The field of early childhood education continues to grow in terms of demand, enrollment, and number of available online early childhood degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while there is some variance by state and region, the need for both preschool and kindergarten teachers is expected to increase considerably in the immediate future. Therefore it’s hardly surprising to see students seeking affordable online early childhood degrees and online early childhood certifications. Depending on state of residence, an early childhood educator salary will increase if one is licensed or certified in a certain area of the field.
The best online early childhood degrees will have well-rounded curricula and flexible means of earning a degree by distance. Online early childhood programs vary in terms of whether or not they offer teaching licensure, admission requirements, and other parameters that need to be explored before selecting the right program.
Below are the top 30 online bachelor’s in early childhood education degree programs of 2020. This list was narrowed from approximately 60 programs that feature a bachelor’s online in early childhood education. The selected online early childhood programs were narrowed and ranked by a specific set of criteria that included cost per credit hour, student to faculty ratio, regional accreditation, CAEP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation), and median earnings six years after graduation. Figures come from the schools themselves or from Niche.com. In the event of a tie in points, the school with the lower tuition rate is ranked higher.
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation:
- $55K-$60K – 5 points
- $50K-$54,999 – 4
- $45K-$49,999 – 3
- $40K-$44,999 – 2
- Under $40K – 1
Hourly Tuition Rate:
- $200 and Under – 5 points
- $400 and Under – 4
- $600 and Under – 3
- $800 and Under – 2
- $1000 and Under – 1
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
CAEP Accreditation: 5 pts
#1 – Purdue University
Worldwide
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 13:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $55,100
Hourly Tuition Rate: $373
Points: 23
Website
An admired name in online education, Purdue University’s global campus has a wide spectrum of degree opportunities. Purdue’s online BS in early childhood administration prepares graduates to work in daycare centers, preschools, elementary school administration, and other roles that don’t typically need you to have a license. Among the courses in the online early childhood degree are child safety and nutrition, early childhood advocacy, and financial planning. Purdue Global has multiple start-dates throughout the year and each student is provided one-on-one mentorships. This top BS degree in early childhood administration is 180 credits.
#2 – Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Worldwide
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 9:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $43,600
Hourly Tuition Rate: $373
Points: 21
Website
One of the top Christian liberal arts schools in the country, Mount Nazarene University is known for its stellar academics and a locked-in tuition rate. MZU has an online bachelor’s in elementary education that covers a wide span of subject areas including developmental literacy, science curriculum, classroom management, multicultural education, and building family and community relationships. Students in the online BA in early childhood are required to complete a student teaching field experience before they graduate. The online BA in elementary education can be obtained entirely online, with no residency requirements.
#3 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 14:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $49,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $392.00
Points: 21
Website
With over 100 years in education, the venerable Indiana Wesleyan University has a 100% online top BS program in early childhood education; this is a 120-credit non-licensure program that incorporates a minor in reading. Online students in early childhood education typically graduate from this flexible degree in 24 months. Among the early childhood education online courses are emergent literacy, curriculum, educational psychology, special education, literature focused preschool environments, and infant/toddler care-on-demand environments. Additionally, all students must finish a 14-week student teaching practicum.
#4 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 27:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $46,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $160
Points: 20
Website
Florida International University is a large institution with over 50,000 students worldwide. FIU features an online bachelor of science in early childhood education; this non-licensure program requires 120 credits, 30 of which are centered entirely on teaching methods and curriculum. The department faculty consists of doctoral-level educators, all seasoned professionals in the field. FIU provides tutoring, top-notch online learning resources, and assistance with locating job opportunities. Additionally, every student in the online early education BS is assigned a success coach.
#5 – Bluefield College
Bluefield, Virginia
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 14:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $40,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $365
Points: 20
Website
Based in Virginia, close to the state line with West Virginia, Bluefield College is a small, Christ-centered, liberal arts college. This college’s top online early childhood education degree is both flexible and challenging. The affordable online ECE degree leads students to careers in public schools, social service agencies, childcare administration, counseling, and more. It is important to note that Bluefield’s online early childhood education bachelor’s does not result in a teaching license. Bluefield College’s ECE degree has consistently ranked among the best online bachelor’s in the field.
