Advancing your career in early childhood education shouldn’t mean taking on tremendous student debt.
Early childhood education students are looking for ways to affordably earn a bachelor’s degree and advance their professional career, not be riddled with student loans and debt. A flexible degree that allows you to take classes and be gainfully employed at the same time is even better.
Sound like an impossible dream? Happily, it is not. With the many affordable online bachelor in early education degrees available, graduating without carrying tremendous debt can be a reality.
Other online degrees offer this opportunity as well. Take a look at College Choice’s Most Affordable Online Schools to learn more.
Preschool teachers drew a median pay of about $30,000 per year in 2018, while preschool and child care directors made $47,940 in the same period. Education makes a difference in which job title one can attain, as preschool teachers need only an associate degree, while a bachelor's in early childhood education provides a chance at directorial positions.
Job growth prospects for both teachers and early childhood administrators look promising. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for both fields indicate solid growth, outstripping the national average for all positions. Motivated graduates in this field should be able to find work, though those who have prior experience working with young children tend to have an easier time landing jobs.
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What are the financial gains in early childhood education?
Compensation in early childhood education differs based on the organizations in which they work. Those who work for local schools tend to make more money, while those working in day care organizations or religious institutions pull down lower salaries. Compensation for preschool teachers with day care organizations can dip below $28,000 per year, while those who work for state or local private schools can make more than $45,000.
How do online classes work?
Online classes are easy to access and offer extreme flexibility. Depending on your instructor and institution, classes may meet at a set time each week or otherwise can be completed when your schedule allows in the term. School’s offer technology support and instructors are familiar with the unique demands of online classes. Ipads or other tablet devices and software suites are sometimes bundled into tuition, making logging in and completing coursework even easier.
How can I maximize affordability in my degree?
Researching our list of affordable programs is the place to start. Combining a high-quality, low-dollar program with financial aid assistance offered through the school, from current employers (who often have tuition matching or reimbursement programs) and from private scholarships is next.
Carefully vetting any credits that you may wish to transfer in from a previous school is important too. If you are able to pursue your degree while working, that is even better. Online education’s flexibility will enable this to happen.
Carefully vetting any credits that you may wish to transfer in from a previous school is important too. If you are able to pursue your degree while working, that is even better. Online education’s flexibility will enable this to happen.
What are the Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees?
If you want to find an early childhood education degree program that will equip you to teach without emptying out your bank account, take a look at these rankings. Every program has received a rank based on available data from U.S. News & World Report and Payscale.com, as well as information found on individual schools' websites.
Programs that rank highly have a mix of solid academic quality, return on investment, and reported student satisfaction. Each of these categories takes multiple metrics into account, such as a school's graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, student reviews, and early career salaries for graduates.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Aspen University
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Students wanting a flexible remote education in early childhood education should check out the bachelor of science in early childhood studies at Aspen University. The private institution offers seven online bachelor's programs and enrolls 6,893 remote degree-seekers. Distance learners benefit from a supportive online community and other institutional resources at the Denver, Colorado.
Degree candidates gain knowledge needed for the early childhood education industry in interactive classes. The curriculum for the early childhood education degree covers general education and advanced topics and lets learners modify classes and pick electives. Experiential learning opportunities supplement enrollees' academic experiences. Degree-seekers gain first-hand experience of what it's like working in the early childhood education field by completing research, internships, and externships.
Prospective learners should meet with the admissions office to discuss enrollment requirements. Fellowships, scholarships, and other types of aid allow eligible learners to reduce degree costs.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The public institution's 18,110 online learners can choose from nine virtual bachelor's programs. The bachelor of science in early childhood education program provides a rigorous education relevant to degree-seekers interested in early childhood education.
Degree candidates benefit from a supportive learning remote community, connecting with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom environment. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to their future careers from classes covering foundational and advanced topics in early childhood education. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in early childhood education. The institution provides degree-seekers with access to student success-focused resources, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.
Financial aid officers can help learners find funding opportunities to help lower the costs of an early childhood education degree. The college's funding opportunities include numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid opportunities. The institution awards financial aid to 71% of enrollees.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
University of Phoenix-Arizona
- Phoenix, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Phoenix-Arizona's bachelor of science in education/elementary education suits individuals seeking a flexible remote education in early childhood education. A total of 94,128 remote degree-seekers attend the private institution, which features 38 online bachelor's programs. Distance learners benefit from a supportive online community and other institutional resources at the Phoenix, Arizona, college.
