10 Online Colleges That Offer Early Childhood Education 2025

Future teachers interested in educating young children from birth to about third grade can find reputable early childhood education programs at online colleges nationwide. Some institutions offer online programs with affordable rates and accelerated degree completion options.

Below, we'll share some of the best schools offering online early education degree programs. You'll also discover the benefits of these degrees and learn how to choose the right program.

Online Schools With Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs

Online early childhood programs are flexible options for students with busy schedules. Are you looking for an alternative to traditional on-campus learning? Explore the online colleges below.

1. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers an online accelerated ECE bachelor's to master's program and a Master of Science in early childhood education (non-licensure). If students already have an associate degree or have completed 60 credits of undergraduate coursework, they can enroll in the accelerated program, which only takes five years. Students who have a bachelor's degree can pursue the master's degree by itself.

In these programs, students will take online courses that focus on language development, curricular foundations, reading instruction, and more. The per-credit tuition is $384.88 for undergraduates and $552.57 for graduate students.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's Master of Education in early childhood education is a great choice for students seeking an affordable degree leading to teaching, research, and administration careers. Priced at about $6,322 per semester for residents attending full-time, this program examines human development and teaches innovative ways to work with infants and young children.

ASU, accredited by the HLC, has earned high marks for its master's in education programs. The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation is the only college of education in the U.S. ranked in the top 15 for online and on-campus graduate education degrees by U.S. News & World Report.

3. Florida International University

If you're looking for an affordable online early childhood program, you can find a great degree option at Florida International University. Costing just $235.57 per credit hour for in-state learners, the BS in early childhood development prepares students for non-certification careers in childcare, child development, and early education.

Fully online courses focus on social and emotional development in young children, early education practices, and more. FIU, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), assigns success coaches to help students navigate their academic journeys.

4. University of New Hampshire

The online BS in early childhood education program at the University of New Hampshire gives enrollees two pathways to degree completion. The teaching certification pathway prepares learners for early childhood education and early childhood special education careers in New Hampshire, while the non-certification pathway focuses on Department of Health and Human Services credentialing.

UNH, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), charges a per-credit tuition rate of $314 for residents and $379 for non-residents. Childcare workers, preschool teachers, and elementary school paraprofessionals could benefit from the Early Childhood Tuition Assistance (ECTA) grant, which covers 100% of tuition for up to two classes per term.

5. Walden University

Walden University's online BS in early childhood studies is a non-licensure program that follows the school's Tempo Learning self-paced, competency-based curriculum. Students have no weekly deadlines or predetermined schedules, which helps them control the length and pacing of their program and finish in as few as 15 months.

This program's coursework explores safety for young children, social-emotional development, and culturally responsive practice. Walden, an HLC-accredited university, charges as little as $8,000 and offers the Believe & Achieve Scholarship to reward progress and boost savings.

6. Eastern University

Students interested in an accelerated early childhood education degree online can pursue a Bachelor of Science at Eastern University that leads to teaching certification for Pre-K to 4th grade. Start dates are every seven weeks and the option for transfer students with associate degrees to bring credits from other institutions help learners earn this degree in as little as two years.

All courses are flexibly paced except for a student teaching class that meets one scheduled day each week. Enrollees take 100% online courses and participate in field experiences in their local communities. Eastern University, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), charges as little as $2,500 annually to earn this degree.

7. University of Massachusetts Global

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in early childhood education at the University of Massachusetts Global is a budget-friendly online program costing just $500 per credit hour. UMass Global, which is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), makes learning even more affordable with grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and other financial aid.

Enrollees prepare for careers as preschool teachers, teaching assistants, and childcare program administrators with coursework exploring child growth, safety, and support for children with exceptional needs. Fieldwork and practicums let students showcase their teaching skills in supervised learning environments.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts in education in early childhood education with coursework in evidence-based teaching and practical experiences that prepare students for Pre-K to third grade Florida teaching certification. ESOL, reading, and Pre-K disabilities endorsements are available to enhance this degree.

