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Compare Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Why This Matters

  • AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE WILL QUALIFY YOU FOR 41% OF PRESCHOOL TEACHER JOBS

    According to O*NET, 12% of preschool teacher jobs require applicants to have at least a postsecondary nondegree award, while 29% only require a high school diploma.

  • 17,200 NEW JOBS FOR PRESCHOOL TEACHERS

    The demand for early childhood educators is expected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, resulting in over 17,000 new jobs.

  • EARN $35,330 AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR

    Preschool teachers earn $35,330 per year on average. The lowest 10% make less than $23,920, while the highest 10% make more than $58,580.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online associate in early childhood education degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education. Many of the programs on our list have been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of early childhood education programs.

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in early childhood education degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best online Early Childhood Education degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

  • 61 hours to write this article
  • 200 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 363 education programs we compared

Best 38 Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs

Filters
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38 Results
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Sort by: Intelligent Score
#1
Winterville, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Pitt Community College

Intelligent Score: 98.59
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $14,522

Out-of-state: $19,130

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: 480 or higher

ACT: 18-22

Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
60%
Graduation Rate
23%
Students enrolled
7,688
Student to faculty ratio
18-to-1
Average Salary
32,853
Average Student Debt
12,732

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $76

Non-Resident: $268

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

72

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 252-493-7232

#2
Fennimore, Wisconsin | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Intelligent Score: 96.54
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $17,008

Out-of-state: $27,928

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: 16-22

Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
55%
Students enrolled
2,581
Student to faculty ratio
14-to-1
Average Salary
25,600
Average Student Debt
16,792

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$159

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 608-822-2617

#3
Norfolk, NE | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Northeast Community College

Intelligent Score: 96.07
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,023

Out-of-state: $17,313

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: 12-29

Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
83%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
2,493
Student to faculty ratio
16-to-1
Average Salary
33,900
Average Student Debt
9,672

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $108

Non-Resident: $151

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 402-371-2020

#4
Tucson, AZ | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Pima Community College

Intelligent Score: 95.78
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $19,424

Out-of-state: $25,978

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
70%
Graduation Rate
18%
Students enrolled
13,328
Student to faculty ratio
16-to-1
Average Salary
39,810
Average Student Debt
10,348

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $92

Non-Resident: $223

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

National Association for the Education of Young Children

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 520-206-4500

#5
Winona, MN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Minnesota State College Southeast

Intelligent Score: 95.1
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
56%
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
41%
Graduation Rate
38%
Students enrolled
2,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$12k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$209

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 507-453-2700

#6
Marion, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Indiana Wesleyan University

Intelligent Score: 94.08
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $28,184

Out-of-state: $28,184

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,512

Out-of-state: $13,512

Test scores

SAT: 1010-1200

ACT: 21-27

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
91%
On-campus students
90%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$305

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-498-4968

#7
Montgomery County, MD | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Montgomery College

Intelligent Score: 93.56
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $32,142

Out-of-state: $35,922

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: 500 or higher

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
89%
Graduation Rate
20%
Students enrolled
13,357
Student to faculty ratio
17-to-1
Average Salary
50,159
Average Student Debt
10,415

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $134 - $273

Non-Resident: $380

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

National Association for the Education of Young Children

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 240-567-5000

#8
Fayetteville, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Intelligent Score: 93.04
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,438

Out-of-state: $22,582

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: Not Required

ACT: Not Required

Retention Rate
52%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
46%
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
3,738
Student to faculty ratio
16-to-1
Average Salary
30,700
Average Student Debt
15,222

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $76

Non-Resident: $268

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

71

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 910-500-0277

#9
Cincinnati, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Cincinnati

Intelligent Score: 92.65
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,723

Out-of-state: $25,057

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,224

Out-of-state: $13,224

Test scores

SAT: 1120-1330

ACT: 23-29

Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
76%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
73%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$376 - $564

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 513-556-6308

#10
Coos Bay, OR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Southwestern Oregon Community College

Intelligent Score: 91.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $17,619

Out-of-state: $17,619

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: Not Required

ACT: Not Required

Retention Rate
52%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
71%
Graduation Rate
38%
Students enrolled
1,232
Student to faculty ratio
10-to-1
Average Salary
38,349
Average Student Debt
12,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$109

