In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in early childhood education degree programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook offers information about the pay and job outlook for early childhood education workers, such as preschool and kindergarten teachers. According to the most recently published data, employment for preschool teachers is projected to grow 10 percent through the year 2026. This growth is expected due to the number of teachers approaching retirement and the emphasis placed on the importance of early childhood education.
We reviewed 135 accredited colleges and universities offering online master’s in early childhood education or closely related programs. We confirmed accreditation and narrowed our pool of schools by choosing the 30 most affordable. We collected the graduate tuition and fees from the most recently published data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. To aid in our selection, we also considered school or program rankings or recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We listed our selections according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in early childhood education degree programs.
#30 – Concordia University
Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,910
Concordia University offers an online master’s in early childhood education for individuals seeking career advancement within the early childhood education space. The curriculum is built upon recent pedagogical advancements in the industry designed to improve learning outcomes for children in their formative years. Courses include a blend of theory and classroom practice. The 30-credit degree can be completed in one year and includes built-in breaks. Coursework includes contemporary educational thought, community of learners, developing character through curriculum, and theories of teaching and learning. Concordia University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). U.S. News ranks Concordia University #41 in regional universities West.
#29 – Northcentral University
Online Master’s in Education – Early Childhood Specialization
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,781
Northcentral University offers a master’s in early childhood education online for practitioners seeking advanced scholarship and training in preparation for a career working with children during their first years of life. Coursework is built upon helping shape students socially, physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Graduates are prepared for careers within a variety of educational spaces including public and private schools, kindergartens, daycares, community colleges, and case managers. The NCU ECE degree consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in just 15 months. Northcentral University offers course starts every week with all class content delivered online in an asynchronous manner for maximum flexibility.
#28 – Mercer University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Macon, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,857
Mercer University offers an early childhood education degree online designed for current certified educators in grades K-5. Upon completion, those certified in Georgia will be eligible for level 5 certification. Students also have the option to choose a concentration area in wide variety of specialties including Autism, mathematics, reading, or science. Curriculum is a blend of theoretical principles and in-class skill building. Students are taught how behavioral, social, emotional, physical and cognitive constructs impact the student and great learning community. Potential students can matriculate twice per year – either fall or summer terms. All classes are delivered online in 8-week semesters.
#27 – Mercy College
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,776
Mercy College confers an early childhood education online for students seeking an advanced degree that combines cutting edge pedagogy and practical skill building. Students can choose from a variety of concentration areas including birth – grade 2, grades 1 – 6, and students with disabilities. Students also have the option to pursue multiple certifications across all areas. The degree at Mercy College consists of 39 credits. Coursework includes educational foundations from diverse perspectives, foundations in education for students with disabilities, and working with parents and families in early childhood education. Admissions requirements include a 3.0 GPA, a B.S. degree, resume, and an assessment interview.
#26 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,508
California University of Pennsylvania offers multiple online early childhood education master”s programs including certification and non-certification tracks. The degree is delivered in an asynchronous online format designed to allow working professionals to keep their current responsibilities while working towards their degree. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 2.8 minimum GPA from an accredited institution, resume, and copy of certification (certification track only). Courses include advanced childhood development, early childhood curriculum and assessment, and methods of research. U.S. News and World Report ranks California University of Pennsylvania #146 in regional universities South and #165 in best online graduate education programs.
#25 – Capella University
Online Master’s in Education – Early Childhood Specialization
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,003
Capella University offers an online master’s in early childhood education built upon national certification standards. The degree is delivered 100% online in terms of coursework and also includes a practicum experience inside the classroom. The curriculum is built around a quarterly system with each course lasting 10 weeks. Students can take 1-3 courses per quarter depending on time and commitment levels. The degree is a total of 46 credits with a maximum of 12 transfer credits accepted. The Capella ECE degree is recognized by the National Association for Education of Young Children.
#24 – University of Toledo
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Toledo, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,721
The University of Toledo offers a master’s in early childhood education online for a non-licensure track that leads to employment within a variety of early childhood organizations. Graduates typically obtain positions as directors and administrators within schools, agencies, and other educational organizations. The degree does not provide licensure to teach. The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to confer associate degrees, bachelor degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. The degree is administered through the Judith Herb College of Education and requires students to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA for admission. U.S News and World Report ranks University of Toledo #231 in national universities and #107 in graduate education programs.
