Finding the cheapest online master’s degree in early childhood education is easy with our comprehensive guide. Building stronger skills can make you more attractive to a variety of employees. For the most affordable options, choose one of our Best Buys!
We have researched 94 online degree programs from 81 different schools to find the most affordable option, allowing you to save tens of thousands of dollars on your degree. Working in early childhood education helps kids at their earliest ages, giving them a strong foundation for learning throughout their lives. If you value young children and appreciate the importance of education, a master’s degree will deliver the knowledge to make you an outstanding educator. The best part is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get this credential!
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,700
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A & T State University ~$6,990
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Arkansas State University ~$10,015
Most Expensive: Fordham University ~$57,798
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings; no fancy formulas here! We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate cost estimate. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest early childhood education master’s online. The online early childhood education degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average!
The 55 Cheapest Early Childhood Education Master’s Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,015.00 | All Students |
3 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $10,200.00 $12,750.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
5 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $10,630.00 $39,401.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,496.00 | All Students |
7 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $11,662.00 $11,695.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
9 | Northwestern College Iowa | (IA) | $11,820.00 | All Students |
10 |  Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $11,850.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
12 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
13 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $12,117.00 | All Students |
14 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $12,425.00 $16,927.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | University of Montana | (MT) | $12,580.00 $34,648.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Texas Woman's University | (TX) | $12,647.00 $25,295.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
18 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
19 | Florida State University | (FL) | $13,328.00 $32,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
22 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $13,530.00 | All Students |
23 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $13,860.00 | All Students |
24 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $14,114.00 | All Students |
25 | Alabama A & M University | (AL) | $14,120.00 $26,660.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $14,227.00 $16,807.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Gratz College | (PA) | $14,655.00 | All Students |
29 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,665.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
30 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,826.00 | All Students |
31 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $14,940.00 $17,490.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
33 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $15,360.00 | All Students |
34 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
35 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
36 | Clemson University | (SC) | $15,982.00 | All Students |
37 | Marshall University | (WV) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
38 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
39 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $16,054.00 $30,742.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | Nicholls State University | (LA) | $16,073.00 | All Students |
41 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $16,476.00 $31,164.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
43 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $16,710.00 | All Students |
44 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $17,070.00 | All Students |
45 | Troy University | (AL) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
45 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
47 | University of Mississippi | (MS) | $17,370.00 | All Students |
48 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $17,430.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
49 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $17,568.00 | All Students |
50 | University of North Florida | (FL) | $17,569.00 $42,353.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
52 | SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $18,296.00 $21,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
53 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $18,525.00 | All Students |
54 | Carlow University | (PA) | $18,540.00 | All Students |
55 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $18,665.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Toledo | (OH) | $19,173.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Spring Arbor University | (MI) | $19,270.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $19,380.00 $24,225.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $19,793.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
Carlow University | (PA) | $20,394.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $21,465.00 | All Students | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $21,528.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $22,140.00 | All Students | |
Carlow University | (PA) | $22,248.00 | All Students | |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $22,275.00 $22,655.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $22,355.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $22,660.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $22,800.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $23,760.00 $29,340.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northern Michigan University | (MI) | $24,010.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $24,183.00 | All Students | |
Grand Valley State University | (MI) | $24,948.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $26,670.00 | All Students | |
Fontbonne University (School Closing) Master of Arts in Education / Early Childhood CAEP,14 | (MO) | $26,805.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $26,900.00 $33,410.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Niagara University | (NY) | $27,020.00 $23,320.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Portland State University | (OR) | $27,075.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $30,024.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $30,208.00 | All Students | |
Pacific Oaks College | (CA) | $34,925.00 | All Students | |
Erikson Institute | (IL) | $35,625.00 | All Students | |
DePaul University | (IL) | $38,136.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $38,709.00 | All Students | |
Fordham University | (NY) | $57,798.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in early childhood education 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
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited online master’s 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 learning program. School profiles for the early childhood education master’s online programs 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 online master’s in early childhood education, including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability 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 a cheap master’s in early childhood education online 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 most affordable online master’s in early childhood education 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 the best early childhood education master’s programs online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get the Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Early Chilldhood Education?
There are many affordable options available, so why should you consider one of these degrees? They aren’t for everyone, but there are numerous reasons to consider one of these programs:
- High salary: School principals, which are common careers for graduates, have a median salary of $98,420, while the top 10% earn over $153,000 a year. Pay can’t be your only motivation, but graduates can expect strong earnings.
Stable field: There will always be a need for education. While other industries may come and go, education is here to stay. - Rewarding career: Above all, these are careers that bring daily fulfillment. You may not be teaching directly, but you’ll be heavily involved in the education of young children; few careers are as important and rewarding!
How Much Is a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online?
Regardless of your budget, you need to research the cheapest online master’s degrees in early childhood education and find a degree that fits your needs. Fortunately, there are many affordable online master’s in early childhood education programs. Numerous options cost less than $10,000 annually.
The average cost for these degrees is roughly $18,700. Most require two years of study, which means the average per-year cost is roughly $9,350. This also means that the per-semester cost is only $4,675.