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

98

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 541-888-2525

#11
Reno, NV | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Truckee Meadows Community College

Intelligent Score: 90.62
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $25,570

Out-of-state: $33,047

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: 1270

ACT: 26

Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
68%
Graduation Rate
26%
Students enrolled
6,307
Student to faculty ratio
16-to-1
Average Salary
33,900
Average Student Debt
8,099

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $189

Out-of-State: $284

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 775-673-7111

#12
Anchorage, AK | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

UAF Community & Technical College

Intelligent Score: 90.19
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,224

Out-of-state: $23,072

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,773

Out-of-state: $10,773

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
77%
On-campus students
5%
Graduation Rate
30%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $234

Non-Resident: $800

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

National Association for the Education of Young Children

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 907-455-2800

#13
Clyde, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Haywood Community College

Intelligent Score: 88.7
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $18,377

Out-of-state: $24,521

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: 480 or higher

ACT: 18 or higher

Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
57%
Graduation Rate
49%
Students enrolled
1,440
Student to faculty ratio
8-to-1
Average Salary
28,000
Average Student Debt
8,844

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $76

Non-Resident: $268

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

National Association for the Education of Young Children

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

71

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 828-627-4500

#14
Lynchburg, VA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Liberty University

Intelligent Score: 87.05
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $14,791

Out-of-state: $14,791

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,935

Out-of-state: $7,935

Test scores

SAT: 1040-1250

ACT: 21-29

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
54%
Students enrolled
93,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$36k
Average Student Debt
$26k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$390

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-424-9595

#15
Concord, NH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

NHTI - Concord's Community College

Intelligent Score: 86.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $23,468

Out-of-state: $31,718

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
53%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
71%
Graduation Rate
32%
Students enrolled
2,208
Student to faculty ratio
8-to-1
Average Salary
48,943
Average Student Debt
14,650

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $215

Non-Resident: $490

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

New England Commission of Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60-62

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 603-230-4000

#16
Casper, WY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Casper College

Intelligent Score: 86.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $15,868

Out-of-state: $20,908

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
80%
Graduation Rate
41%
Students enrolled
2,358
Student to faculty ratio
14-to-1
Average Salary
30,700
Average Student Debt
9,534

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $147

Non-Resident: $357

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

61

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 307-268-2424

#17
Rangely, CO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Colorado Northwestern Community College

Intelligent Score: 86.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $20,388

Out-of-state: $22,892

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: 470 or higher

ACT: 17 or higher

Retention Rate
42%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
85%
Graduation Rate
39%
Students enrolled
565
Student to faculty ratio
14-to-1
Average Salary
43,526
Average Student Debt
12,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $263

Non-Resident: $401

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-562-1105

#18
Spokane, WA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Spokane Falls Community College

Intelligent Score: 86
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $24,850

Out-of-state: $26,200

Graduate Tuition

In-state: NA

Out-of-state: NA

Test scores

SAT: Not Required

ACT: Not Required

Retention Rate
54%
Admission Rate
100%
On-campus students
58%
Graduation Rate
33%
Students enrolled
3,638
Student to faculty ratio
15-to-1
Average Salary
38,955
Average Student Debt
12,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $119

Non-Resident: $306

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

86-92

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 509-533-3500

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Early childhood education traditionally covers birth through about age 8. The key difference among early childhood educators are the ages they focus on. Preschool teachers focus on teaching basic skills such as identifying colors, numbers, letters, and shapes, while kindergarten and elementary school teachers focus more on math, reading, and writing. Elementary school teachers often also need a bachelor’s degree.

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

If you’re interested in a job in early childhood education and want to work in a public school, you will need a state teaching license or ECE certificate.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in early childhood education programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most associate degree programs require a high school diploma or equivalency. Students often must complete some general education college courses in areas like math, English, and science. You might also need to maintain a certain GPA and be able to pass a criminal and character background check.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Associate degree programs are typically offered at community colleges and include 60 college credit hours. Students generally complete these requirements in two years by taking 12 to 18 credit hours per semester.

Once you’ve decided on a program and the courses you’re interested in pursuing, you should contact the admissions department at the school you want to attend and find out what their process and requirements are.

Also, research your financing options. Make sure to note what scholarships, financial aid, and tuition reimbursements you might qualify for and what the deadlines are for each.


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