We compared the 46 schools that provide an early childhood education associate’s degree online to find those priced below the national average. Costs range from a little under $3,000 all the way up to over $36,000, so you can save yourself a bundle of money on your degree by choosing an accredited program that fits your budget. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you with this guide featuring the most up-to-date data for each program.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$16,500
Least Expensive In-state: Cerro Coso Community College ~$2,760
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Allen County Community College ~$8,064
Most Expensive: Fisher College ~$68,375
Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas; we meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, so they factually showcase the cheapest associate degrees in early childhood education online. The online degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
28 Best Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cerro Coso Community College | (CA) | $2,760.00 $19,740.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Tallahassee Community College | (FL) | $6,050.00 $23,236.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | New Mexico State University-Grants | (NM) | $6,077.00 $12,129.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Florida Gateway College | (FL) | $6,199.00 $13,832.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | (FL) | $6,293.00 $13,113.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota | (FL) | $6,329.00 $23,371.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Arkansas Northeastern College | (AR) | $6,535.00 $9,785.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Florida SouthWestern State College | (FL) | $6,682.00 $25,838.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Georgia Highlands College | (GA) | $7,028.00 $22,908.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Great Basin College | (NV) | $7,275.00 $10,693.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $7,495.00 $8,170.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Northeast Community College | (NE) | $7,680.00 $10,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,064.00 | All Students |
14 | Hutchinson Community College | (KS) | $8,220.00 $10,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Northwest Florida State College | (FL) | $8,315.00 $8,375.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Eastern Wyoming College | (WY) | $8,580.00 $21,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Casper College | (WY) | $8,820.00 $21,420.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Barton Community College | (KS) | $9,300.00 | All Students |
19 | Northwood Technical College | (WI) | $9,459.00 $13,763.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Carl Albert State College | (OK) | $11,222.00 | All Students |
21 | Monroe Community College | (NY) | $12,396.00 $21,908.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Murray State College | (OK) | $12,710.00 $13,082.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Northland Community and Technical College | (MN) | $13,746.00 | All Students |
24 | Minnesota State College Southeast | (MN) | $13,910.00 | All Students |
25 | Vincennes University | (IN) | $15,244.00 $18,753.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Front Range Community College | (CO) | $15,852.00 $24,135.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | NHTI-Concord's Community College | (NH) | $15,940.00 $32,440.00 $15,940.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
28 | Southwestern Oregon Community College | (OR) | $16,250.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $16,815.00 | All Students | |
University of New Hampshire | (NH) | $19,200.00 $22,560.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $19,659.00 $22,216.00 $16,227.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Arkansas Tech University | (AR) | $19,964.00 $34,514.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Charter Oak State College | (CT) | $20,336.00 $26,620.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Mayville State University | (ND) | $21,521.00 | All Students | |
Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $21,937.00 | All Students | |
Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $21,991.00 $39,393.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bluefield University | (VA) | $24,020.00 $15,320.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,496.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $24,600.00 $21,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Point University | (GA) | $25,600.00 | All Students | |
 Campbellsville University | (KY) | $26,650.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $27,140.00 | All Students | |
 Fisher College | (MA) | $27,444.00 | All Students | |
 Concordia University, St. Paul | (MN) | $30,240.00 $18,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $30,797.00 | All Students | |
Chaminade University of Honolulu | (HI) | $37,175.00 $17,075.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Fisher College | (MA) | $68,375.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online early childhood education associate degree program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
NAEYC Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online associate degree programs in early childhood education. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online program. School profiles for the online associate degrees in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing, and financial aid will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an affordable online early childhood education degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online early childhood education degrees may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on online early childhood education associate programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get One of the Cheapest Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education?
To become a licensed teacher, you need a bachelor’s degree in education or a related subject. While you can jump into a bachelor’s program at a major university, many aspiring teachers begin with an online associate’s degree early childhood education. These convenient degrees help launch your journey and allow you to complete half of the education with a lower total cost in most cases.
