Love working with young children? An online early childhood education degree can help you turn that enthusiasm into a career while offering flexibility and lower tuition rates than many on-campus programs.
Early childhood education programs help build your leadership, communication, classroom management, curriculum design, and child advocacy skills. Earning this degree can prepare you for teaching roles at preschools, elementary schools, and child development centers.
This guide covers key courses, career paths, and salaries to help you decide if this degree is right for you.
10 Best Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Programs
What Is an Early Childhood Education Degree?
An early childhood education degree can lay the groundwork for you to work as a preschool teacher or director at a daycare center. These programs prepare you to educate and care for young children as they undergo rapid cognitive, social, and physical changes.
While an associate degree is enough to help you secure an entry-level position in early childhood education, such as an assistant preschool teacher, a bachelor's degree can prepare you to become a lead preschool teacher or preschool director.
Some programs can also prepare you to pursue a teaching certificate. With a teaching certificate, this degree can also qualify you to work as an elementary teacher for K-3 students. Check your state's specific teaching requirements.
Why Get Your Early Childhood Education Degree Online?
There are benefits to earning your bachelor's in childhood education online.
Online bachelor's degree programs offer the flexibility for you to balance your studies with work or family commitments.
With online degrees, you can also access highly ranked programs from any location.
Online degrees often have lower tuition costs than on-campus programs, and many feature the same rate for out-of-state students.
Studying online also eliminates indirect college expenses like transportation, campus housing, and parking.
Choosing the Right Online Early Childhood Education Program: 4 Key Factors
Take your time exploring different online early childhood education program options. The first school you find might not be the right fit. Many institutions offer online programs, so it can be beneficial to remain discerning.
1. Program Cost
In general, public institutions are more affordable than private institutions.
While tuition prices vary dramatically between schools, online education degrees cost about $2,000 less, on average, than on-campus degrees, according to 2020 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data. The median annual tuition and fees were $8,010 for online education programs compared to $10,538 for on-campus programs.
We've adjusted these figures to reflect 2025 dollars for a more accurate estimate of today's tuition costs, but, keep in mind, tuition prices have risen since the data was published in 2020.
| Program Type | Median Tuition Cost | Total Median Cost (Over Four Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $10,059 | $40,236 |
| Traditional On-Campus | $13,234 | $52,937 |
2. Program Format
Typically, full-time students complete online bachelor's in early childhood education programs in four years, while part-time students take 6-8 years. If you have a busy schedule and prefer a slower pace, a part-time program can offer greater flexibility. If you want to complete your degree more quickly, consider enrolling in an accelerated program.
3. On-Campus Requirements
Most early childhood education programs require in-person practicums or residencies. If you live in a different part of the country from your university, pay close attention to a program's on-campus requirements. In some cases, you may be able to fulfill these requirements at a local school or childcare center.
4. Accreditation
Always ensure that your online early childhood education program is accredited. Attending an accredited institution ensures that you can receive federal financial aid and transfer credits between schools. The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation agencies to ensure their integrity.
You can also search the database of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to find accredited early childhood education programs. Other programmatic accreditors for early childhood education include:
Reality Check: Can I make a comfortable living as a childhood educator?
It's no secret that many teachers are unsatisfied with their salaries. However, with certain early childhood specializations, you could earn a salary comparable to the national median salary for all occupations of $49,500.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), preschool special education teachers made a median annual salary of $64,270 as of May 2024, and preschool and daycare administrators made a median annual salary of $56,270.
Early Childhood Education Salary and Career Outlook
Early childhood education is a versatile degree and can open the door to various careers. You also can choose to earn your teaching credential and work in elementary schools or special education.
Common careers for people with an early childhood education degree include preschool teacher, childcare worker, preschool and childcare center director, and teacher assistant.
This degree could also be the starting point from which to pursue advanced degrees and careers such as curriculum developer or principal.
| Careers | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | $37,120 |
| Childcare Workers | $32,050 |
| Preschool and Childcare Center Directors | $56,270 |
| Teacher Assistants | $35,240 |
| Special Education Teachers | $64,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education can help qualify you to work as a preschool teacher, childcare worker, childcare center director, teacher assistant, or a K-3 elementary school teacher.
If you prefer behind-the-scenes roles, you could become a curriculum developer, educational consultant, or school counselor. These administrative positions typically require a master's degree and additional certifications.
