Affordability is top of mind for students interested in online early childhood education degrees. However, the best affordable programs consider more than just cost.
Graduation rates, course offerings, transfer credit policies, class sizes, and accreditation status are equally important. Ultimately, your choice should align with your academic and career goals.
We've done some of the heavy lifting for you. Read more to learn about our top-ranked affordable online early childhood education programs, and begin your journey to a career in teaching.
Start Your Early Childhood Education Journey Today
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Programs
How to Choose an Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Program
Your search for the best affordable online early childhood education programs begins with defining true affordability and knowing the qualities to look for.
Net Price vs. Ticket Price
While it's true some schools charge significantly more than others, those with higher tuition rates might still deserve a spot on your list of top schools. Depending on how much financial aid you can secure, the final amount you pay (net price) may be significantly less than the upfront ticket price.
Find Financial Aid for Your Early Childhood Education Program
Accreditation and Program Quality
Choosing an institutionally-accredited program is one of the best ways to ensure you receive the best education and career preparation. Accreditation is awarded to programs that meet national standards of excellence and quality.
However, some top online early childhood education programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
State Licensure Requirements
To practice as a preschool teacher, you need to complete an early childhood education program approved by the board of education in the state in which you plan to work. Generally, a teaching license is required to work in public schools.
Child Development Associate (CDA) or Teacher Assistant programs, however, do not result in licensure eligibility.
Transfer Credits
If you have already earned some college credits, enrolling in a degree completion program might be ideal. These programs permit you to transfer credits from your prior school, shortening the time it takes to finish.
First-time college students can choose the full 120-credit program option. Both program types are spotlighted in our rankings list.
What Makes an Online Early Childhood Education Program Truly Affordable?
Though degree programs can be pricey, it's important to look at the bigger picture when determining affordability. Factoring in hidden costs, such as textbook and technology fees, is crucial before calculating your total bill. But remember that financial aid can drastically reduce the actual amount you owe (see the table below for examples).
Affordability also depends on your potential return on investment (ROI). The quality education, student support, and career preparation you'll receive from an accredited institution can help you avoid retaking classes and boost your job prospects after graduation. This ultimately saves you both time and money in the end.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $32,289 |
| Avg. Net Tuition After Aid | $23,341 | $11,577 |
| Avg. Savings from Aid | ~73% | ~64% |
How Much Do Online Early Childhood Education Programs Cost?
The online programs mentioned in our rankings list cost between $235 and $565 (or $465 on average) per credit hour. This is less than the cost of all bachelor's degree programs, which average $490 per credit hour. The table below compares the average net price of online and on-campus bachelor's degree programs.
Bachelor's Degree in Education, 2020
Avg. Online Tuition & Fees
$9,594
Avg. Online Net Price
$5,334
Avg. On-Campus Tuition & Fees
$14,226
Avg. On-Campus Net Price
$6,060
Source: NCES PowerStats
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Early Childhood Education Programs
As an early childhood education student, you may qualify for federal and field-specific aid, including:
Federal Grants and Loans: Must submit theFAFSA to be eligible
TEACH Grant: Funding in exchange for a work commitment
Wisconsin's Credential Scholarship: Funding for future preschool teachers
North Dakota's Workforce Training and Education Incentive: Up to $5,000 tuition reimbursement
What Is an Online Early Childhood Education Degree's ROI?
To calculate the ROI of an early childhood education degree, compare the total program cost with your expected salary after graduation.
Education majors from the Class of 2024 reported an average starting salary of $46,768, according to theNational Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Salary, however, can depend on your location, specialization, and the degree you earn.
How to Save Money on Your Online Early Childhood Education Degree
Here are several tips, aside from financial aid and educator scholarships, to help you save on your college degree:
1. Start at a Community College
Starting at a community college is one of the best ways to save money on a bachelor's degree. Consider this: Two-year public colleges cost under $120 per credit on average. On the other hand, four-year private colleges cost around $1,200, 10 times as much.
Many community colleges even offer two-year associate degree programs designed to help you easily transfer into a four-year school. By spending your first two years at a community college and then transferring, you'll end up paying way less overall.
2. Get Exempt from Credits
You typically need to earn at least 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, but you can reduce that number by transferring credits or earning credits for life and work experience.
Be sure to research your transfer options and submit transcripts on time. Also, look into credit-by-exam options, such as College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests or placement exams. This can help you graduate faster and spend less money overall.
3. Research 'Free' Credentialing Programs
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for special teacher credentialing or residency programs that waive tuition for participants.
For example, the University of California, Riverside now offers a teacher residency program that covers tuition and guarantees a teaching position in the local school district upon completion. These programs help address teacher shortages while also making it more affordable to pursue a career in education.
However, this option isn't available in all states and may be limited to only certain school districts.
