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What Collegs Have The Best Early Childhood Education Programs?
Early childhood educators work with children, from infancy to grade school, sharing fundamental skills and knowledge.
Few occupations offer a greater opportunity to influence individuals and the world at large than jobs in education. Early childhood educators work with children, from infancy to grade school, sharing fundamental skills and knowledge in a number of areas: fine and gross motor skills, basic math, letters and reading, social studies, art and music. Teachers commit to a lifetime of learning, frequently participating in professional development, recertification procedures, and working with coworkers and parents to standardize and enhance learning opportunities for their students.
Early childhood educators may work in public schools, private schools, pre-schools and learning centers, or day care facilities. Entry-level requirements for employment typically include a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Explore our rankings of 25 top schools below, which offer everything from an essential early childhood education degree to accelerated dual-degree bachelor's/master's programs to combination degrees in early childhood and special education.
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What are the best early childhood education degrees?
Ranking methodology is based on these primary factors: institutional excellence, student satisfaction, and student success (i.e., return on investment).
Institutional excellence is decided using the following types of data: graduation rate, institutional reputation, students' entering test scores, student-to-faculty ratio, and endowment size.
Student satisfaction is an total and weighting of student reviews found in various journalistic outlets and websites.
Return on investment is based on tuition costs, financial aid, average student indebtedness after graduating, and expected early career salary for grads. Data is taken from the National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS database, Payscale, individual college websites, and US News & World Report.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in education in elementary education program at the University of Georgia, which offers 129 bachelor's degrees, helps degree-seekers reach their goals. The degree prepares students for entry-level roles in elementary education. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates can also continue their education by applying to master's or doctoral programs.
The bachelor's curriculum covers foundational concepts and methods in elementary education. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates take general education classes that strengthen critical thinking skills. Declaring a minor or double majoring helps students stand out on the job market.
Incoming degree candidates benefit from strong college support when they enroll at the school. For example, career counselors meet with students to conduct career assessments and mock interviews.
University of Georgia at a glance:
Location: Athens, Georgia
Type of School: Public
Admissions Rate: 45%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,790
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,830
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- Phoenix, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of arts in education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies program at Arizona State University, a public institution, stands out for its quality. From its Downtown Phoenix campus, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from flexible program options, rigorous academics, and the school's support services.
The program incorporates early childhood education and general education courses in its curriculum. Humanities, math, and natural sciences courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Graduates train for entry-level careers or further education by taking upper-division classes.
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 82%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 25
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,710
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $28,800
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $12,777
Graduation Rate: 58%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $42,200
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
New York University enrolls undergraduates in 137 bachelor's programs, including its bachelor of science in early childhood education and early childhood special education program. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for diverse career paths in the program. A bachelor's degree also prepares graduates for additional degrees, such as a master's or doctorate.
The bachelor's curriculum includes foundational and advanced courses in early childhood education. Undergraduates also gain communication, writing, and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Students can explore other academic and professional interests by declaring a minor or a second major.
The school's student services help incoming degree candidates integrate into the larger campus community. For example, career counselors help students identify strengths and plan for the job market.
New York University at a glance:
Location: New York, New York
Type of School: Private
Admissions Rate: 16%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Undergrad Tuition In State: $50,684
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $50,684
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public college, Florida Gulf Coast University offers a top-rated bachelor of arts in early childhood education. The school offers online classes and in-person classes located on its Fort Myers campus. The school's flexible course options, along with high academic standards, meet the needs of many undergraduates.
The bachelor of arts in early childhood education builds comprehensive skills and knowledge through both general education and major courses. Humanities, math, and natural sciences courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Learners prepare for the workforce or further education by taking advanced courses that cover theoretical and practical topics.
Florida Gulf Coast University at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 67%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 22-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 54
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,191
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $22,328
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,305
Graduation Rate: 50%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $36,500
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mercer University offers 74 bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor of science in education in early learning and development program that prioritizes flexibility. The degree prepares students for entry-level roles in early childhood education. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates can also pursue higher degrees to specialize their training.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces major principles and practices in early childhood education. Undergraduates also strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills during general education classes. Students can gain interdisciplinary training by choosing a minor or second major.
Student services support incoming degree candidates academically and socially. For example, career counselors connect students with job fairs and internship opportunities.
Mercer University at a Glance:
Location: Macon, Georgia
Type of School: Private
Admissions Rate: 74%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Undergrad Tuition In State: $25,528
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,528
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University Bloomington offers 94 bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor of science in education in early childhood education program that stands out for its quality. The degree builds the knowledge and skills required for a variety of entry-level and mid-level careers. A bachelor's degree also prepares graduates for additional degrees, such as a master's or doctorate.
The bachelor's curriculum covers foundational and advanced early childhood education topics. General education requirements also strengthen writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Electives, minors, and double majors allow students to explore other academic and professional interests.
Incoming degree candidates benefit from student services, which provide support for first-year learners. For example, financial aid counselors work closely with students to identify scholarship and grant opportunities.
Indiana University Bloomington at a Glance:
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Type of School: Public
Admissions Rate: 78%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,575
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $35,140
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, the University of Florida offers a top-ranked bachelor of arts in early childhood education. The school offers online classes and in-person classes located on its Gainesville campus. Undergraduates benefit from comprehensive support services, including academic and career advising.
The curriculum combines upper-division classes with general education courses. Humanities, math, and natural sciences courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Advanced courses cover theoretical and practical topics, preparing graduates for the workforce or a higher degree.
University of Florida at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 37%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 102
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,477
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,694
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $10,673
Graduation Rate: 88%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $47,700
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in early childhood education program at Kennesaw State University is one of 90 total bachelor's programs. This degree incorporates knowledge and skills that prepare students for many career paths. After earning a bachelor's degree, some graduates also apply to master's programs to open up additional career opportunities.
The bachelor's curriculum covers introductory courses and advanced topics. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates build communication and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Electives, minors, and double majors allow students to explore other academic and professional interests.
Incoming degree candidates benefit from student services, which provide support for first-year learners. For example, career counselors recommend job training workshops and offer career assessments.
Kennesaw State University at a glance:
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Type of School: Public
Admissions Rate: 75%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,450
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $15,704
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in early childhood development and education program at the University of Central Florida, a public institution, earns top marks. The school offers online classes and in-person classes located on its Orlando campus. Undergraduates benefit from flexible enrollment options, rigorous academics, and comprehensive college support services.
Majors graduate with a bachelor's degree after taking and general education courses in the program. Social science, humanities, and STEM classes complement the courses in the major. Learners prepare for the workforce or further education by taking advanced courses that cover theoretical and practical topics.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 44%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 30-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 88
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,478
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,810
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,728
Graduation Rate: 72%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $39,900
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Early Childhood Education Degrees
Georgia Gwinnett College
- Lawrenceville, GA
- 4 years
- Campus
The bachelor of science in education degree at Georgia Gwinnett College, a public institution, ranks among the best programs of its kind. From its campus in Lawrenceville, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from flexible program options, rigorous academics, and the school's support services.
Majors complete a bachelor's degree from the program by taking general education and early childhood education courses. Classes in math, the humanities, and the natural sciences meet general education requirements. Within the major, learners take upper-division courses that provide an advanced understanding of the education field, preparing graduates for the job market.
Georgia Gwinnett College at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 94%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 16
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,214
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $12,000
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,749
Graduation Rate: 21%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $34,500
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
