For those students with a desire to work with young children, an early childhood education bachelors degree online program can open doors to many different career opportunities. Such programs qualify graduates to work with children from birth to age eight in a variety of different settings, including preschools, daycares, churches, community centers, and more. These distance education programs make it easy and convenient for students to earn their credentials, even if they have considerable work and/or family obligations. In this ranking, we explore the top 10 online bachelors degree in early childhood education programs.
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Rating and Ranking Methodology
Cost Per Credit Hour:
• Under $250: 4 points
• Under $350: 3 points
• Under $450: 2 points
• Under $550: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report Recognition: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• Top 10 Ranking: 4 points
• Top 20 Ranking: 3 points
• Top 30 Ranking: 2 points
• Top 40 Ranking: 1 point
Customization Options:
• Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
To compile this ranking, our editors scoured the web for accredited colleges and universities offering an online bachelors degree in early childhood education. With an initial pool of 44 schools, we then turned to U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the top online bachelor’s degree programs. This information, along with data regarding each program’s cost per credit hour as well as program features gleaned from each school’s website, enabled us to apply the above rating and ranking methodology. Please note that in cases of a tie, the most affordable program was awarded the higher ranking.
For those students with a desire to work with young children, an early childhood education bachelors degree online program can open doors to many different career opportunities. Such programs qualify graduates to work with children from birth to age eight in a variety of different settings, including preschools, daycares, churches, community centers, and more. These distance education programs make it easy and convenient for students to earn their credentials, even if they have considerable work and/or family obligations. In this ranking, we explore the top 10 online bachelors degree in early childhood education programs.
Cost Per Credit Hour:
• Under $250: 4 points
• Under $350: 3 points
• Under $450: 2 points
• Under $550: 1 point
• Top 10 Ranking: 4 points
• Top 20 Ranking: 3 points
• Top 30 Ranking: 2 points
• Top 40 Ranking: 1 point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
#10 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 4
Granite State College offers an early childhood education bachelors degree online program with a teacher certification option. Some course titles comprising the robust curriculum for this offering include The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator, Teaching Language Arts and Literacy, Special Education Law, and Young Children with Exceptionalities. Some certification options are also available for students enrolled in this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program, including Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Please note that although the vast majority of coursework can be completed online, there may be some campus visits required.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $335
Points: 4
Granite State College offers an early childhood education bachelors degree online program with a teacher certification option. Some course titles comprising the robust curriculum for this offering include The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator, Teaching Language Arts and Literacy, Special Education Law, and Young Children with Exceptionalities. Some certification options are also available for students enrolled in this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program, including Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Please note that although the vast majority of coursework can be completed online, there may be some campus visits required.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $335
#9 – Eastern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 4
Eastern Oregon University offers a non-licensure early childhood education bachelor’s degree online program that can be completed entirely. Although teacher certification isn’t a direct result of program completion, interested students can choose to continue their studies in a Master of Arts in teaching licensure program. Graduates of this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program are eligible for positions as teachers, consultants, advocates, and administrators in a variety of public and private educational settings such as schools, churches, and mental health facilities, for instance.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $218
Points: 4
Eastern Oregon University offers a non-licensure early childhood education bachelor’s degree online program that can be completed entirely. Although teacher certification isn’t a direct result of program completion, interested students can choose to continue their studies in a Master of Arts in teaching licensure program. Graduates of this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program are eligible for positions as teachers, consultants, advocates, and administrators in a variety of public and private educational settings such as schools, churches, and mental health facilities, for instance.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $218
#8 – University of Massachusetts- Amherst
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Education
Website
Points: 5
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst’s early childhood education bachelors degree online offering is designed for working educators as well as those new to the field. The accelerated program allows students to transfer up to 100 credits for prior learning and work/life experience, making it a quick and affordable option for those who have previous experience and/or education in the field. The curriculum covers course topics such as behavior management, multi-cultural education, inclusion, and early childhood curriculum. In-state residents who enroll in this online bachelors degree in early childhood education may also be eligible for scholarships to help with the cost of their education.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $385
Points: 5
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst’s early childhood education bachelors degree online offering is designed for working educators as well as those new to the field. The accelerated program allows students to transfer up to 100 credits for prior learning and work/life experience, making it a quick and affordable option for those who have previous experience and/or education in the field. The curriculum covers course topics such as behavior management, multi-cultural education, inclusion, and early childhood curriculum. In-state residents who enroll in this online bachelors degree in early childhood education may also be eligible for scholarships to help with the cost of their education.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $385
#7 – The University of Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Human Environmental Sciences: Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 5
The University of Alabama’s early childhood education bachelors degree online offering is a BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and can be completed entirely online. Those who earn an online bachelors degree in early childhood education from the Bama by Distance program will be prepared for success in careers as teachers, child care center administrators, child daycare providers, parent counselors, and community service providers.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $346
Points: 5
The University of Alabama’s early childhood education bachelors degree online offering is a BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and can be completed entirely online. Those who earn an online bachelors degree in early childhood education from the Bama by Distance program will be prepared for success in careers as teachers, child care center administrators, child daycare providers, parent counselors, and community service providers.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $346