#23 – Portland State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Portland, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,565
Portland State University offers an early childhood education degree online for students wishing to earn an advanced degree with the hopes of procuring a job within a career choice working specifically with young children. Graduates may find careers in administration or working directly in the classroom. The early childhood program at Portland State consists of 45 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. The courses are delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Portland State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News and World Report ranks Portland State #231 in national universities and #10 in most innovative schools.
#22 – Champlain College
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Burlington, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,436
Champlain College offers an early childhood education online degree designed for students to obtain careers in a variety of educational institutions and organizations. The non-licensure program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years with a maximum timeframe of six years. Coursework is delivered online except for a four-day residency experience during the first year where students meet with professors and colleagues at a conference. The program has an annual cycle of five terms per year. Students can matriculate in September, January, or May. Students can choose from three specializations including special education, teaching, and administration. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, resume, transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.
#21 – Walden University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,555
Walden University offers a master’s in early childhood education online. The program is delivered through The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Students can transfer up to 15 credits towards completion of the degree. The program offers several specializations including administration management and leadership, early childhood public policy and advocacy, teaching adults in the early childhood field, and teaching diversity in early childhood education. Walden University is recognized in the U.S. News and World Report cohorts of best national universities and best education programs among more than 1,200 institutions.
#20 – State University of New York
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Albany, New York
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,694
The University at Albany offers an early childhood education degree online with two distinct pathways – certification or non-certification. The certification option is designed to meet B-2 certificate requirements for New York State, while the non-certificate option is designed for those with teacher certification. Both degree options consist of 30 credit hours. Curriculum was redesigned in 2013 to reflect the latest best practices and scholarly research. The online degree is offered on a part-time basis only with students taking 1-2 courses per term. Coursework focuses on literacy and other important areas of consideration including assessment, data-based decision making, family partnerships, and mathematics. U.S. News and World Report ranks SUNY Albany #151 in national universities.
#19 – California Baptist University
Online Master’s in Education – Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
Riverside, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,140
California Baptist University offers an early childhood education online for preparation in a career in early childhood teaching or administration. Graduates go on to obtain positions in a variety of educational contexts including early childhood centers, private and public schools, non-profit organizations, and social services agencies. The program includes 33 credits with an average completion time of 12 calendar months. Coursework includes advanced studies in early childhood development, curriculum theory and development, and early childhood program development and evaluation. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (2.5 for conditional enrollment), two recommendations, and a 500-word essay.
#18 – Brenau University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Gainesville, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,136
Brenau University offers two online early childhood education master’s programs designed for educators with or without certification. Both programs are delivered online and prepare graduates for a variety of career paths within the educational space. Graduates may qualify for positions both in and out of the classroom. The early childhood program’s curriculum is built upon practical skill building for classroom and programmatic leadership as well as up to date theory and research principles. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brenau University in several categories including #57 in regional universities South, #41 in best value schools, and #62 in best online graduate education programs.
#17 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,506
Arizona State University offers an online master’s in early childhood education designed for individuals with or without initial teacher certification. The certification track includes a practicum placement while the non-certification does not include a practicum. The certification track includes 45 credit hours while the non-certification track includes 30 credits. Course curriculum encompasses several integral early childhood areas of knowledge such as pedagogy, community collaboration, leadership, management, technology, and policy analysis and advocacy. Classes include child guidance and management, emergent literacy, and foundations of diversity. U.S. News and World Report ranks Arizona State University #115 in national universities and #36 in best online graduate education programs.
#16 – Brandman University
Online Master’s in Special Education – Early Childhood Special Education
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,460
Brandman University offer a master’s in early childhood education online for individuals seeking an advanced education degree specializing in young children with disabilities. The program includes several educational pillars such as the history of early childhood education, ECE philosophy and legal underpinnings, research, assessment, and intervention strategies in and out of the classroom. Admission to the Brandman program includes four different GPA requirements ranging from a 2.5-3.0 minimum. Students can also gain acceptance should they have a master’s degree from an accredited university or through the submission of a professional portfolio. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brandman University #115 in best online graduate education programs.