#6 – Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online BS in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 13:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $42,500
Hourly Tuition Rate: $372
Points: 20
Website
Wilmington University offers an affordable online BS in education studies with a concentration in early childhood; this 122-credit non-licensure program is designed for future professionals in roles that do not require a license. This top online bachelor’s in ECE has a high degree of flexibility and a well-rounded curriculum. According to the school’s site, 91% of future school principals have reported that WilmU graduates were highly prepared and adaptable in their roles. Wilmington University is known to be military-friendly, featuring a discounted tuition to active military members.
#7 – South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 17:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $44,400
Hourly Tuition Rate: $250
Points:19
Website
South Dakota University is the state’s largest academic institution. SDSU welcomes over 11,000 students from 83 countries. Among the top online degrees in the department is an affordable BS in early education and care; this flexible online ECE degree is designed for careers that do not require a license. Graduates of the early childhood online bachelor’s succeed in Head Start Programs, preschool, childcare centers, military installations, and more. SDU’s online early childhood program provides a challenging curriculum in relevant topics to the field.
#8 – Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 14:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $39,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $295
Points: 19
Website
Based in North Dakota, Mayville University is known to maintain a top-notch education program with affordable tuition rates and generous transfer opportunities. With an emphasis on meeting the needs of non-traditional students, Mayville’s early childhood education online bachelor’s can be finished almost entirely remotely but does have some requirements for synchronous classes. Of course, scholarships are available, but you are best advised to submit at the earliest possible date. Once done with the online bachelor’s, graduates are qualified for North Dakota licensure; prospective teachers in other US states are advised to research the program’s adaptability.
#9 – Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 11:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $35,400
Hourly Tuition Rate: $314.00
Points: 19
Website
Based in New Hampshire, Granite State College offers an online BS in early childhood education. This top online bachelor’s degree includes a teacher certification and prepares students to teach nursery school-level to grade 3. Online early education students may also focus on special education. Graduates of the early education bachelor’s have a well-rounded background in theory, program design, assessment strategy, and pedagogies. Nearly 80% of Granite’s students are enrolled in online degree programs; these students have 24/7 access to all academic support and learning resources.
#10- Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 18:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $45,600
Hourly Tuition Rate: $436
Points: 19
Website
Kansas State University is a valued school with high standards for its prospective and current students. KSU has an early childhood education bachelor’s online, which is unified with a special education training. This 120-credit online BS is a licensure track and includes required supervised fieldwork at each student’s respective state of residence. Graduates are eligible for licensing in all 50 states due to KSU being part of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which maintains nationwide reciprocal teacher certification. KSU’s boasts a 99% pass rate on licensure exams.
#11 – University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 17:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $36,400
Hourly Tuition Rate: $370
Points: 18
Website
Ranked among the most affordable colleges in the country, University of Southern Mississippi is a research university with a wide range of academic offerings. Southern Miss is also home to an online BS in child and family sciences; this online bachelor’s in early childhood education prepares graduates to work in education, institutional, and human services. Among the highlighted early childhood coursework are developmental disabilities in early life, children and technology, guidance of young children, contemporary issues, and more. UMiss has numerous scholarship opportunities and is considered highly military-friendly.
#12 – The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 23:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $44,500
Hourly Tuition Rate: $375
Points:18
Website
The state’s largest school, the University of Alabama is an expansive higher education institution. UA’s “Bama by Distance” provides online degrees that qualitatively matches in-person coursework. Among the undergraduate degrees is an online bachelor of science in Human Environmental Sciences, Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Child Development; this degree narrows its scope on a child’s growth from birth to eight years old. This 120-credit online early ECE degree does not lead to licensure, but graduates report finding work in settings that do not require licensure. Students in the ECE online BS must do a one-semester internship to graduate.
#13 – Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Online BA in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 20:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $41,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $417
Points: 18
Website
Central Michigan University is a nationally respected institution with an enrollment of over 21,000 students. CMU online has flexible and affordable degree options; among these online degrees is a top online bachelors in early childhood development and learning. This 120-credit BA meets the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); this best online early education degree is ideal for students seeking roles in preschool, daycare settings, and Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
#14 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 17:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $41,100
Hourly Tuition Rate: $543
Points: 18
Website
Based in Indiana, Ball State University’s academics are among the highest-ranked in the nation. BSU’s online bachelor of science in early education online has a built-in minor in special education; this non-licensure, 120-credit degree was developed in accordance with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Students in the BS in early childhood focus on ages birth through age five. To qualify for admission, applicants must have an associate degree in early childhood education or a minimum 45 credits that apply toward Ball State’s early childhood education degree.
