15 Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Master’s Degrees

By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
June 2019

If you have been working with young children in your capacity as a teacher, you may have realized the need for more training, or you are finally ready to move into an administrative position. If this describes you, then you should consider earning an advanced degree in your chosen field. Colleges and universities that feature a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education equip their students to create optimal learning environments for children with diverse backgrounds and abilities. Teachers with a master’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) have demonstrated their knowledge of advanced methods of meeting the needs of infants, preschool children, and school-age children up to the age of eight. In addition, they have gained the expertise to serve as administrators in schools and in the management of childcare systems.

It may be, however, that your personal obligations of work and family would seem to prohibit any move toward attaining a higher degree. In this case, the technological age in which we live is your proverbial life-line. Online ECE programs are perfect for those students who must continue to work while they attend school. You will be able to schedule virtual classes around the needs of work and family. In addition, you will be able to utilize the skills and knowledge you gain each day from your online courses in your current pedagogical work.

Of course, the gains are not all intellectual–an advanced degree leads to higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected job growth for preschool and childcare center directors, as well as kindergarten and elementary school teachers, is expected to grow at a steady 7% rate in the next several years (as fast as average). The chart below (also BLS) shows median annual wages for both bachelor’s degree and master’s degree level jobs.

Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s Degree

Pre-K Teachers: $30,000/$43,000
Elem. and MG Teachers: $42,100/$54,000
Special Education Teachers: $42,000/$52,000
Administrators: $52,000/$75,000

As an accreditation organization for higher institutions of education preparation, CAEP is the acronym for Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Hourly Tuition Rate:

$400 and under – 5 points
$500 and under – 4 points
$600 and under – 3 points
$700 and under – 2 points
$800 and under – 1 point

Regional Accreditation: 5 points
CAEP Accreditation: 5 points
Multiple Tracks/Specializations: 3 points
Payscale.com ROI Ranking:

Top 300 – 5 points
Top 600 – 4 points
Top 900 – 3 points
Top 1200 – 2 points
Top 1500 – 1 point

#15 – Texas A&M University-Commerce

Commerce, Texas

Online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Payscale.com ROI: 718th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $202
Points: 13
Website
Texas A&M University-Commerce makes available classes in Dallas and other East Texas cities so that students in their online master of education in Early Childhood Education program can combine virtual classes with some face-to-face meetings with students and faculty, if desired. Of the 36 hours needed for graduation, 18 are in the student’s major, and 18 are in electives. Texas A&M University-Commerce calls for the following submissions for their online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education: transcripts, an essay, GRE/GMAT scores, and $35 application fee. Courses may include Literacy Development in the Early Years and Creative Expression in the Arts.

#14 – East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

MA Early Childhood, Master Teacher Concentration Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 1454th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $785
Points: 14
Website
East Tennessee State University has an online, 36 credit hour master of arts Early Childhood, Master Teacher Concentration degree. It is a non-licensure program that is ideal for already-licensed teachers who are seeking a career in early childhood settings aside from public education. Admissions asks for transcripts of your undergraduate degree showing a minimum 2.5 GPA, a personal essay, and a $55 application fee. Coursework in East Tennessee State University’s MA Early Childhood, Master Teacher Concentration online degree includes Family and Community Relations, Advanced Child Development, Designing EC Environments, History and Philosophy of ECE, and Practicum in ECE.

#13 – University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

Early Childhood Education Online M.Ed

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: Not ranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $433.37
Points: 14
Website
Applicants to the University of Missouri’s Early Childhood Education online master of education program must have completed a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and have at least two years of teaching experience. A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours is also required, as well as transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a $65 fee. The University of Missouri’s 100% online, 30 credit hour Early Childhood Education M.Ed. degree devotes 15 hours to ECE core courses, 9 hours to the LTC curriculum (Learning and Teaching), and 6 hours for electives.

#12 – University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama

M.Ed. Early Childhood Development Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: Not ranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $429
Points: 14
School Profile
The University of West Alabama has a 34-credit hour Master of Education Early Childhood Development online degree that is a non-licensure program designed for three kinds of educators: those seeking a master’s level education; those seeking to enhance their career in early childhood; and those who do not need master’s level certification in current or future positions. Admissions calls for undergraduate transcripts with a 2.75 GPA and evidence of fingerprint clearance. The University of West Alabama Master of Education Early Childhood Development online degree program allots 19 credit hours to professional courses and 15 hours to teaching field courses.

#11 – University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio

MS in Education Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 261st
Hourly Tuition Rate: $795
Points: 16
Website
The University of Dayton has Roman Catholic, Marianist roots and states on the school’s website that it is “dedicated to the common good and passionately striving toward a better tomorrow.” Their Master of Science in Education Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy online degree follows that noble ideal. The 30 credit hour program is non-licensing but is designed for experienced EC professionals, with courses such as Becoming a Master Educator and EC Program and Personnel Management. Application requirements for the University of Dayton’s MS in Education Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy online include GRE/GMAT scores, personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and no application fee.

#10 – University of Colorado Denver

Denver, Colorado

Online MA Early Childhood Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 417th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $621
Points: 16
Website
As the largest graduate school of education in Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver has an online Master of Arts Early Childhood Education degree that is a 30-42 credit hour program. All classes are fully online, but students must convene in Denver in June each year for a 3-5 day seminar to meet the faculty and other students and to attend student advising sessions. Admissions requires a resume, written statement, copy of teaching license (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and $50 fee. Coursework in the University of Colorado Denver’s online MA ECE includes Child Growth and Development and Approaches to Young Children’s Learning.

