Bachelor’s degree programs in Early Childhood Education are designed for students who want to start a career in preschool teaching.
Many early childhood educators teach preschool children how to read, write, and learn.
Early Childhood Education programs cover topics about the child’s formative years and focus on helping future educators understand more about childhood psychology and children’s behavior.
Some schools offer online Early Childhood Education degree programs designed for busy adults who want to change careers.
Programs of this type can help you start a career that is both personally and professionally rewarding but these online programs may come with an expensive price tag.
The good news is that many colleges and universities across America offer low-cost tuition online programs and some also offer financial aid to qualifying students.
To help you choose the program that best fits your aspirations we have selected a list of 20 cheap schools that offer online bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education.
We have included information about their budget-friendly rates, coursework, and accreditation.
If you’re a busy person who wants to earn a degree online without worrying about covering huge costs, read our list and select the program that suits you best.
Regent University
Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education designed for students who want to start a career as childcare center director, preschool teacher, or parent educator.
Students enrolled in this program learn about child development from birth through 8 years of age, how to develop lesson plans, and much more.
The program requires 120 credit hours for graduation.
The tuition rate at Regent University is $566 per credit hour.
The program covers topics on Wellness and Childcare Programs, Childhood and Adolescent Growth and Development, Characteristics of Students with Disabilities, and more.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteNational University
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education offered by National University follows the principles and guidelines set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Child Development Associates National Competency Standards.
The program focuses on teaching students how to approach the social, linguistic, physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of children 8 years old or younger.
The coursework also focuses on understanding the learning behaviors that fit specific populations of children.
Tuition for undergraduate students is $370 per quarter credit.
National University has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, by the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Official WebsiteLiberty University
The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education offered by Liberty University teaches students about educational methodologies they need to apply in this profession and equips them with leadership skills that will help them interact effectively with their students.
Students enrolled in this program also study the fundamental principles of learning and the important milestones of early childhood development.
The 120-credit hour program includes courses such as Early Childhood Education Fundamentals, Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Childhood, Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting, and many more.
Tuition for online programs at Liberty University is 390 per credit hour for full-time students.
Graduates can find employment as preschool or elementary teachers, early childhood educators, and other related careers in preschool settings.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Phoenix
The Bachelor of Science in Education/Early Childhood Education offered by the University of Phoenix helps students gain the skills they need to become specialists in early childhood education.
The 120-credit program trains future early childhood educators and teaches them how to mold the cognitive, social, and academic skills of children in pre-kindergarten to grade 3.
This online program costs $398 per credit hour.
Students take classes in topics such as Instructional Strategies for Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Growth and Development, Community and Family Engagement, Foundations of Early Childhood Education, and more.
This program also focuses on providing students with field experience.
The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteGrand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a curriculum that emphasizes early childhood to grade 3 education.
The coursework focuses on teaching strategies, assessment procedures, instructional methodologies, and principles of early childhood development.
The program also includes two practicum experiences, one in pre-K and one in Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Students are ready to apply for teaching certification upon completion of this program.
The 120-credit hour program includes core courses in Social Justice for Educators, Early Childhood Foundations and the Teaching Profession, Development of Health, Safety and Nutrition in Young Children, and Early Literacy Development, among others.
The online tuition rate is $440 per credit hour.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteBrandman University
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education offered by Brandman University prepares early childhood educators and helps them develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities needed to facilitate the development of children up to 8 years of age.
The 42-credit hour online program includes mandatory classes such as Teaching in a Diverse Society, Child Growth and Development, Effective Support for Children, and Introduction to Curriculum for Young Children, and more.
The program also includes two practicums that help students apply their teaching abilities under guided supervision.
The program costs approximately $500 per credit hour.
Brandman University is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Washington
The University of Washington provides a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies designed to teach students about early childhood growth and development, early literacy, and family studies.
Students can choose between two pathways of learning: the core pathway and the teaching and learning pathway.