#15- University of Wisconsin
River Falls, Wisconsin
Online Early Childhood Education Degree
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 18:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $56,200
Hourly Tuition Rate: $295
Points: 17
Website
Founded in 1874, University of Wisconsin-Rivers Falls is renowned for its value, academics, and commitment to military-friendly practices. UWRF has two options for an online early childhood education degree; these top early childhood online degrees include a bachelor’s degree in early childhood with a teaching certification, and one without a certification. The certification option covers birth to age 8, and the non-certification option covers birth through preschool. UWRF is one of the online colleges for early childhood education with opportunities for financial aid, and all students pay the same tuition rate regardless of state of residence.
#16 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 41:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $41,900
Tuition Rate: $360 per credit-hour
Points: 17
Website
Western Governors University has a top online early education bachelor’s degree. This online program is a bachelor’s degree with licensure, and WGU has focus areas in elementary education, special education, math, and science. In order to become a licensed teacher, all early childhood online students must complete an observed preclinical teaching practicum. WGU’s online degrees are flexible and affordable; most students get the BA within sixteen months. The competency-based curriculum at WGU allows students to proceed at their own pace in their courses, thus saving time and money on material which may already be known or which may be learned quickly.
#17 – Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 15:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: not listed
Hourly Tuition Rate: $500
Points: 17
Website
Ranked among the best online bachelor’s, Brandman University’s online early childhood education degree is also available in a hybrid track. Brandman’s affordable online early childhood education bachelor’s is a well-rounded degree that includes coursework and two practicums. Among the core courses are dual language learners and their families, practices of teaching young children, and child development. Online students have continuous access to learning resources. Lower division content reflects the content of the Curriculum Alignment Project Eight, which also forms the upper division curriculum.
#18 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online BS Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 18:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $38,200
Hourly Tuition Rate: $511
Points: 17
Website
Based in Kansas, Fort Hays State University was founded in 1977. Fort Hays has an online learning program with an increasing number of degree options on both the undergraduate and graduate level. This school offers top online bachelor of science options in programs such as early childhood, elementary education K-6, and elementary education k-6/special education. Graduates of these programs have a well-rounded background in general education studies, administration, and special education. Students enrolled in online early childhood education degrees are required to complete an internship and student teaching practicum
#19- University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 21:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $46,400
Hourly Tuition Rate: $650
Points: 17
Website
For over 150 years, the University of Nebraska has been a widely-honored institution with high academic standards. In the University’s college of education and human services, there is an online bachelor of science in child, youth, and family studies. This online ECE degree emphasizes care with children of highly mobile families; these families include those in the military homeless families, and other families who need to relocate due to impoverished conditions. In order to qualify for admission to this program, the University of Nebraska requires 30 transferable credits from an accredited undergraduate program.
#20 – Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 15:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $45,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $415
Points: 16
Website
Park University is a private liberal arts school based in Parkville, Missouri, and known to be student-centered with small class sizes. Park University online has an online, 93-credit early childhood education degree, designed for adult learners. This affordable bachelor’s includes both online course work and in-classroom practical experience; among the course curriculum in this degree is child growth and development, writing in education, educational psychology, issues in diversity, and much more. Graduates are eligible for teaching licensure in Missouri but are encouraged to research the license adaptability in other states.
#21 – University of Toledo
Salt Lake City, Utah
Early Childhood Education Online Degree
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 21:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $43,800
Hourly Tuition Rate: $725
Points: 16
Website
Founded in 1872, the University of Toledo features over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The bachelor’s in early childhood education online is a non-licensure degree track, focusing on pre-school and daycare-aged children. The ECE bachelor’s is delivered 100% online, and is considered an accelerated degree track. The UToledo early childhood faculty consists of nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners currently active in the field. Applicants to the UToledo online ECE degree must have an associate’s in early childhood education and a 2.7 GPA. University of Toledo offers e-tutoring for online students seeking more support.
#22- University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: Yes
Student to Faculty ratio: 16:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $42,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $1,311
Points: 15
Website
Founded in 1870, the University of Cincinnati has expanded its enrollment number to over 46,000 students. UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services offers the nation’s first online bachelor of science in early childhood education; this top online bachelor’s in early childhood focuses on birth to age five and is structured to expand on a student’s associate’s degree. UC additionally has program options including a child development associate credential and an associates in early childhood development. Graduates emerge with a wide range of skills sought after in an early childhood professional.
