Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2024

Online early childhood education programs provide you with fundamental skills to support the growth and development of childhood in a flexible learning environment.

We ranked the best online early childhood education programs based on admission, graduation, retention rates, and program costs. Florida International University secured the top position on the list, with Charter Oak State College and Oakland City University following closely behind.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Florida International University (FIU) clinched the top spot by ranking number one in graduation rate, retention rate, and net price.

FIU surpassed all other schools on our list with a graduation rate of 67% and a retention rate of 90%. The university also reports a net price of just over $6,000 — approximately half the cost of other institutions on this list.

With over 20 years of experience in online education, FIU offers nearly 40 online bachelor’s programs and just over 30 online master’s degree programs.

Though it does have the lowest admission rate at 64%, if accepted, you will not have to face as heavy of a financial burden for your education.

Charter Oak State College ranked second on our list due to its top-ranking admissions rate and mid-range net price.

With a 100% admission rate, the college also claimed the third-ranked spot in terms of net price, just $2,500 more than the second-ranked Oakland City University.

Despite these strengths, Charter Oak State College is at the bottom of the list regarding retention and graduation rates. While the college boasts a 57% graduation rate, just 7% lower than third-ranked Oakland City University, its retention rate stands at 47%, significantly less than the second-lowest rate of 70%.

According to Dr. Maureen Hogan, Director of the Early Childhood Education & Child Studies Program at Charter Oak, the university also cares for their students beyond the classroom: The development and advancement of teacher qualifications for all teaching staff is critical for the field of early childhood education. My staff and I take great pride in developing one-on-one relationships with each of our students so that they may flourish in their studies and their careers.

Oakland City University secures the third spot, boasting the second-best retention rate and net price among all the programs. However, it falls short in terms of graduation or admissions rates.

The university offers the second-lowest net price, $11,304, and is tied for the second-highest retention rate, at 75%.

With an admissions rate of 73%, seven points higher than FIU, the university is also tied in third place with a graduation rate of 63% — six points higher than Charter Oak.

As the sole General Baptist Church-affiliated college or university in the nation, Oakland City University offers all its programs through a consistently biblical worldview, making it a fitting choice if you share the same views.