Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education

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Find top-ranked online associate in early childhood education degree programs to help students take the first step towards entry-level education and childcare positions.

The Top 10 Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees

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  1. University of Cincinnati
  2. Liberty University
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  4. Purdue University Global
  5. St. Petersburg College
  6. Bay Path University
  7. Charter Oak State College
  8. Granite State College
  9. College of Southern Nevada
  10. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  1. University of Cincinnati
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  3. Liberty University
  4. Tallahassee Community College
  5. St. Petersburg College
  6. Purdue University Global
  7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  8. Florida State College at Jacksonville
  9. College of Southern Nevada
  10. Montgomery College
  1. Liberty University 99%
  2. State University of New York at Canton 95%
  3. Delaware Valley University 95%
  4. Arkansas Tech University 94%
  5. Lewis–Clark State College 87%
  6. University of Cincinnati 86%
  7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
  8. Lebanon Valley College 77%
  9. Bay Path University 76%
  10. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences 46%
  1. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota 38 to 1
  2. Bakersfield College 28 to 1
  3. Purdue University Global 26 to 1
  4. Florida State College at Jacksonville 23 to 1
  5. Dyersburg State Community College 23 to 1
  6. Tallahassee Community College 23 to 1
  7. St. Petersburg College 22 to 1
  8. College of Southern Idaho 22 to 1
  9. Front Range Community College 21 to 1
  10. Kaskaskia College 20 to 1
  1. Lebanon Valley College $48,620
  2. Delaware Valley University $42,120
  3. Bay Path University $35,781
  4. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences $30,821
  5. Liberty University $22,511
  6. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,782
  7. University of Cincinnati $10,656
  8. Purdue University Global $10,080
  9. Muskegon Community College $9,360
  10. Montgomery College $8,070
  1. Lebanon Valley College $31,875
  2. Bay Path University $19,235
  3. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences $16,470
  4. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  5. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
  6. Granite State College $9,810
  7. Purdue University Global $9,472
  8. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  9. Delaware Valley University $8,832
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  1. Indian Hills Community College
  2. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
  3. Kennebec Valley Community College
  4. Kaskaskia College
  5. Dawson Community College
  6. North Georgia Technical College
  7. State University of New York at Canton
  8. Paradise Valley Community College
  9. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
  10. Monterey Peninsula College
  1. Haywood Community College
  2. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
  3. Dyersburg State Community College
  4. North Georgia Technical College
  5. Kennebec Valley Community College
  6. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
  7. Johnston Community College
  8. North Central Missouri College
  9. Indian Hills Community College
  10. Chippewa Valley Technical College
  1. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences 46%
  2. Bay Path University 76%
  3. Lebanon Valley College 77%
  4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
  5. University of Cincinnati 86%
  6. Lewis–Clark State College 87%
  7. Arkansas Tech University 94%
  8. Delaware Valley University 95%
  9. State University of New York at Canton 95%
  10. Liberty University 99%
  1. Haywood Community College 7 to 1
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  3. Bay Path University 11 to 1
  4. Paradise Valley Community College 11 to 1
  5. Lebanon Valley College 11 to 1
  6. Baltimore City Community College 12 to 1
  7. North Georgia Technical College 13 to 1
  8. Chattanooga State Community College 13 to 1
  9. Dawson Community College 13 to 1
  10. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  1. Monterey Peninsula College $1,104
  2. Bakersfield College $1,380
  3. St. Petersburg College $1,943
  4. College of Central Florida $1,987
  5. Tallahassee Community College $2,002
  6. Paradise Valley Community College $2,040
  7. Florida State College at Jacksonville $2,095
  8. Guilford Technical Community College $2,128
  9. Pima Community College $2,136
  10. State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota $2,365
  1. Lewis–Clark State College $4,703
  2. Arkansas Tech University $5,481
  3. Liberty University $7,893
  4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  5. Delaware Valley University $8,832
  6. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  7. Purdue University Global $9,472
  8. Granite State College $9,810
  9. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,535
  10. University of Cincinnati $13,224

Key Takeaways

  • The associate degree in early childhood education is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in early childhood education.

  • Earning an online associate degree in early childhood education can prepare you for a variety of entry level jobs in your field. Many students also continue into a bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education or a related area.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Degrees

Why get an associate in early childhood education?

Future childcare workers, teachers, and tutors can take the first step toward a career in education by enrolling in an early childhood education program. The early childhood education program is an excellent degree for any student interested in working with young children in an early childhood education setting. Online students pursuing a degree in early childhood education will typically have access to the same curriculum, content, and courses as traditional early childhood education students.