#6 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Unified
Website
Points: 5
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from Fort Hays State University is a BS in Early Childhood “Unified,” a distinction which allows graduates to teach both regular and special education students. The 126-credit hour program is comprised of professional studies and major courses such as Human Growth & Development, Diverse Learners, Child Care Management & Administration, and Assessment in Special Education. This online bachelors degree in early childhood education prepares students for teacher licensure in Kansas but may also meet some prerequisites for licensure in other states as well.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $207.24
Points: 5
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from Fort Hays State University is a BS in Early Childhood “Unified,” a distinction which allows graduates to teach both regular and special education students. The 126-credit hour program is comprised of professional studies and major courses such as Human Growth & Development, Diverse Learners, Child Care Management & Administration, and Assessment in Special Education. This online bachelors degree in early childhood education prepares students for teacher licensure in Kansas but may also meet some prerequisites for licensure in other states as well.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $207.24
#5 – Southern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development
Website
Points: 5
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from Southern Oregon University is a degree completion program in early childhood development. To earn this degree, students will take courses such as Children with Disabilities, Children at Risk, Differentiated Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom, and Atypical Child Development. The curriculum for this online bachelors degree in early childhood education is aligned with both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
Cost Per Credit Hour: $151.41
Points: 5
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from Southern Oregon University is a degree completion program in early childhood development. To earn this degree, students will take courses such as Children with Disabilities, Children at Risk, Differentiated Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom, and Atypical Child Development. The curriculum for this online bachelors degree in early childhood education is aligned with both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
Cost Per Credit Hour: $151.41
#4 – California Baptist University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 6
California Baptist University offers a 48-credit hour early childhood education bachelors degree online program. Students entering the program can apply to the teaching credentials program and go on to teach elementary school in a public or private setting, or they can pursue an early childhood education specialist credential if they wish to work in a preschool environment or assist children with disabilities. This online bachelors degree in early childhood education program is designed to be completed within 16 months.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $547
Points: 6
California Baptist University offers a 48-credit hour early childhood education bachelors degree online program. Students entering the program can apply to the teaching credentials program and go on to teach elementary school in a public or private setting, or they can pursue an early childhood education specialist credential if they wish to work in a preschool environment or assist children with disabilities. This online bachelors degree in early childhood education program is designed to be completed within 16 months.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $547
#3 – University of Washington
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 6
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from the University of Washington is technically a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood & Family Studies. The curriculum is research-intensive and draws from studies conducted by the school’s Haring Center and the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning. Enrolled students will choose from one of two available pathways—the core pathway or the teaching and learning pathway, depending on whether they want to teach preschool or work in a related early childhood education field. Specialty course topics include Social Policy & Young Children & Families, Exceptional Children, and Positive Behavior & Support in Early Childhood.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $181
Points: 6
The early childhood education bachelors degree online offering from the University of Washington is technically a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood & Family Studies. The curriculum is research-intensive and draws from studies conducted by the school’s Haring Center and the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning. Enrolled students will choose from one of two available pathways—the core pathway or the teaching and learning pathway, depending on whether they want to teach preschool or work in a related early childhood education field. Specialty course topics include Social Policy & Young Children & Families, Exceptional Children, and Positive Behavior & Support in Early Childhood.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $181
#2 – Penn Foster College
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 6
Penn Foster College offers a flexible early childhood education bachelors degree online program designed for working professionals. There are no set class times, so students can work at their own pace toward the completion of their degree. The curriculum is a prescribed one and features course titles such as Information Literacy, Child Growth and Development, Infant and Toddler Care, and Guidance in Early Childhood Education. Online bachelors degree in early childhood education students will also complete externships at one of Penn Foster’s partners: Bright Horizons or the Learning Care Group.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $79
Points: 6
Penn Foster College offers a flexible early childhood education bachelors degree online program designed for working professionals. There are no set class times, so students can work at their own pace toward the completion of their degree. The curriculum is a prescribed one and features course titles such as Information Literacy, Child Growth and Development, Infant and Toddler Care, and Guidance in Early Childhood Education. Online bachelors degree in early childhood education students will also complete externships at one of Penn Foster’s partners: Bright Horizons or the Learning Care Group.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $79
#1 – Kendall College
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 7
Kendall College offers a highly versatile early childhood education bachelors degree online program featuring several optional specialties, including Administration and Leadership, Childhood Nutrition, Grant Management, Special Education, and English as a Second Language. Enrolled students may also choose between a non-licensure track and a teacher certification track, which leads to Illinois teacher licensure. Specific course titles comprising the curriculum for this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program include Technology Integration in the Classroom, Child Development, and Observation and Assessment of the Young Child.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $289
Points: 7
Kendall College offers a highly versatile early childhood education bachelors degree online program featuring several optional specialties, including Administration and Leadership, Childhood Nutrition, Grant Management, Special Education, and English as a Second Language. Enrolled students may also choose between a non-licensure track and a teacher certification track, which leads to Illinois teacher licensure. Specific course titles comprising the curriculum for this online bachelors degree in early childhood education program include Technology Integration in the Classroom, Child Development, and Observation and Assessment of the Young Child.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $289