Early Childhood Education Degree Scholarships | ECE Scholarship Guide

The degree requirement to work in early childhood education varies according to your role and work setting. Most roles in daycares and homes require an associate degree, while roles in schools require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.

Earning these degrees can lead to high expenses for college students. Fortunately, early childhood education students have access to multiple scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship awards, like grant programs, are a type of financial assistance called ''free money.'' This means that students don't have to repay any money they receive, unlike loans. Even though several programs offer education degree-specific scholarships, each application will have differing eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application methods.

Scholarship Programs for Early Childhood Education Students

After students submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they often still have a gap between their financial aid and total costs. Early childhood education students can apply for multiple scholarship programs that award money based on financial need, education performance (such as test scores or high school GPA), and more.

Each scholarship provider has unique eligibility requirements and application processes, so it's important to review the details of each program.

1. TEACH Early Childhood Scholarships

TEACH Early Childhood is a national organization that focuses on developing early childcare programs nationally, but there are also individual state-based chapters. These scholarships cover tuition and book costs for eligible students.

This program also funds professional development programs to cover costs for teachers pursuing continuing education credit hours or other credentials.

2. PDK International Scholarship Program

The Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International Scholarship Program is offered to students pursuing education degrees. Students must be enrolled in an education degree program and planning to work in a public school. Eligibility is also determined based on membership in PDK International or one of their educator-focused groups.

3. Bright Future Scholarship

Bright Futures is a scholarship program offered by Bright Horizons, a national organization that promotes child care and early education services. Eligible students can receive up to $1,000 in a single-payment scholarship. Bright Futures also has resources to help aspiring early childhood educators find degree programs and support systems that are best for them.

4. Catching the Dream Scholarship

Catching the Dream is a scholarship program designed to help Native American students achieve careers that currently have little Native representation. The primary fields of study that qualify for the CTD scholarships include math, engineering, science, business, education, and computer science (MESBEC).

Native American students looking to enter an education degree program can download the application form online, fill it out using their computer, print it, and then mail it in.

5. The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship awards $1,000 to one undergraduate or graduate student in an education degree program. Students who apply will be evaluated based on their interest in the National Institute for Labor Relations Research (the scholarship's provider) and overall academic performance.

Students will need to provide proof of enrollment and a 500 to 700-word essay.

6. Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program

This scholarship program was implemented to address the needs of schools for early childhood educators. Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity awards up to $7,500 to eligible students who are enrolled in a two or four-year early childhood education degree program or are working for advanced credentials within ECE.

7. American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Education Scholarship Fund

The AMS Teacher Education Scholarship Fund is awarded to Montessori educators looking to earn a degree in early child care and elementary education. Students must be attending a Montessori-focused education degree program, preferably one with AMS affiliation. Students are reviewed on financial need, three letters of recommendation, and an essay.

8. Tomorrow's Teachers Scholarship Program

The Tomorrow's Teachers Scholarship Program is offered to early childhood education students at eligible Massachusetts public universities. Students must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program with a focus on early childhood or elementary education. Recipients will be eligible for up to $25,000 to be used toward tuition and other costs of attendance.

9. Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is offered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE). Although these programs are offered by the Massachusetts Government, these aren't state-based grants. Students will need to file their FAFSA to be eligible, but there are additional application requirements, including weekly work hours and enrollment in a Massachusetts university.

10. PATCH Early Childhood Education Scholarships

The PATCH Early Childhood Education Scholarship program wards $750 each year to a Hawaii-based student pursuing a degree in child development and education. Students aren't required to submit an essay and there isn't a financial need evaluation. The program doesn't have a GPA minimum, but it does look at the level of education and credentials that an applicant has earned.

Other Sources of Financial Aid for Higher Education

Scholarships are one of the best ways to receive financial aid because of their free-money status. The money doesn't require repayment, taking away the downside of student loans. However, scholarships aren't the only source of financial support.

Students should fill out their FAFSA each academic year. This form will automatically enroll students in multiple grant programs, like the federal Pell Grant. These grants provide free money that can be stacked with other financial aid programs.

You also should look into individual colleges to see if they offer a tuition-free program. Many schools offer programs for qualifying students that serve as last-dollar payments. This means that any gap between your federal student aid and private scholarships will be covered by your school.

Learn more: Affordable ECE Degree Programs

Can I Use Scholarship Funds With Other Financial Aid?

It depends on the individual program. Most scholarships can be combined with other programs to make a larger dent in total college costs. However, other forms of financial aid aren't as stackable.

Most need-based grants and programs include scholarships in calculations for financial need. Sometimes it will make more sense for you to pass on a scholarship due to possible impact on a state or federal financial aid package.

Find an Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Many of the top universities offer early childhood education degree programs. Explore the Learn.org database to learn more about early childhood education degree programs and how to apply.