There are many reasons to pursue an online early childhood education associate degree program and become a teacher, including:
- Fulfillment: Working with children can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding professions.
- Strong Pay: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary teachers is over $61,000 (May 2021). It’s nearly $15,000 more than the median for all occupations, which is $45,700.
- Numerous Jobs: The BLS reports that by 2031, there will be over 1.5 million teachers at the levels of kindergarten through elementary school. This means numerous opportunities for qualified teachers.
- Work Anywhere: While certain industries are concentrated in specific areas, teachers are needed in every state, county, and city. Whether you want to live in the heart of New York City or remote Wyoming, you can use a teaching degree for a rewarding career.
With an associate’s degree in early childhood education, you’ll start the path toward your career. You’ll be able to complete roughly half of the educational requirements while enjoying affordable tuition. For these reasons, many aspiring teachers start their journey with an associate’s degree.
Cost for an Online Associate’s Degree in Childhood Education
What’s the best online early childhood education associate degree program for your future? While cost is not the only factor, it must be a consideration.
The cost of college continues to climb upward, making associate’s degrees from community colleges more attractive than ever. Essentially, you can complete two years of a bachelor’s degree and notably reduce the overall cost of college attendance.
According to our information, the average ECE associate teacher degree cost is $16,434. Assuming a two-year, four-semester track, this means students pay on average $8,217 annually and $4,108 per semester.
The cheapest online associate’s in early childhood education is the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education from Cerro Coso Community College in California, which only charges $2,764 for in-state students. This means less than $1,400 a year and $700 a semester!
The Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education from Allen County Community College offers the cheapest online associate’s in early childhood education for students regardless of state residency. This college in Kansas charges the same tuition to both in-state and out-of-state students. At $8,064, this is the lowest-cost program for out-of-state tuition.
In total, 19 different options cost less than $10,000 for full tuition. While an associate’s degree tends to be more affordable, there are some higher-cost options. The highest-priced degree in this list is the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education / Director from Fisher College. This program costs $68,375, far outpacing the second-highest option, which costs $37,175.
With patience, research, and a smart approach to your education, you can find an affordable option that allows you to become a high-quality early-childhood educator. The associate teacher degree cost is affordable for many students, making this an excellent option. Here are some details about the top three cheapest online teaching associate degrees:
#1. Cerro Coso Community College – Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
Topping our list as the most affordable early childhood education associate degree is this program from Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, California. It is important to note that while the in-state price for California residents is only $2,760, students in other states will pay significantly more. The out-of-state tuition is nearly $20,000. Still, this AS in Early Childhood Education is an excellent choice for California students.
In this affordable online early childhood education program, students will explore various teaching practices and learn how to create developmentally appropriate programs to support the growth, development, and learning of young children. Participants will also come away with an understanding of how to maintain learning environments that are healthy, safe, supportive, and challenging for children from a wide range of backgrounds.
Graduates of this program are guaranteed acceptance into the California State University system with junior standing and given priority admission consideration at their local CSU campus. After completing this program, individuals will be prepared to transfer into bachelor’s-level programs in child development, elementary education, or other education programs.
#2. Tallahassee Community College – Associate in Science in Early Childhood Development, Education & Management
The second cheapest online early education associate degree is the Early Childhood Development, Education, and Management program from Tallahassee Community College. Florida residents can complete the entire program for just $6,050. Out-of-state students, however, can expect to pay around $23,000 in total.
With a focus on management, this affordable early childhood education degree online is an ideal choice for students interested in leading early childhood programs, managing childcare facilities, or owning early learning centers. In addition to general education courses in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social science, participants will take 45 credit hours of focused teaching and child development courses.
The curriculum covers topics such as cognitive experiences for young children, guiding young children, children’s literature, and disabilities in young children. Students will also participate in an educational field experience in their local area. Through this on-site course, future teachers get valuable hands-on practice in creating lesson plans, supervising children, and implementing and evaluating learning activities. Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC).
