What is the cheapest online college for a teaching degree?

Western Governors University (WGU) offers one of the cheapest online teaching degrees. WGU charges $3,825 per semester, regardless of the number of classes taken. Most students graduate within 36 months, making the entire program cost $22,950.

What is the shortest teaching degree?

Accelerated bachelor's programs in teaching are the shortest teaching degree programs. These accelerated programs may offer licensure tracks and asynchronous classes. If you are interested in a master's degree, an accelerated bachelor's and master's program can be completed within five years.

How much money will you make with a degree in early childhood education?

According to Payscale, professionals with a bachelor's in early childhood education earn around $50,000 per year. But pay varies depending on your job title, industry, and location. For example, preschool teachers in elementary and secondary schools earn a median salary of $49,670, while those in child daycares earn $31,010, according to the BLS. For preschool and childcare center directors, pay can range from under $35,000 to more than $85,000.

What’s the best degree for early childhood education?

The best early childhood education degree depends upon your personal learning goals and ideal career paths. You can choose your preferred degree level, format, location, and major. Potential major choices include early childhood development, early childhood studies, and elementary education.

Most Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2025

Online early childhood education degree programs prepare you to teach young children. Discover the best programs, financial aid, and career paths.

Edited by

Reviewed by

Updated January 21, 2025

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our

Have you ever felt a sense of pure joy when you helped a young kid learn something new? Maybe it was teaching them how to write their name or ask for something they wanted.

That’s a feeling that early childhood educators get to experience all the time at work. They’re trained to work with children in various settings — such as preschools or childcare centers — and teach them foundational skills that will help set them up for success later in life.

The best jobs for early childhood educators often require a bachelor’s degree. Fortunately, many schools offer affordable degrees to make the investment worthwhile.

Popular Online Programs for Early Childhood Education

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

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

In this Article

Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Online Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI2 yearCampus + Online

$6,428

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,421

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,793

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,274

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,428

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,421

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,428

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,421

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,793

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,274

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,856

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,237

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,856

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,963

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,944

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

14,172

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,566

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Iowa State University

Ames, IA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,572

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,776

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

30,177

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,168

Iowa State University

Ames, IA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,168

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,572

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,776

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

30,177

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Winona State University

Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online

$8,388

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,120

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,320

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,560

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

6,154

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,388

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,120

Winona State University

Winona, MN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,388

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,120

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,320

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,560

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

6,154

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Early Childhood Education Degree Overview

About the Degree: Early childhood education focuses on teaching children up to 8 years old. It combines theory, teaching methods, and field experience.

Length: Full-time students typically graduate in four years, while part-time students may finish in about six years.

Cost: Education degrees have more opportunities to cost less. There are generally a lot of scholarships, grants, or student loan forgiveness options for those pursuing education. Federal and state aid, as well as student loans, can make the degree even more affordable.

Career Paths: Graduates often work in childcare centers, preschools, elementary schools, and private programs as teachers, education specialists, consultants, and administrators.

“A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education provides one with knowledge and skills to be an excellent teacher for young children. Teaching young children is not an easy task — it requires intellectual work on the part of the early childhood teacher.”

— Sarah Jean Baker, BA in Early Childhood Education, Concordia University

Is an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Affordable?

Earning your early childhood education degree online doesn’t have to break the bank. While it’s true that online tuition can sometimes come in lower than on-campus tuition, most universities charge online students the same tuition per credit.

What makes an early childhood education degree affordable is not the difference in sticker price from other programs, but in the readily available financial support. An early childhood education degree can cost less because of the applicable financial aid options and student loan forgiveness programs specific to educators.

“There are scholarships for persons interested in studying early childhood education. Some early childhood centers even provide tuition reimbursement to students seeking an early childhood degree. And lastly, loan forgiveness can be another option for students who teach in areas of high need (e.g. rural school district).”

— Sarah Jean Baker, BA in Early Childhood Education, Concordia University

Paying for Your Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree

College can be costly, but early childhood education programs can be affordable. You have a few options to help pay for your degree, including federal student aid and student loans.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be your first step when looking for financial aid. This application can lead to loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.

Loans

You also have access to several loan types, including federal and private loans. You may qualify for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Plus, early childhood educators may be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Grants

There are various grants available to those with financial need. This list includes Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Prospective teachers may also qualify for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants.

Work-Study Programs

Federal work-study programs provide paid work experiences for students who demonstrate financial need. These federal work-study jobs offer funding, targeted experience, and flexible schedules. The available work-study jobs depend on the school, and positions may be available on campus or in the community.

Scholarships

You can search for scholarships in various ways. These financial aid programs come from the federal, state, and local governments, as well as specific colleges, universities, and organizations. Early childhood education online students can access scholarships through various national education organizations, such as the National Education Association.

Education scholarships available to you:

Career Paths in Early Childhood Education

Graduates from early childhood education programs often work with young children as teachers. Teaching career paths include preschool, kindergarten, or special education teaching roles. Other fields can also utilize the skills learned in early childhood education programs, including consultancy or the public sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many teaching careers are expected to slightly grow or shrink between 2023 and 2033.

Careers for Graduates of Early Childhood Education Programs
Job	Median Salary (May 2023)	Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Preschool or Daycare Director	$54,290	-2%
Preschool Teacher	$37,130	4%
Kindergarten Teacher	$62,690	-1%
Elementary School Teacher	$63,680	-1%
Special Education Teacher, Preschool	$65,270	2%
Special Education Teacher, K-6	$67,190	-1%

Source: BLS

“A career in early childhood education means you have a daily opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and have a more lasting impact on future generations.”

— Michele Lucia, BS in Childhood Development, Walden University

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Program?

Undergraduate coursework in early childhood education will give you an understanding of child development, how to adapt to students’ learning styles, and how to be a positive influence through theories and practices.

Child Development. Young children go through rapid growth and development in the years after birth. You’ll learn about social, emotional, physical, speech, and communication development.
Language and Literacy Development. Children need help learning to use language to communicate their thoughts and feelings and develop the ability to read and write. This course teaches you strategies to develop these skills, including singing, storytelling, and drawing.
Curriculum Planning. Early childhood educators create and design curricula for their students. You’ll learn how to plan activities, select materials, and use effective teaching strategies throughout the school year.
Assessment and Evaluation. Teachers assess and evaluate children to keep parents informed and support them as they grow. This class focuses on observing children and how they learn, react, and interact with new situations. You’ll then reflect on the students’ successes and areas that need growth.
Social and Emotional Learning. Young children take a while to grasp socialization skills and understand their emotions. You’ll learn how to help them work on self-awareness, self-control, and everyday challenges and interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

Florida International University (FIU) offers one of the cheapest online teaching degrees. For its bachelor’s program in early childhood education, FIU charges $235.57 per credit for in-state students and $648.87 per credit for out-of-state students. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credits, making the entire program cost around $29,000 (in-state) or $78,000 (out-of-state).