#9 – West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: Not ranked
Hourly Tuition Rate: $500
Points: 16
Website
The master of education in Early Childhood Education online degree featured at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a two-track program: Accomplished Teachers Track and Program Administrators Track. The fully online, cohort model has synchronous and asynchronous formats and begins only in the spring. Sample courses include Families, Communities, and Education in a Multicultural Society, Advocating for Young Children and Families, and Small Business Management in ECE. Application to West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s online MEd in Early Childhood Education degree program requires transcripts showing a 2.75 minimum GPA, two professional recommendations, goal statement, resume, and a $50 fee.

#8 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 1128th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $475
Points: 16
Website
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana has created the only master of education in Early Childhood Education in the state of Louisiana. The program’s online courses include the following: Positive Relationship with Children, Families, and Communities; Trends and Issues in Contemporary Early Childhood/Primary Programs; Curriculum and Spaces for Infants and Toddlers; Educational Research and Evaluation; and practicum experience. To apply to Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online MEd in Early Childhood Education program, you must submit a copy of your teaching license, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a $20 fee.

#7 – Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina

Online M. Ed. – Teaching and Learning

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Payscale.com ROI: 163rd
Hourly Tuition Rate: $494
Points: 17
Website
Clemson University’s Master of Education – Teaching and Learning degree is a 100% online, cohort program for current PK – 12 educators. Completion of the 10-course curriculum takes 18 months and offers three specializations: STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics or applied mathematics); Experiential Learning for EC; or Instructional Teaching. Coursework includes Curriculum/Contemporary Issues in Assessment and Cultural Diversity in Education. To apply to Clemson University’s online M. Ed. – Teaching and Learning degree program, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, personal statement, GRE scores, and an $80 application fee.

#6 – Concordia University-Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

MA in Education Early Childhood Education Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 834th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $420
Points: 17
Website
Concordia University-Saint Paul has established a 33 credit hour Master of Arts in Education Early Childhood Education 100% online degree that is a non-licensure program. The admission process calls for you to be employed or regularly volunteering in an area of education with children. No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores are required, but you must submit transcripts with a 2.0 minimum GPA and a personal essay. Coursework in Concordia University Saint Paul’s online MA in education ECE degree includes Ethics for Educators, Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education, The Diverse Classroom, and Legal and Legislative Issues.

#5 – Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

Online MA in Special Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 1171st
Hourly Tuition Rate: $410
Points: 19
Website
Ball State University has a 30 credit hour, online MA in Special Education that does not provide an initial teaching license, but the program has several areas of ECE focus leading to graduate certificates: Applied Behavioral Analysis; Autism; Emotional and Behavioral Disorders; and Multi-tier System of Supports and Responses to Intervention. Five areas of teaching are covered in the program’s licensing options. Coursework can include classes taken for a departmental graduate certificate or an add-on teaching license. Those applying to Ball State University for the online MA in Special Education should submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and a $60 application fee.

#4 – University of North Carolina Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina

M.Ed. in Birth – Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 1269th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $305.21
Points: 19
Website
The Master of Education in Birth – Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development online degree offered by the University of North Carolina Greensboro has two concentrations: EC Leadership and Program Administration; and EC Leadership and Advanced Teaching. The University of North Carolina Greensboro designed their 37 credit hour M.Ed. in Birth – Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development online for students with licensure but seeking education in early childhood leadership and an advanced teaching license, as well as for those who work with EC educators to be leaders in their fields. Admissions requires professional statement, resume, 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and a $65 fee.

#3 – University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Online Early Childhood Education M.Ed. or MS

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 718th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $496
Points: 20
Website
The University of North Dakota has three distinct Early Childhood Education master of education degrees, all online: the MS in ECE is a non-licensing, two-plus year, 32-hour program; the Accelerated MS Ed. ECE and the Accelerated M.Ed. in Special Education both combine major and minor, bachelor and master’s degrees, are 84 credit hour programs, and take 3 years to complete. Coursework for the University of North Dakota’s online Early Childhood Education MS or MEd includes Language Development and Emerging Literacy and Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education. To apply, submit transcripts, goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and the $35 fee.

#2 – George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 98th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $524
Points: 21
Website
George Mason University has an online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education that “prepares professionals to work with young children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.” The program offers two options: ME in Curriculum and Instruction; and ME in Special Education with Concentrations in Early Childhood Special Education. Application requires a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a $75 application fee. Coursework for George Mason University’s online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education includes Engaging Families of Diverse Learners Birth – Grade 6, Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners, and International Perspectives in ECE.

#1 – University of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska

Online M.Ed. in Special Education

Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Payscale.com ROI: 334th
Hourly Tuition Rate: $323.25
Points: 22
Website
The online masters in education in special education degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln has three specializations for early childhood education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education (pre-12); Early Childhood Special Education (birth to age 5); and Visual Impairments (pre-12 with summer on-site participation required). All programs are 36 credit hours, and all master’s degree students must complete a comprehensive written and/or oral examination within 24 months prior to the date of graduation. To apply to the University of Nebraska Lincoln online M.Ed. in Special Education program, submit undergraduate transcripts, a copy of teaching certificate, and a $50 application fee.