#3. New Mexico State University-Grants – Associate of Early Childhood Education
Designed to fulfill the first two years of requirements for students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the third cheapest online degree in early childhood education comes from New Mexico State University in Grants. New Mexico residents will particularly benefit from this program, as the in-state price is just over $6,000, and courses mirror lower division requirements for the Teacher Education Program at New Mexico State University.
Out-of-state students are also welcome to pursue this degree, with the caveats that they should contact their intended four-year institution to ensure compatibility, and they should expect to pay a tuition of $12,129. Although the price is higher for non-residents than residents, this still ranks among the top 10 cheapest online early childhood education associate degrees for out-of-state students.
In the program, courses explore a range of topics: child growth, development, and learning; health, safety, and nutrition; assessment of children and programs; curriculum development; and more. Students will also learn about professionalism and ways to facilitate family and community collaboration. Graduates can pursue professional roles in teaching, assistant teaching, and childcare for children from newborn through age 8.
Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program Types
While all of these programs are associate’s degrees, they come in a few different types. First of all, they are either “associate of science” (AS) or “associate of arts” (AA) degrees. The differences can be subtle, and there is some overlap, but an associate of science program will place more emphasis on math and science, while an AA program will lean more on liberal arts, such as writing, literature, and history.
For example, an associate of arts in early childhood teaching may focus on the theories and best practices of education. An associate of science, meanwhile, is more likely to look at the hard, scientific data that supports education.
There are also various specializations and concentrations. These programs focus on child education, but some specialize in topics like family studies or family support. For example, the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Management from Florida State College at Jacksonville focuses on child growth and brain development. This degree is meant to prepare graduates for careers as care providers and directors, not just teachers.
Most associate’s degrees require 60 credit hours and two years of full-time study to complete. These programs can transfer into a bachelor’s degree, which means another two years of education before your studies are complete. (A bachelor’s is required for a teaching career.)
Courses in an ECE Associate Degree Program Online
An associate’s degree, no matter the concentration, will feature general education classes as well as core-specific classwork. In most cases you will take primarily gen ed classes throughout the first semester or year. These will include classic subjects like writing, history, psychology, and public speaking.
In some cases you can start a few core-specific classes during the first semester of an online associate’s degree in early childhood education. By your last semester, you’ll likely be taking core-specific classes exclusively.
Here are a few examples of the classes you’ll take in an associate’s of childhood education program:
Allen County Community College – Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education
This program creates a foundation for teaching, helping you understand aspects of education such as curriculum planning, student evaluation, and childhood learning. In addition to general education classes, the courses include children’s literature, elementary statistics, and developmental psychology.
Barton Community College – Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
As an AS degree, the classes in this program tend to be more scientific and technical. You’ll complete a variety of general education courses, then begin taking core-specific classes. These may include childhood growth and development, children’s play and games, preschool languages, and child health.
Charter Oak State College – Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education
This program is designed for teachers, educators, and caregivers working with children up to the age of eight years old. Graduates can work in daycare centers, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms. Courses include aspects of mental and physical development, including subjects like early language, nutrition, child development, and ethics in early childhood education.
Accreditation for Online ECE Degrees
Accreditation is an important part of the education process. It helps ensure that students receive a high-quality degree and tells employers that your education met industry standards.
Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation covers an entire school. It is granted by regional groups such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Programmatic accreditation, on the other hand, only covers the specific degree. Accrediting bodies focus on one subject and accredit only those programs. For example, the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) only accredits degrees related to healthcare management.
Not every online early childhood education associate degree program will have programmatic accreditation. However, as long as they come from accredited schools, the degree will meet a high standard.
For childhood education, there are a few accrediting groups. One is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which focuses on degrees related to educating young kids.
Some of the schools in our database offering NAEYC-accredited programs include:
Another related organization is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits degrees for teachers up to the school level, so they take an all-encompassing approach to education.