Online students who live in Florida pay a low tuition rate of $129.18 per credit hour. The SACSCOC-accredited university helps learners reduce costs with funding opportunities such as the TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship and the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program.

9. Lewis University

The online BA in early childhood education at Lewis University has an adult accelerated learning format with short eight-week courses for faster degree completion. Students enjoy a discounted tuition rate of $625 per credit hour and can further reduce costs with funding opportunities like the Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship and Gateways to Opportunity EC Scholarship.

The HLC-accredited university provides the unique opportunity to earn three endorsements in one undergraduate degree. After graduating, students will be ready to teach young children from birth to second grade as public school teachers and Head Start personnel.

10. Vermont State University

Vermont State University's online BS in early childhood education is an accelerated completion program for students with 60+ transfer credits, a 3.0 GPA, and 4,000 hours of experience working with young children. Enrollees complete their studies in as little as five semesters and receive an early childhood education teaching license recommendation for newborns to age five.

VSU has developed strategic partnerships with organizations that help students advance their careers, including the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC). The NECHE-accredited school makes online learning affordable by charging just $388 per credit in tuition and providing aid to over 80% of its students.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team thoroughly vetted institutions in the rank list above using information from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Each school has met the following criteria for delivering a quality experience in higher education:

• Accredited: All schools have been accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the HLC.
• Reputable: We confirmed that the schools in this list provide high-quality on-campus and online programs in numerous fields.
• Assessibility: Several institutions offer generous transfer credit policies, affordable tuition, and flexible programs to increase accessibility for busy learners.

Benefits of Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

Most online early childhood education programs are extremely flexible, allowing students to learn from anywhere with an internet connection and explore coursework when their schedules permit. Some provide a competency-based curriculum, which enables enrollees to navigate the entire program at their own pace without concerns about schedules and weekly deadlines.

Online early childhood education programs don't hold back on benefits. They generally provide the same academic advising, success coaching, around-the-clock tutoring, and other educational perks as on-campus programs. While teacher education degrees that lead to licensure often include in-person practicums or field experiences, many schools let students complete these requirements in their local communities without making campus visits.

How To Select an Early Childhood Education Program

Picking the right early childhood education program is crucial to starting or advancing a successful teaching career. Here are some tips to consider when selecting your program.

• Accreditation: Look for institutions accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Degree offerings: Ensure you find a program at the right degree level (associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) with your preferred specialization, certification, or endorsement.
• Cost: Research affordable online ECE degrees that offer lower tuition rates, financial aid, or scholarships.
• Fast degree completion: If you want to graduate sooner, consider programs that offer accelerated pathways.

Admissions Requirements

Enrollment in an early childhood education program starts with gaining admission. Requirements for applicants vary by school but might include the following:

• Complete an application for admission.
• Submit an official transcript with a high school or college GPA.
• Send test scores (ex. ACT, SAT, GMAT, or GRE).
• Provide letters of recommendation, if applicable.

FAQs About Pursuing Early Childhood Education Programs Online

Are you ready to enroll in an online early childhood education program? Before taking the next step, explore the following FAQs.

Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?

Yes, early childhood education degrees are worth it, particularly when completed online. These flexible programs prepare students for licensure and non-licensure roles without requiring students to attend courses in person. Many schools are cost-friendly, and some offer accelerated learning options to help students start careers in early childhood settings in less time.

Learn More: Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Right for Me?

How Much Does It Cost To Get an Online Early Childhood Education Degree?

Factors like enrollment status, degree type, and residency impact tuition rates for most programs. However, the average early childhood education degree cost ranges from $250 to $500 per credit or about $30,000 to $60,000 total.

Learn More: Free Online ECE Degrees

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Program?

Courses in an early childhood education bachelor's program vary by school; however, you're likely to encounter some of the following coursework:

• foundations of early childhood education
• language development in children
• assessment of diverse learners
• guidance of young children
• early childhood special education

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees With Accreditation

Take steps toward an exciting career in early childhood education by exploring the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover their programs and learn how they can help you reach your goals.