Early childhood education associates with gain the skills and qualifications necessary to provide learning support, education, and pedagogy in early childhood settings.

Early childhood education graduates will qualify to work as early childhood educators, preschool teachers and as teacher’s assistants in public or private schools. Students who earn an online associate degree in early childhood education may also qualify to work full-time teaching young children in the private school setting. Students interested in teaching in elementary schools will typically be required to continue into early childhood education programs at the bachelor’s degree level.

Find out what is the best career path for a teacher with an online associate in early education.

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What courses will I need to take to get an associate in early childhood education?

Early childhood education programs will typically be composed of both general education courses and core courses geared toward early childhood educators Students who pursue the associate degree in early childhood education online will learn foundational skills like curriculum planning, child guidance, children’s literature, language development, child growth, and the basic theories behind supporting short- and long-term student success.

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Are online classes the best way to earn an associate in early childhood education?

Though early childhood education is a hands-on field, the online associate degree in early childhood education is a popular option among working adults. The online program offers a flexible and accessible option for early childhood education students interest in balancing current workplace responsibilities with the pursuit of their early childhood education associates. If you do choose pursue your associate in early childhood education online, be sure that your school has proper regional accreditation from the colleges and schools commission in your region.

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How long does it take to get an associate in early childhood education?

A typical associate in early childhood program will require the completion of 60 credit hours. Students will typically take about two years to earn this degree, whether completing a brick and mortar degree program or pursuing their early childhood education online.

Back to top.

What can you do with an associate in early childhood education good for?

The associate in early childhood education can be a direct pathway to entry-level education and childcare positions, or it can serve as a stepping stone toward an array of bachelor’s degree in early childhood education programs, as well as a teaching certificate.

Back to top.

Learn more about how to major in education.

An associate degree is a great way for many to start their educational journey, but you may want to also consider an online bachelor’s in early childhood education.

Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,906
    Expenses: $19,772
    Starting Salary: $35,410
    Salary after 4 years: $42,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Care & Education (ECE)
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $27,574
    Salary after 4 years: $31,704
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $32,133
    Salary after 4 years: $38,739
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in early childhood education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Purdue Global

    West Lafayette , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    66K

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    St. Petersburg College

    St. Petersburg , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at St. Petersburg College

    Cost of Degree: $2,682
    Starting Salary: $26,148
    Salary after 4 years: $31,524

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville

    Cost of Degree: $2,657
    Expenses: $11,711
    Starting Salary: $25,507
    Salary after 4 years: $30,750
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #11

    Montgomery College

    Rockville , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Montgomery College

    Cost of Degree: $10,398
    Starting Salary: $32,774
    Salary after 4 years: $39,512

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #12

    Delaware Valley University

    Doylestown , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1104/25

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Delaware Valley University

    Cost of Degree: $43,300
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $29,772
    Salary after 4 years: $34,231
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 64-65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #13

    Arkansas Tech University

    Russellville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/20

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Arkansas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $8,508
    Expenses: $15,186
    Starting Salary: $27,502
    Salary after 4 years: $33,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Education Prek
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  10. Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Tallahassee Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,026
    Starting Salary: $25,008
    Salary after 4 years: $30,149

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Development And Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #16

    Monroe Community College

    Rochester , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Monroe Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,856
    Expenses: $12,880
    Starting Salary: $25,293
    Salary after 4 years: $30,493
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Western Oklahoma State College

    Cost of Degree: $5,250
    Expenses: $13,765
    Starting Salary: $25,222
    Salary after 4 years: $30,407
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 63
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Muskegon Community College

    Cost of Degree: $11,510
    Starting Salary: $22,871
    Salary after 4 years: $27,572

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #20

    Lebanon Valley College

    Annville , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Lebanon Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $50,320
    Expenses: $19,208
    Starting Salary: $32,303
    Salary after 4 years: $37,141
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Associate in Specialized Technology in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 79
    • Completion time: 20 months
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Pima Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,370
    Starting Salary: $24,937
    Salary after 4 years: $30,063

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Associate in Arts

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Studies
    • English
    • History
    • Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Liberal Arts

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Administration of Justice
    • Anthropology
    • Biology
    • Communication
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Elementary Education
    • English
    • Ethnic
    • Gender and Transborder Studies
    • Fashion Design
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Social Services
    • Sociology
    • Translation and Interpretation Studies
    • Required Credits: 60-64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at College of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $2,710
    Starting Salary: $24,866
    Salary after 4 years: $29,977

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    10%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Baltimore City Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,314
    Starting Salary: $23,156
    Salary after 4 years: $27,916

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #25

    College of Southern Idaho

    Twin Falls , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at College of Southern Idaho