#23 – Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, California
Online BA in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 14:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $41,800
Hourly Tuition Rate: $415
Points: 14
Website
A private Christian liberal arts school, Vanguard University of Southern California has high-ranked, affordable online degree programs. The 120-credit bachelor of arts in early childhood provides a foundation for future educators. Among the highlighted courses for this BA are child growth and development, guiding the young child’s behavior, and the exceptional child and the inclusive classroom. Additionally, Vanguard’s online BA in early childhood education has an available emphasis in special education. Online early childhood education requirements include two advanced practicums and a capstone demonstration of cumulative learning.
#24 – Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 12:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $43,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $495
Points: 14
Website
Based in California, Fresno Pacific University offers an online BA in early childhood development that is a 39-credit degree-completion program. Minimum admission requirements are 60 transfer credits and a 2.4 GPA. The early childhood development degree leads to careers working with children up to eight years of age; graduates have worked most often in public and private schools and in businesses that provide pre-schools. FPU’s BA in early childhood online is provided either on campus or fully online. Fresno Pacific University offers online degree programs in all U.S. states except Georgia, Michigan, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
#25 – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 8:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $32,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $496
Points: 14
Website
A Catholic-based higher educational institution, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College receives national attention for its quality academics. Among the distance-learning options is a bachelor of science in education online; this degree has a concentration in preschool to grade 3 / mild intervention. This school’s flexible online early childhood education bachelor’s includes courses in either sixteen or accelerated eight-week intervals; this top early childhood bachelor’s degree is 87-credits, and graduates of the online ECE program are dual- licensed to teach general education and children with mild disabilities.
#26 – Concordia University
Portland, Oregon
Online BS in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 17:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $43,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $499
Points: 13
Website
A Christian-based school in Portland, Oregon, Concordia University is known to provide top-notch academics. Concordia’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education is a non-licensure program covering birth through age 5; this online ECE degree is 124 credits that may be taken over the course of 26 months. Students learn how to create meaningful learning experiences with children, build relationships with families, and conduct themselves ethically in the field. Additionally, all students enrolled in the online early childhood degree are required to complete an internship. Concordia provides flexibility for students who need to tailor the coursework to student schedules.
#27 – Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 11:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $42,000
Hourly Tuition Rate: $650
Points: 13
Website
Nationally recognized for its value, diversity, and academic excellence and founded in 1878 as a private institution for teaching women, Brenau University is now a coeducational school with campuses in Georgia and Florida and is a strong choice for nearly any student. Brenau online offers a bachelor’s in elementary education that prepares students to become licensed teachers. Brenau’s early childhood bachelor’s online has accelerated courses available, including school and society, instructional technology, classroom management, and developmental psychology. Brenau’s online degree programs have six start dates throughout the year, making it even more convenient for remote students.
#28 – Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 21:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $31,900
Hourly Tuition Rate: $314
Points: 12
Website
A large institution with over 50,000 students, Florida State College Jacksonville has low-cost, high-quality academic programs. FSCJ has one of the best online degrees in early childhood education; this 120-credit degree includes a well-rounded curriculum in psychology, pedagogies, child care management, evaluation and diagnosis, organizational leadership, and much more. In addition, online bachelor’s students in ECE must complete 150 hours of fieldwork. FSCJ’s admission requirements include an associate’s degree in a related field area and a class in Florida Teacher Preparation.
#29 – Colorado Christian University
Denver, Colorado
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 16:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $39,300
Hourly Tuition Rate: $469
Points: 12
Website
A Christ-centered school founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University has small class sizes and flexible online degree options. The online bachelor’s in early childhood education is offered in both licensure and non-licensure tracks; the licensure track requires student teaching, the non-licensure track does not expect you to do student teaching, but some field experience is expected before graduation. CCU’s early childhood online bachelor’s can be delivered entirely online or a hybrid online and on-campus track. The school’s site notes that you will not yet be certified upon graduation and will need to determine your own path to licensure, depending on your location.
#30 – California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Online
Regional Accreditation: Yes
CAEP Accreditation: No
Student to Faculty ratio: 17:1
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation: $42,600
Hourly Tuition Rate: $613
Points: 12
Website
California Baptist University has built up the increasingly popular online academic degrees. CBU has a flexible online BA in early education studies; this undergraduate early childhood degree requires 48 total credits. The program stresses early intervention on children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and perceptual-motor development. Graduates will be expected to develop aptitude in creating inclusive learning environments, apply a wide spectrum of early childhood development theories, and adapt to multiple environments. CBU has several scholarship opportunities and is a Yellow Ribbon Military Friendly school.
