Faculty teach a rigorous curriculum that both educates and engages learners. This degree positions the holder for career advancement and higher-paying positions.
Grants and scholarships help degree-seekers pay for their education if they qualify.
Most Affordable Online Master's in Child Development
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Updated January 23, 2023
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This degree is perfect for those who are fascinated by how factors like family, culture, and friends can affect a child's development into adulthood.
Credit: Klaus Vedfelt | DigitalVision | Getty Images
The most important time for human development is childhood. Teach the leaders of tomorrow with a Child Development Degrees!
If you’re hoping to have an impact on the future leaders of this world, you’ll have to start at the core - the children of today! A degree in Child Development will allow you the opportunity to study both the biological and psychological advancement of children, through every stage of their lives. This degree is perfect for those who are fascinated by how factors like family, culture, and friends can affect a child’s development into adulthood. If you’re passionate about spreading knowledge and helping others, a degree in child development may be perfect for you.
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What kind of Child Development degree should you get?
Depending on whether you want to teach or pursue a different career with young children, you’ll have to choose between a degree in Child Development specifically or a degree in Early Childhood Education. If you want to pursue teaching, you’ll most likely need to earn an advanced degree in order to receive your licensure.
If you’re looking for an affordable online degree option, we’ve also ranked the Most Affordable Online Master's in Child Development Degrees. If you’re just starting out, keep reading for our ranking of the best online bachelor’s programs.
How much money do people make with a Child Development degree?
Looking for not only a fascinating career, but one that will offer plenty of job opportunities as well? Luckily, tens of thousands of organizations in the United States work to serve children and adolescents - like the Boy and Girl Scouts of America! In fact, the workforce affiliated with those organizations is increasingly looking for experts in child development.
However, one doesn’t jump into this career for the earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Childcare Workers can expect to earn just over $22,000 per year. Of course, earning an advanced degree can help you to increase your salary potential. Here are a few other numbers, as cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Preschool and Childcare Center Director: $45,790 (median)
- Elementary School Teachers: $55,490 (median)
- Special Education Teacher (Kindergarten and Elementary School): up to $90,260
Of course, there’s no price that can be put on this career if working with children and empowering today’s youth is truly your passion.
What can you do with a degree in Child Development?
Earning a degree in Child Development is not just for those who are interested in teaching youngsters. With this degree, you can pursue a variety of rewarding careers. Below are some job titles that you may be interested in:
- Social Worker
- Preschool Teacher
- Child Life Specialist
- Special Education Paraprofessional
- Early Childhood Education Regulator
- Early Childhood Education Consultant
The options are endless! You’ll also need to know how to communicate with parents about their child’s progress, how to work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges, and how to prepare students for standardized tests required by the state.
What are the best Child Development degrees?
If you’ve already started looking around, you’ve noticed that there are a lot of Child Development programs out there. Not only that, but there are a plethora of different areas of specialization as well! We hope this College Choice ranking helps you find the perfect Child Development program to suit your specific career goals.
Looking forward to educating today’s youngsters? College Choice has taken the stress out of finding the perfect program. In fact, we’ve ranked the 35 Best Online Child Development Degrees for your convenience. Check them out below!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development
Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale , AZ - Campus
Degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate degrees at Arizona State University Online. A notable option is the developed for learners with a bachelor’s in . This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
No
#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public college. With a total of 8 remote master's degrees available, the institution is a leader in online education for graduate students. The is one such option for students interested in the field.
The program can fit into busy schedules because of its adaptability and flexibility. Professionals, caretakers, and other workers can schedule their studies on the evenings, weekends, and other convenient times. The program provides this opportunity without sacrificing the rigor that prepares students for higher-level work and further education.
According to the latest data, the school accepts about 64% of applicants each year, but that may vary by program. A bachelor’s degree in the field, or a related one, is the usual threshold for entry into a master’s program. To learn more, contact the program about application requirements.
Average Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$35,112
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
31,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
students attend University of Southern Mississippi for top-ranked degrees such as the online . Learners receive the advanced training employers expect from highly skilled professionals. If they choose, graduates with a can also pursue a doctorate later on.
The effective management of time is a key consideration for many learners, and this program accommodates that need. Students may want an advanced degree but have other concerns such as caregiving and employment, and this flexible degree supports those endeavors. Enrollees move through the program with faculty support, assistance such as career advising, and the ability to tailor the educational experience to their career aspirations.
The application requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree and transcripts, but the department can provide more information. School data show the acceptance rate stands at 97%, but some programs may differ.The tuition rate for Mississippi students is about $8,786 per year, and students can help fund their education with grants, loans, and scholarships.
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
14,133
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of La Verne, a private college, develops programs that provide a unique learning experience requiring little to no attendance on the La Verne, California, campus. People interested in graduate programs they can pursue from a distance can choose from 2 master's degrees available online. Learners interested in can pursue the among the options.
Logistics is no barrier to earning this degree, which offers graduate students the freedom to learn at their convenience. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. This online format allows faculty to seamlessly integrate academic rigor, advanced career preparation, and flexible scheduling.
The admittance rate is 55% per year overall, but applicants may be accepted at varying rates for different programs. Interested learners will need a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for this program, but other requirements may apply. The program department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to do that.
Average Tuition
In-state
$43,440
Out-of-state
$43,440
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
7,396
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Child Development
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Earning a graduate degree is achievable at University of North Dakota because of an institutional emphasis on flexibility.The school, located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, offers top-ranked degrees such as the among the 28 online master's programs. This degree accommodates degree-seekers’ need for flexibility with a format that offers accessibility from anywhere you live.
Applicants will need to review the program page for more admissions information, but a bachelor’s is usually a starting point for a master's program. Once enrolled, students in the program receive the advanced education necessary to prepare for mid- to senior-level positions. The program also prepares the holder for a terminal degree such as a Ph.D.
The current tuition rate stands at $10,534 per year for residents of North Dakota, and $18,434 for out-of-state residents. Learners can pay for their education with institutional and external grants and scholarships. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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