    Cost of Degree: $4,560
    Expenses: $11,188
    Starting Salary: $24,011
    Salary after 4 years: $28,947
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AA in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Chattanooga State Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,550
    Starting Salary: $23,654
    Salary after 4 years: $28,517

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Medical

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Lewis–Clark State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,388
    Expenses: $17,330
    Starting Salary: $27,217
    Salary after 4 years: $32,812
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    ATC in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  21. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Onondaga Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,042
    Expenses: $15,158
    Starting Salary: $25,863
    Salary after 4 years: $31,180
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 60-62
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota

    Cost of Degree: $3,074
    Starting Salary: $24,866
    Salary after 4 years: $29,977

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Southwest Tennessee Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,550
    Starting Salary: $20,733
    Salary after 4 years: $24,995

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  24. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Cleveland State Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,530
    Starting Salary: $22,871
    Salary after 4 years: $27,572

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  25. #33

    Bakersfield College

    Bakersfield , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Bakersfield College

    Cost of Degree: $1,430
    Starting Salary: $25,649
    Salary after 4 years: $30,922

    Online Degrees

    AS-T in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  26. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Chippewa Valley Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $4,724
    Starting Salary: $27,288
    Salary after 4 years: $32,898

    Online Degrees

    Associate in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  27. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Guilford Technical Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,319
    Starting Salary: $21,802
    Salary after 4 years: $26,284

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Early Childhood Education - Licensure Option
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Early Childhood Education - Non-Licensure Option
    • Required Credits: 70
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Haywood Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,612
    Starting Salary: $19,949
    Salary after 4 years: $24,051

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Career Option
    • Required Credits: 66-67
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  29. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at North Central Missouri College

    Cost of Degree: $7,050
    Expenses: $13,082
    Starting Salary: $23,227
    Salary after 4 years: $28,002
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 45-58
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  30. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Dyersburg State Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,540
    Starting Salary: $21,232
    Salary after 4 years: $25,597

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  31. #39

    Johnston Community College

    Smithfield , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Johnston Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,657
    Starting Salary: $22,799
    Salary after 4 years: $27,486

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Licensure
    • Non-Licensure
    • Professional
    • Required Credits: 62-65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  32. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

    Cost of Degree: $31,866
    Starting Salary: $34,435
    Salary after 4 years: $39,591

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education: Infant to Grade 4
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  33. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Monterey Peninsula College

    Cost of Degree: $1,188
    Starting Salary: $28,143
    Salary after 4 years: $33,929

    Online Degrees

    AS-T in Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Transfer
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    AS in Early Childhood Education Local Degree
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  34. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Georgia Northwestern Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $3,132
    Starting Salary: $21,161
    Salary after 4 years: $25,511

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Care And Education (Ec13)
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  35. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $2K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Paradise Valley Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,358
    Starting Salary: $28,855
    Salary after 4 years: $34,788

    Online Degrees

    AA in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60-65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60-71
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    AA in Educational Studies Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 60-65
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  36. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at State University of New York at Canton

    Cost of Degree: $8,689
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $28,214
    Salary after 4 years: $34,014
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  37. Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at North Georgia Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $3,162
    Expenses: $8,900
    Starting Salary: $18,738
    Salary after 4 years: $22,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Early Childhood Care And Education
    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
  38. #46

    Dawson Community College

    Glendive , MT

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Dawson Community College

    Cost of Degree: $6,435
    Expenses: $13,070
    Starting Salary: $26,219
    Salary after 4 years: $31,609
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  39. #47

    Kaskaskia College

    Centralia , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Kaskaskia College

    Cost of Degree: $7,770
    Starting Salary: $22,229
    Salary after 4 years: $26,799

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  40. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Kennebec Valley Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,562
    Starting Salary: $23,013
    Salary after 4 years: $27,744

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  41. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

    Cost of Degree: $5,136
    Starting Salary: $24,509
    Salary after 4 years: $29,548

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  42. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education degree at Indian Hills Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,872
    Expenses: $14,688
    Starting Salary: $24,794
    Salary after 4 years: $29,892
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    AA in Early Childhood Teacher Licensure
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Early Childhood Education Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Early Childhood Education And Teaching

Degree Level: Associate's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $4,798
  • Avg. Expenses*: $14,767
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $24,803
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $29,902
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
  • Job Growth: 0.66%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,169,400
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other3.21%$79,870
Education Teachers, Postsecondary3.24%$73,240
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education-0.64%$65,220
Teachers and Instructors, All Other1.39%$64,390
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education-0.73%$64,290

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$79,870
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$73,240
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$65,220
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Online ECE Programs Looking for You

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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