The coursework covers topics on Child Development and Learning, Introduction to Online Learning, Social Policy&Young Children & Families, Understanding Early Childhood & Family Studies Research, and more.
This program costs $231 per credit hour.
Official WebsiteWilmington University
Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education Studies: Early Childhood Education designed for students who want to work with children in educational professions that do not require certifications or state licensure.
Students need 122 credit hours to complete this program that combines a core curriculum, a chosen concentration, and a practicum experience.
Required courses include Early Care Education Internship, Professional Issues in Early Childhood, Creating Environments for Learning, and more.
Wilmington University’s online education program costs $372 per credit hour.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsitePurdue University Global
The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration offered by Purdue University Global blends theory, principles, and methodologies of childhood growth and development with administration topics.
The 180 credit hour program includes classes such as Early Childhood Administration, Early Childhood Family, Community and Advocacy, and Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood among others.
Students are also required to complete 5 hours of field experience in a child/daycare center.
Undergraduate tuition is $371 per credit hour.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati provides an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education designed for students who want to start a career as an early childhood educator.
Graduates are ready for employment in child/daycare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and other institutions that provide early childhood education programs.
Tuition is $459 per credit hour.
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Official WebsiteSouthern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development is designed for students who are interested in working with young children.
The program qualifies students for employment as family advocates, preschool teachers, educational assistants, Head Start program coordinators, and other professional opportunities in the field of early childhood education.
Students are encouraged to complete 120 quarter credits at their community college and then they can take the minimum 60 upper-division credits online.
Tuition is $212 per credit hour.
Southern Oregon University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Official WebsiteNorthern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education that is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and education to meet the requirements set by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Specialization requirements include Foundations of Childhood Education, Independent Study, Educational Psychology in Elementary and Middle-School Education, Play Education, and more.
Students enrolled in this program need 120 credit hours for graduation.
Tuition is $459 per credit hour.
Northern Arizona University’s College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified designed to prepare students for a successful career as coordinators, teachers, or administrators in early childhood education programs.
Students can apply the skills and knowledge acquired during this program in education centers that serve children from birth to eight years of age.
The 126 credit hour program includes major courses such as Assessment in Special Education, Educational Psychology, Technology Application in Special Education, Emergent Literacy, and Child Care Management & Administration.
Students pay $238 per credit hour.
Eligible students may also have access to scholarships and financial aid provided by FHSU’s Department of Teacher Education.
Fort Hays University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteMississippi State University
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education provided by Mississippi State University is an online education program designed to prepare students for teaching children in pre-K to grade 6.
Students can choose between an early childhood concentration or middle school concentration.
They also have to complete a teaching internship with a guided instructor or staff from the university.
Major courses include Fine Arts, English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences.
Tuition is $381 per credit hour and students need 123 credit hours for graduation.
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Massachusetts-Amherst
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education provided by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst prepares students for teaching opportunities in private and public institutions.
The university offers a Umass-TK20 and an e-portfolio platform that keeps a historical record of the students’ practicum progress.
The 44-credit hour online program includes courses such as Principles and Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts, Survey of Children’s Literature, Sheltered English Immersion, Human Development in Infancy, Creative Arts and Activities for Young Children, and more.
The tuition for this program is $390 per credit hour.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Nebraska
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education provided by the University of Nebraska is designed for teachers, administrators, and other staff in Head Start programs or preschools.
Students are ready to teach children from birth to 5 years of age in special education, and children from birth to 8 years of age in a regular school.
Out of state students pay $396 per credit hour while in-state students pay $259 per credit.
The 120-credit hour program includes a student teaching experience that is observed and supervised by an experienced teacher.
Core classes include Management and Assessment in Preschool and Elementary Classrooms, Teaching in a Democratic Society, Instructional Technology, and more.
The University of Nebraska is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteNational Louis University
National Louis University is offering a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education designed to prepare students to work with young children from birth to 8 years of age.