#15 – National Louis University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Chicago, Illinois
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,352
National Louis University offers online early childhood education master’s programs for current and aspiring educational leaders within the early childhood space. In addition to an accredited master’s degree in early childhood education, the program also satisfies requirements towards Illinois Level III Director’s Credentials. The online program is delivered asynchronously and in cohort format where students interact with their peers through collaborative learning experiences. The degree can be completed in as little as 21 months. Coursework includes early childhood curriculum, financial and legal aspects of early child care management, strategies for supervision and staff development, and writing and effective communication for early childhood administrators.
#14 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,612
Grand Canyon University offers an early childhood education degree online at the master’s level for individuals who seek to obtain initial licensure or to improve upon existing teaching licensure within the K-3 space. The program at Grand Canyon University is offered completely online in an asynchronous format aside from an 8-week student teaching experience where students are able to complete coursework at their discretion. Grand Canyon holds a variety of accreditations at regional, college, and programmatic levels from agencies including the Higher Learning Commission. The GCU program consists of 44 credits and includes courses such as advanced methodologies of SEI, English language teaching foundations and methods, introduction to the exceptional learner, and student teaching.
#13 – Northern Arizona University
Online Master’s in Education – Early Childhood Education
Flagstaff, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,407
Northern Arizona University offers an early childhood education online for individuals seeking master’s level training working with young children in and out of the classroom. The Northern Arizona program includes specialty areas depending on career goals. Specialty areas include teacher emphasis, leadership emphasis, and national board preparation emphasis. The program is specifically designed for current teachers desiring additional expertise and education. NAU’s program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation and is recognized by the National Association for the Education for Young Children. All course work can be completed online except the variable credit field experience where students are placed at schools or learning centers in order to gain valuable classroom experience.
#12 – East Tennessee State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood, Master Teacher Concentration
Johnson City, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,371
East Tennessee State University offers an online master’s in early childhood education designed for currently licensed educators seeking a master’s degree or non-certified students seeking employment within the early childhood space outside of the public school system. The online degree consists of 36 credits that can be finished in two academic years including summers. Admission requirements include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a short personal statement. Students with a 2.8-2.99 GPA may be conditionally accepted to the program with additional restrictions. Tests such as the GRE or MAT are not required. Coursework includes advanced childhood development, advanced creative development, constructivist programs for young children, and research in early childhood education.
#11 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,152
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point offers an early childhood education degree online for current early childhood educators to seek additional training at the master’s level. The program also includes an add-on special education certificate. Admission standards include a bachelor’s degree in teaching, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or a closely aligned discipline, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Students must also submit professional certification and/or licensure in area of expertise and conduct a phone interview with the program director. Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the degree with the average time to completion being three years. U.S. News and World Report ranks UW-Stevens Point #54 in regional universities Midwest, #9 in top public schools, and #57 in best value schools regional universities Midwest.
#10 – Georgia Southern University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Statesboro, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,728
Georgia Southern University offers online early childhood education master’s programs for existing educators who hold a level four certificate in early childhood education. The program is delivered entirely online and consists of 36 credit hours. Students can matriculate during summer semester with an application deadline of April 1. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, a personal statement, and MAT or GRE scores. The program is a combination of current theoretical constructs and research along with practical skills needed to teach and lead today’s fast-paced and ever changing early childhood classrooms, schools, and educational centers. U.S. News and World Report ranks Georgia Southern #231 in national universities.
#9 – University of North Dakota
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,643
University of North Dakota offers an early childhood education online that prepares teachers and leaders for upward career trajectories within early childhood educational settings such as private and public schools, Head Start programs, and child care centers. The program consists of 32 credits and can be completed in approximately two years. In addition to the master’s degree, University of North Dakota has partnered with McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership to provide students with the opportunity to earn the Aim4Excellence Director Credential for Early Childhood administrators. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of North Dakota #192 in national universities and #70 in best online graduate education programs.
#8 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Concentration
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,430
Liberty University offers a master’s in early childhood education online for individuals seeking education and training with a focus on curriculum and instruction. Liberty’s degree is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and can be completed in less than two academic years. The online master’s is designed to prepare graduates for a multiplicity of jobs both in and out of the classroom. Graduates may qualify for teaching positions within a variety of public and private institutions, student services, administration, and teaching at a community college. Coursework includes behavior management, elementary curriculum and methods, exceptionality, and understanding educational research and assessment.