Schools with CAEP-accredited degrees in our database include:
When you complete an accredited degree (institutional or programmatic), you are all but guaranteed to receive a strong, reliable, useful education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Associate Programs
If you worry about admission requirements or feel that your past academic performance may limit enrollment options, an associate’s degree, especially from a community college, may be your best choice. Standards vary by school, but associate’s programs often have the most lenient requirements, including lower GPA requirements.
In most cases, you need a high school diploma for enrollment. You may also need SAT and ACT scores, and you may be asked to complete a placement test, which is used to assess your knowledge and place you in appropriate classes. For example, these tests may dictate which math classes you need to complete.
With high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and placement tests, most students will earn acceptance into an associate’s program.
Licensing and Certification for Early Childhood Teachers
Once you complete your ECE associate’s degree and finish a bachelor’s program, you’ll have the required education to become a teacher for young students. However, you’ll still need to complete licensing, and you may want to pursue voluntary certification and specialization.
All public school teachers in the US are required to have licenses. An applicant for this license needs a bachelor’s degree and must complete a student-teaching program. After passing a background check, you can test for a teaching license. Tests may include a basic skills test and a test about subject knowledge if you have a specialized area like history or math.
A teacher can also increase his or her skills and job opportunities by completing voluntary credentials. These boost your understanding of the profession and can be either generalized or specific.
Voluntary certifications for early-childhood educators include:
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification
- Literacy Specialist Certificate
Salary and Career Outlook
Most people do not enter teaching for the pay. This is a challenging career that requires a motivation far beyond money. However, kindergarten teachers and early-elementary teachers can expect a strong salary.
According to the BLS, the median salary for American teachers between kindergarten and elementary school was $61,400. Kindergarten teachers alone had a median salary of $60,900. This seems like a strong income considering that the median income for all occupations is $45,760. The top 10% in this profession can expect salaries over $99,000, making this a lucrative, as well as rewarding, profession.
Elementary and kindergarten teachers work all across the country, and there does not appear to be a large concentration in certain states. The highest earners, however, are found in California. Here, the mean annual income is just over $90,000 for elementary teachers and nearly $95,000 for kindergarten teachers. (Of course, remember to factor in the cost of living.)
Most graduates of an ECE associate’s degree online, once they complete a bachelor’s, should find a steady job market. The expected growth for all teachers is 5%, while kindergarten teachers will have a growth of 4%. This matches the expected growth across all job categories of 5%. By 2031, the BLS expects more than1.5 million kindergarten and elementary teachers to be employed in the U.S. While growth may not be massive, the total numbers are impressive.
Continuing Education for Early Childhood Educators
After completing an ECE associate’s degree online, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher. Essentially, these programs act as a beginning to your teaching education, which you can caomplete with a bachelor’s program, usually (but not always) from a major university.
The bachelor’s degree, which takes another two years of full-time study to complete, will go even further into the teaching subject. You’ll learn more about childhood development, teaching young minds, and strategies for helping kids who struggle with reading, writing, math, and other subjects.
Once complete, you can apply for licensing, complete (and hopefully pass) all appropriate tests, and become a teacher. But your education won’t end there.
For starters, you’ll need to re-certify or renew your license regularly. Most states require renewal every five years, with many requiring continuing education.
Early Childhood Education: A Rewarding, Fulfilling Career
Working with young children is not for everyone, but it can be one of the most fulfilling careers you’ll ever find. Children bring fresh, joyful perspectives to your daily life, and you’ll have the satisfaction of teaching them new skills and concepts.
From a strong income to a stable profession to an endlessly rewarding career, there are many reasons to become an early childhood educator!
Launch Your Teaching Career!
Start your journey in early childhood education by enrolling in an affordable ECE associate’s degree. Use the resources on GetEducated.com to find the best online early childhood education associate degree program for your unique needs!
Whether you select the cheapest online associate’s in early childhood education, or choose a program based on specific classes, we’ll provide the right information for you to make an informed decision.