Graduates are qualified to apply for a Professional Educator License in Illinois.
Students need 180 credit hours to graduate from this online program and they are also required to complete a student teaching experience under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
Core courses include Basic Art Appreciation, Children’s Literature for Educators, Literacy Methods I and II, Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education, among others.
Tuition is $430 per credit hour.
National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteConcordia University-Saint Paul
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers a Bachelor of Arts Child Development that emphasizes leadership and advocacy in the study of early education.
The program has met the standards set by the National Accreditation for the Education of Young Children for initial professional preparation.
The 120-credit program includes major, general education required classes and electives.
Required courses include Child Social and Emotional Growth, Writing for Educators, Infants and Toddlers, Young Children with Special Needs, and much more.
Tuition is $420 per credit hour.
Concordia State University, St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteThe University of Alabama
The Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, Early Childhood Education provided by the University of Alabama is designed to provide students with an understanding of the children’s growth and development from birth to 8 years of age.
Students learn not only how to design, evaluate, and apply strategic programs for preschool children but they also study the parent/child relationship and the social, physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of young children’s development.
They need 120-credit hours for graduation.
Students must take classes such as Infancy and Toddlerhood, Introduction to Psychology, Educational Statistics, Parent & Family Development, among others.
They are also required to complete an internship program.
Tuition is $364 per credit hour.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteBall State University
Ball State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood that prepares students for a career in a variety of early childhood education environments.
Students are required to complete at least 120 credit hours to complete this program.
Required classes include Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction, Independent Study, Literature for Young Children, Early Emergency Literacy, and more.
Tuition for out-of-state students is $510 per credit hour.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What courses are typically included in an online Early Childhood Education curriculum?
Early Childhood Education programs are designed for students who want to teach young children.
The curriculum typically focuses on providing students with an understanding of a child’s development years.
Students learn how to creatively align with child development academic standards and how to develop social skills in children while valuing their interests.
Graduates are typically qualified to work with children from birth to 8 years of age.
Students take classes on topics such as literature for young children, psychology, child development, and more.
Many programs also offer students the option of choosing between general Early Childhood Education or a specific concentration.
These programs also include classes for instructors, principals, and paraprofessionals.
Q. What are the duties of someone who works in the field of Early Childhood Education?
The exact duties vary depending on the early childhood specialist’s role and the age of his/her students.
Early Childhood Educators are specialized in teaching young children how to communicate, count, read, and help them to develop their cognitive and social skills and competencies in math and literature.
To be effective in their role as educators of small children, these professionals need to apply unique creative strategies that spark children’s curiosity and foster their love for learning.
A degree in Early Childhood Education teaches students how to do all these things and qualifies them for applying for a Professional Educator License and for an entry-level position in this field.
Q. What careers may I pursue with a degree in Early Childhood Education?
Graduates of a Bachelor’s Degree program in Early Childhood Education are ready to become infant or toddler teachers, child care center specialists, instructional assistants, parent trainers, childhood development consultants, and many other related professions.
The demand for early childhood educators is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This expected growth is explained, in part, by the fact that the number of preschool-aged children is expected to increase and the demand for early childhood education services will increase accordingly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for preschool teachers was $30,520 in May 2019.
Salaries in this field vary based on the teacher’s level of experience, education, and many other factors.
Some teachers make less than $21,000 a year while others make more than $55,000.
This profession may not be the best-paid career, especially if you’re a beginner, but you should also take into account the emotional rewards you receive when teaching young learners and preparing preschool-aged children for their future learning experiences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re genuinely interested in teaching young children, an online Bachelor in Early Childhood Education will give you the opportunity of learning about child development, psychology, learning, and many other interesting topics and help you earn your degree from the comfort of your home, while keeping a full-time job.
If you’re worried about financial costs, our list is meant to help you explore some of the institutions that offer the cheapest programs in this field.
So there’s no need to put your professional dreams on hold, read our list and apply to the program that best meets your budget and education needs.