Best Early Childhood Education Degrees Online 2026
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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
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Ball State University allows you to choose from a BA or BS in early childhood education. The major requires 90 credits, and you can select any minor to complete the degree, including early intervention, applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder, psychology of human development, and more.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The program is 100% online and asynchronous, so you can watch courses and complete homework on your own schedule.
- If you live and work in Indiana, you may qualify for the TEACH scholarship that covers most of your tuition and book expenses.
- The curriculum emphasizes theories in child development, effective teaching techniques, and understanding diverse family structures and backgrounds.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This degree completion program requires an associate degree in early childhood education with a practicum or at least 45 credits from an accredited college or university.
- You'll need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify for a credit transfer.
59%
$ 8,688
77%
$26,696
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,440
- Institution Type
- Public
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Bay Path University's online bachelor's in early childhood education licensure program meets Massachusetts's requirements for licensure. The program helps you develop the expert teaching skills necessary to qualify for various careers in education. The accelerated structure means you could graduate in as little as three and a half years.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in Massachusetts
Things We Love:
- You can choose from career-focused majors such as early childhood leadership, education studies in a non-licensure track, or elementary education licensure.
- The curriculum includes one-on-one instruction from expert faculty to develop your skills.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $410 per credit for full-time students for the 2024-2025 school year, total program tuition is around $49,200.
- You can transfer in up to 90 credits to earn your degree faster.
78%
$35,781
70%
$35,781
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,465
- Institution Type
- Private
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Campbellsville University offers a BS in early childhood education with a curriculum that builds competence in child development and pedagogy. The program aims to develop a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive classrooms.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- CU allows you to add a Montessori specialization to your degree.
- In the BS program, you can earn a director's credential for additional career advancement.
- Choose from courses that are eight or 16 weeks to customize your degree.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- With tuition of $424 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students, total tuition is about $50,880 as of the 2024-2025 school year.
- CU is a military-friendly school and a member of the Yellow Ribbon program.
56%
$25,600
60%
$25,600
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,775
- Institution Type
- Private
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Central Michigan University offers BS in education that specializes in teaching early childhood from birth through kindergarten as well as early childhood special education. You'll gain the skills and credentials necessary for a career in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes intensive real-world experience during this 51-credit major.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 124
- Programmatic Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- During this degree program, you'll learn practice-based education in teaching young children with and without disabilities.
- The coursework emphasizes learning through play and the social, emotional, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children.
- CMU reports that 94.9% of students are employed, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can access annual scholarships through the Department of Teacher Education and Professional Development.
- CMU has a high 91% admissions rate.
52%
$10,992
73%
$19,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,423
- Institution Type
- Public
Central Wyoming College
- Riverton, WY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Central Wyoming College calls its bachelor of applied science in early childhood education the "path to a career that makes a difference every day." You'll learn skills to teach children from pre-K through third grade and have opportunities to practice skills during field experiences in different education settings.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- Coursework includes foundations of education, elementary math and science, psychology, special education, technology, literature, and more.
- You can choose between asynchronous and synchronous courses throughout your degree program.
- Before graduation, you are required to attempt the Education of Young Children Praxis 5024.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 before enrolling in upper-division courses.
- In-state tuition is around $156 per credit as of the 2024-2025 school year, while out-of-state tuition is $366 per credit.
44%
$3,150
44%
$9,450
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,923
- Institution Type
- Public
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online BS in early childhood education that aligns with Hawaii requirements and National Association for the Education of Young Children standards. The curriculum includes fieldwork experience.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- You'll have the chance to study developmentally appropriate practice, leadership and guidance, and language arts curriculum and methods.
- Chaminade University is accredited in Montessori education, which allows you to add specialized courses as part of your degree program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Pre-major requirements include child development; music, art, and creative movement in early childhood education; and health and family issues.
- Chaminade University of Honolulu has a high acceptance rate of 93%.
67%
$28,430
74%
$28,430
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,039
- Institution Type
- Private
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Charter Oak State College has a 100% online bachelor's in early childhood education with three concentration options, including Montessori, program administration and leadership, and early childhood teacher credential.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The degree programs prepare you to enroll in teacher certification programs after completing the undergraduate degree program.
- With six start dates throughout the year, you can get started whenever you like.
- You can qualify for various scholarships from the Charter Oak State College Foundation.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for all full-time students is $329 per credit or $39,480 for the entire bachelor's program.
- COSC has a 100% first-to-second-year retention rate for full-time students.
N/A
$ 7,656
100%
$10,056
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,602
- Institution Type
- Public
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an accelerated BA in early childhood education that allows you to begin working faster. The program prepares you to earn a Wisconsin early childhood teacher license.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in Wisconsin
Things We Love:
- The curriculum builds a strong foundation in early childhood education with opportunities for student teaching in classrooms or licensed early childhood facilities.
- The faculty are all practicing educators who can help you become an advocate for children from birth through third grade.
- The program accepts up to six credits from prior learning assessments, and, with the program director's approval, you can transfer in up to 84 credits.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $490 per credit for tuition for the 2024-2025 school year, the total program cost is $58,800 for full-time students.
- You can start on multiple dates in the fall, spring, and summer trimesters, with rolling admissions throughout the year.
57%
$32,770
79%
$32,770
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,063
- Institution Type
- Private
Fisher College
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Fisher College's BA in early childhood education and care takes place in eight-week courses. The program trains you to implement developmentally appropriate practice by integrating research and education and typically takes three years and four months to complete.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 122
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in all 50 states
Things We Love:
- The curriculum includes fieldwork in early childhood development and pedagogy while emphasizing best practices, advocacy, and reflective practice in the context of family, culture, language, and society.
- The program emphasizes reflective thinking and gaining the skills necessary to become effective decision-makers.
- You can choose from 18 diverse minors to build unique professional credentials.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Total tuition is $34,489 per year for full-time students as of the 2024-2025 school year.
- You may earn up to seven credits for prior learning with a Child Development Associate credential.
61%
$33,150
55%
$33,150
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,421
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
You can pursue a 100% online BS in early childhood development at Florida International University. The degree focuses on the development of the whole child and includes courses on young children's cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Leads to Education Licensure and/or Certification: No
Things We Love:
- The curriculum includes courses on classroom management, assessment techniques, family engagement, children with special needs, cultural diversity, and literacy development.
- A 24-7 online platform allows you to connect with other students and get real-time feedback from instructors.
- FIU has a strong 74% graduation rate.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Full-time, in-state students pay $236 per credit hour as of the 2024-2025 school year, while out-of-state tuition is $649 per credit.
- FIU has a 51% acceptance rate, and SAT or ACT scores aren't required to apply.
67%
$ 6,168
92%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