If you need an even lower price, you can find many options that cost less. The cheapest online master’s degree in early childhood education is the Master of Arts in Teaching / Child Development, Early Education & Family Studies from North Carolina A & T State University. For in-state students, this program only costs $6,990. On a two-year, four-semester track, North Carolina residents attending this program pay about $1,750 per semester to complete this program.
There are high-cost programs as well. The most expensive is the Master of Science in Teaching / Early Childhood Education from Fordham University, which charges students almost $60,000 for the degree.
#1. North Carolina A & T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Child Development, Early Education & Family Studies
North Carolina residents can get the best rate for an online master’s degree in early childhood education. Students here will pay an in-state tuition of just $6,990 for the MAT in Child Development, Early Education, and Family Studies. Out-of-staters can expect to pay significantly more, at $25,800 for the full program.
The program emphasizes the importance of adequately serving children and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds and varying levels of ability. This degree focuses on the needs of children from birth through Kindergarten. Courses cover topics such as human development, sociology, special education, speech and language, and family studies. The program is accredited by the CAEP, ensuring a quality education respected by employers.
#2. Arkansas State University – Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education and Master of Science in Early Childhood Services
Coming in at the #2 spot on our list is Arkansas State University. This school offers two master’s-level programs in the early childhood education sphere – MSE in Early Childhood Education and MS in Early Childhood Services. Both programs have the same low cost of $10,015 for students regardless of state residency.
The MSE in Early Childhood Education, designed for educators with a valid teaching license, explores the educational and developmental needs of young children. Students will learn how to create effective and developmentally-appropriate curriculum and integrate technology into their lessons. Graduates can pursue roles as preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school teachers; childcare center directors; or early learning specialists.
The MS in Early Childhood Services benefits those who aspire to administrative leadership roles. Students will study child development, assessment tools and methods, and curriculum sources. Courses additionally delve into the administrative responsibilities of running a preschool or childcare center, such as staff training, fiscal management, policy creation, and program design.
#3. Concordia University - Nebraska – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
The M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University in Nebraska combines the convenience of online coursework with 45 hours of practical field experience. With an in-state cost of $10,200, it also ranks as the third cheapest online master’s degree in early childhood education. For out-of-state students, the cost is $12,750.
Coursework focuses on developmentally-appropriate practices for working with children from birth through third grade. Students will learn professional standards, current research, and techniques for creating curriculum and conducting assessments in early childhood settings. Graduates of this program will have the tools necessary to positively impact the development of young children through advanced pedagogy and leadership.
Early Childhood Education: Online Master Degree Program Types
All of our cheapest online master’s degrees in early childhood education focus on the education of young children, usually kids from about two or three years old through roughly age eight. The specific topics will vary (see “Courses” section below) but most have classes on child curriculum, development, how children learn, and other important topics on this subject. The programs fall into three general types: master of science, master of arts, and master of education.
The differences between these types are subtle; it’s often hard to see a difference by just looking at the curriculum. However, a master of science is usually more focused on the data, math, research methods, and hard science of education, while a master of arts will emphasize the theories and philosophies behind teaching.
A master of education is probably the most unique. Generally speaking, these degrees are best for people who want to work in leadership, management, and administration roles, not necessarily in direct teaching. A master of education in early childhood education is a good program for students aspiring to become school principals, not classroom teachers.
With all of these types, there are various concentrations and specializations. You can find degrees that focus on topics like:
- Experiential learning
- Curriculum and instruction
- Education public policy
With different types of degrees and various concentrations, these programs offer students the chance to learn a subject that fits their interests and career goals.
Courses in an Online Master’s of Early Childhood Education
All programs are different; sorting through the coursework of every degree is nearly impossible. To help you understand the various classes and what you’ll learn, let’s look at the coursework in a few of the best early childhood education master’s programs online:
Concordia University - Nebraska
The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program prepares students for leadership and service in early childhood education. It not only builds your understanding of classroom practices, but also creates a strong knowledge in development, family life, and other aspects outside of the school.
Courses in this online master’s degree in early childhood education include “Early Childhood Program Organization and Management,” “The Young Child: Language and Literacy Development,” and “Serving and Leading in Community and World.” It requires 30 credit hours (ten three-hour courses), which includes a research project.
University of North Florida
If you want to become an expert in the design of courses and curriculum for young students, the Master’s of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Early Childhood Educational Leadership an ideal program. Courses in this online master’s degree in early childhood education include 12 credit hours of core requirements, as well as 27 credits of concentration requirements, 3 credits of culminating experience, and 3 credits of an elective course.
The concentration credit focuses on curriculum and instruction. Classes include “ Social-Emotional Development,” “Program Planning for EC,” and “Leadership/Learning Organization.” The core classes include subjects like early childhood education and teacher inquiry.
Kansas State University
The Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from KSU is a larger program that requires 45 credit hours to complete. There are required courses that include “Psychological Foundations of Education,” “Legal Issues in Special Education,” and “Advanced Study of Literacy.”