#7 – University of North Carolina
Online Master’s in Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development
Greensboro, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,753
University of North Carolina Greensboro offers an online master’s in early childhood education designed to educate and train students for leadership positions within a variety of early childhood educational settings. The content of the program is designed for children ages birth to five. The 37-credit degree is offered in an online synchronous format with classes meeting from 5:00 pm to 6:50 pm utilizing microphones and web camera technology. Students can choose from an administration or advanced licensure track. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of North Carolina Greensboro #231 in national universities, #80 in best education schools, and #31 in best graduate education programs.
#6 – University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Birmingham, Alabama
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,588
University of Alabama Birmingham offers multiple early childhood education degree online options for educators. There are two distinct pathways offered including early childhood educational specialist and a traditional early childhood education designation. Both degree iterations consist of 30-33 credit hours. Coursework is delivered online with an in-classroom practicum designed to give students experience working with students and performing administrative duties. Coursework includes critical pedagogy and collaboration, culture and American education, positive behavioral supports, and studying the child in school. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Alabama Birmingham #159 in national universities, #83 in top public schools, and #70 in best online graduate education programs.
#5 – Kennesaw State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Kennesaw, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,740
Kennesaw State University offers an early childhood education online appropriate for currently licensed early childhood instructors. The KSU program allows currently certified P-5 teachers to earn a master’s degree in 13 months while keeping their current career responsibilities. Matriculating students can also choose from a variety of endorsements including ESOL, gifted, leadership preservice, online teaching, and reading. The degree is delivered entirely online with no face-to-face courses and takes four semesters to complete including summers. Courses include curriculum and pedagogy for early childhood and elementary classrooms, educational equity in early childhood and elementary classrooms, professional application of inquiry for early childhood educators, and trends and issues in science for early childhood education. U.S. News ranks Kennesaw State #231 in national universities.
#4 – University of West Alabama
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Development
Livingston, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,580
The University of West Alabama offers online early childhood education master’s programs for students seeking a master’s level credential in the early childhood educational space. This non-certification degree program is designed for current educators who do not need certification but desire an advanced degree to increase knowledge and career mobility. The degree consists of 34 credits and can be completed in one year. Courses are delivered via 8-week classes. Coursework includes advanced educational psychology, foundations of education, introduction to special education, and technology and education. Class content is delivered entirely online. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of West Alabama #114 in regional universities South and #224 in best online graduate education programs.
#3 – Valdosta State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Valdosta, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,490
Valdosta State University online early childhood education master’s programs are designed to lead graduates into roles as P-5 classroom educators. The curriculum is built upon pedagogical underpinnings that treat the child as an entire person consisting of intellectual, social, physical, and emotional components that need to be nurtured and understood to effectively learn. The program is delivered entirely online with coursework consisting of assessment and educational research. The degree is 36 credits. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a 2.75 GPA. Students with a GPA of below 2.75 must submit GRE scores of 147 verbal and 144 quant or a 375 on the MAT.
#2 – Stephen F. Austin State University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Nacogdoches, Texas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,427
Stephen S. Austin University offers a master’s in early childhood education online that prepares graduates to organize and lead early childhood programs in a variety of educational settings. The curriculum is built on the theoretical underpinnings of current research and best practice in the classroom and at the administrative level. The SFA program curriculum is built with children from birth to 8 years of age. The 36-credit program is delivered entirely online with classes offered in half-term formats during fall and spring semesters. U.S. News and World Report ranks Stephen F. Austin University #73 in regional universities West and #22 in top public schools West.
#1 – Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Commerce, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,776
Texas A&M University Commerce offers an online master’s in early childhood education through its department of Curriculum and Instruction. The program prepares graduates for careers in a variety of educational settings where young children are the main recipients of services. Course curriculum includes classroom instructional strategies as well as developmental courses covering disciplines such as human development, psychology, and sociology. Classes also covecr educational assessment, curriculum development, and educational research. In addition to course requirements, students are expected to pass an early childhood education comprehensive exam with a 70% pass rate. U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas A&M University Commerce #231 in national universities.
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