West Chester University is a public school and the largest branch of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in early grades preparation. A master's degree in early childhood education is also available.

The undergraduate degree is completed in a blended format, with some in-person components required; the master's degree can be completed entirely online.

6. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online-only private college. It offers a wide variety of degree programs in a flexible online format.

A Bachelor of Arts in elementary education is available through this school. Students complete all coursework online but have the opportunity to participate in an in-person student teaching experience.

Self-paced courses allow you to study whenever you want and progress through the program as quickly as you want. This way, you can get your degree on your terms.

7. Walden University

Walden University is another private, online school. It is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood studies and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. The early childhood studies program does not lead to teaching licensure.

Both degree programs require 180 credit hours to graduate. Flexible course pacing and multiple yearly start dates make these programs accessible for anyone.

8. National University

National University is a private school with campuses located throughout California. It also offers online degree programs.

Consider enrolling in the school's Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education. This degree program is available both on-campus and online.

The school offers rolling applications so you can get started any time of the year, and accelerated four-week courses can help you graduate more quickly.

9. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University is a small private school in Fayette, Missouri. It offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and serves around 5,000 students.

Students at this school can obtain a Bachelor of science in education with an emphasis in early childhood education. Online and on-campus programs are available.

Related majors offered include child development, elementary education, and educational studies.

10. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville is part of the Florida College System. It is a community college, but it offers several bachelor's degree programs.

One of the programs available is a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. This degree program is offered online but includes required in-person components.

The program comprises 120 credit hours and prepares students to receive their teacher's license in the state of Florida.

FAQs About Early Childhood Education Colleges

Want to learn more about early childhood education? Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

What Is Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education focuses on the development of children from birth to age eight. Early childhood educators, however, typically work with children from birth to kindergarten.

Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?

Yes. Early childhood educators are in high demand and play a crucial role in the learning and development of young children. An early childhood education degree can lead to an important and rewarding career.

Can You Get an Early Childhood Education Degree Online?

Yes. Most of the schools outlined in this article offer online early childhood education degrees as well as in-person degrees. Some of the schools offer online degrees exclusively.

Find the Right Early Childhood Education College for You

If you hope to work in early childhood education, take some time exploring the colleges outlined in this article. With a little research, you'll discover which school is best for you.