In this online master’s degree in early childhood education, students must complete courses such as “Reading Interventions for Students with Special Needs,” “Adaptive Teaching Strategies for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities K-6,” and “Literacy Instruction for Diverse Populations.” Finally, there is an internship and seminar requirement, which encompasses nine credit hours.
Accreditation for a Master’s in Early Childhood Education
Accreditation acts like a quality-control process for the education system. Schools can become “accredited” by independent organizations, which are approved by the U.S. Department of Education. When a school is accredited, it is called “institutional accreditation.” Institutional accreditation is granted by regional organizations. For example, the southeastern area of the U.S. receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Individual programs can be accredited as well. Known as “programmatic accreditation,” this system gives approval to degrees in a specific subject. For an online master’s degree in early childhood education, the main accrediting body is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group accredits programs that educate teachers and school leaders in preschool through 12th grade.
Dozens of degrees in our database are accredited by the CAEP. These include early childhood education master’s online from:
This is just a short sample of the many online master’s in early childhood education programs with CAEP approval.
Typical Admission Requirements for Education Master’s Degrees Online
Master’s degrees, of all kinds, are high levels of academic achievement. They require rigorous study, passionate commitment, and a strong mind for learning. They are not for everyone; as such they have some of the tightest admission requirements in academia.
The most basic requirement for an online master’s degree in early childhood education is a bachelor’s degree. If you have not completed a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to graduate from one of these four-year programs first. Merely graduating from a bachelor’s program, however, is not enough; most programs require a minimum GPA that ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Of course, your bachelor’s should be in education, childhood learning, development, or a related field.
An early childhood education master’s online will require numerous documents. In addition to college transcripts, you may need to supply letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and your professional resume. Some programs even require you to have a teaching license before enrolling.
To better understand the enrollment process, let’s look at the GPA requirements for two of the best early childhood education master’s programs online:
Arkansas State University
When applying to the Master of Science in Education at Arkansas State, you can enroll with either unconditional or conditional admission. Unconditional requires a GPA of 3.0, while conditional admission is granted to students with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0.
University of South Alabama
This program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The school requires a 2.5 GPA, either when the bachelor was earned or in the last 60 credit hours. The school also requires a Professional Educator Certificate and a personal statement of your goals.
Licensing in Early Childhood Education
Licensing is a common requirement for many careers. Doctors, lawyers, and transportation professionals, to name a few, need a license. After completing one of the best early childhood education master’s programs online, you may need licensing, but it depends on your chosen career.
Principals at elementary schools will likely need a license. This is a requirement in most states, although the specifics will vary. Most require candidates to complete several years of teaching or school administration. A background check and a licensing exam are also required.
Other careers may not require a license. For example, if you work as an instructional coordinator, you will not need a license unless you work in a public school. In this case, you may need a standard teacher’s license.
Regardless of the career, you’ll likely need about five years of experience. This is typical for principals, who usually work as teachers before moving into leadership roles. Experience is also required for instructional coordinators, who usually work in teaching or administration.
Career Outlook with an Early Childhood Education Master’s Degree
Most people don’t enter early childhood education for the pay. This is a career that requires commitment, passion, and a caring attitude. That said, there is a chance to earn an excellent salary with the cheapest online master’s degree in early childhood education.
The median salary for instructional coordinators was $63,740 in May of 2021, according to the BLS. This is roughly $18,000 more than the median for all careers. The top 10% in this profession earn over $101,000 annually, so there is ample opportunity for high earnings.
Principals have strong salaries as well. The median salary for this profession is $98,420, while the top 10% earn over $153,000 a year.
Education won’t be a rapid-growth industry, but it’s not a career that will disappear. According to the BLS, the expected growth for instructional coordinators is 7%. Meanwhile, the growth for principals (at all levels of education) is 5%. The need for education will never go away, so a graduate of an early childhood education master’s online is well positioned for a lifelong career.
What’s the Next Step in Early Childhood Education?
If you choose to continue your formal classroom learning after earning one of the cheapest online master’s degrees in early childhood education, the next step is to complete a doctorate. These programs, which represent the highest level of academic achievement, broaden and deepen your expertise in education. They are ideal for people who want to move beyond the classroom and approach learning at a high level. Graduates often work in public policy and research, and could move into positions as a professor of education at a major university.
Whether you complete a doctorate or not, continuing education is critical. Many graduates will enroll in certificate courses to stay on the leading edge of the education sector. These build your expertise while also increasing your job and advancement opportunities. Options may include becoming a Certified Instructional Coordinator (CIC) or a Certified eLearning Instructional Designer (CEID). These certifications boost your resume and increase your teaching skills.
Start Your Journey to an Online Master’s Degree
You can work in a career that helps young children get the most from their education. If you want to be a part of this important work, the completing the cheapest online master’s degree in early chilldhood education will get you off to a great start with minimal cost.
From a stable career to excellent pay to fulfilling work, there are numerous reasons to become an expert in early childhood education. Visit GetEducated.com, submit your information, and let us help you become an education expert!