Degree-seekers bolster their industry knowledge in engaging classes. The curriculum consists of general educational and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives. Enrollees can add to their education with experiential learning opportunities. Getting first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work in the early childhood education field is possible for degree-seekers who complete internships, externships, or research projects.
The admissions office can tell applicants more about the eligibility requirements for enrollment. Students can check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 81% of enrollees receive some kind of financial aid. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset degree costs.
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the early childhood education field should check out the bachelor of science in education (early childhood unified) at Fort Hays State University. The public college provides a premier education to 8,759 remote learners and offers 24 bachelor's programs virtually.
The program helps students succeed in the field by giving them proper tools. Classes provide enrollees with broad knowledge of the field, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Applied research projects, externships, and internships help learners develop valuable knowledge. Throughout the program, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.
Qualified applicants can offset degree costs with external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. An online education leader, the college connects degree-seekers with financial aid to support their academic journey, awarding aid to 96% of all enrollees.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in education in early childhood education at Mayville State University suits students looking for a flexible online education. A total of 765 online degree-seekers receive an industry-relevant education from the public institution. The college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources from its campus in Mayville, North Dakota, such as a tight-knit remote community.
The program's engaging classes provide students with industry-relevant knowledge. The curriculum covers general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Experiential learning opportunities supplement enrollees' academic experiences. Degree-seekers get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the field through internships, externships, and research projects.
Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Students can meet with the financial aid office to discuss if they meet the requirements for any funding opportunities, since 94% of all enrollees receive some kind of financial aid. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset degree costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
UMass Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the early childhood education field? Check out the bachelor of arts in early childhood education at UMass Global. A total of 9,772 online learners receive a premier education from the private college, choosing form 16 virtual bachelor's programs.
The bachelor's in early childhood education helps students succeed in the field by giving them proper tools. The broad curriculum includes different types of classes that cover both foundational concepts and advanced knowledge. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their industry knowledge. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. Students can talk to their academic advisor and career services to get help throughout the course of the program.
Funding opportunities from internal and external sources, such as scholarships and fellowships, help applicants offset the price of their degree. Learners can get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 89% of enrollees.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in early childhood development at Florida International University features flexibility that appeals to students interested in an online education in early childhood development. With 36 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs, the public institution educates 39,863 virtual degree-seekers. Enrollees benefit from a supportive virtual community and other institutional resources at the Miami college.
Degree candidates bolster their industry knowledge through hands-on classes. The curriculum includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Degree-seekers get a first-hand feel of what it's like to work in the field through internships, externships, and research projects.
Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Students can check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 90% of enrollees receive some kind of financial aid. Eligible learners can lower their degree costs with scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the early childhood education field, the bachelor's in family and child: early childhood education at Ball State University is a great choice. The public college's 9,809 online learners receive a premier education, choosing from 29 bachelor's programs offered remotely.
The program prepares students for a solid career in early childhood education by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Classes provide enrollees with broad knowledge of the early childhood education field, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their industry knowledge. Applied research projects, externships, and internships impart learners with valuable knowledge. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.
To lower their degree costs, eligible applicants can seek out scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities from internal and external sources. A total of 91% of enrollees at the college receive financial aid from the leader in distance learning.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northern Arizona University features a bachelor of applied science in early childhood education that is a great choice for students wanting a flexible online education in early childhood education. The public institution offers 18 of its bachelor's programs remotely, providing an industry-relevant education to 14,098 virtual degree-seekers. The Flagstaff-based college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources, including a tight-knit online community.
Degree candidates develop industry knowledge through hands-on classes. The curriculum covers general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Enrollees supplement their education with hands-on learning experiences. Getting first-hand experience of working in the field is possible for degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships.
The admissions office can let prospective students know more about enrollment criteria. Students can meet with the financial aid office to discuss if they meet the requirements for any funding opportunities, since 95% of all enrollees receive some kind of financial aid. Qualified learners can offset their degree costs through aid opportunities like internships and fellowships.
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees 2022
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A La Grande-based school, Eastern Oregon University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. As many as 18 remote bachelor's programs are available to the 2,078 distance learners at the public institution. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the bachelor's in early childhood education appeals to learners interested in the early childhood education field.
The program's online learning environment connects enrollees with colleagues and instructors, allowing them to fully benefit from the supportive remote community. Degree-seekers attend classes that cover both foundational and advanced topics, giving them relevant knowledge for a future early childhood education career. Students can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in early childhood education. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers.
Funding opportunities found with the help of a financial aid officer can reduce degree costs. Funding opportunities at the college include many different fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid opportunities. Some kind of financial aid is provided to 97% of enrollees at the institution.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities