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
The Top 50 Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs
intelligent score 98.59
Award
Rankings
#1 Best Colleges
#4 College Cliffs
School Information
Winterville, NC
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-493-7232
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
intelligent score 96.54
Award
Rankings
#2 Best Colleges
#2 The Best Schools
School Information
Fennimore, WI
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$159
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
608-822-2617
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 96.07
Award
Rankings
#5 College Consensus
#7 The Best Schools
#8 College Cliffs
#8 Value Colleges
#10 Accredited Schools Online
School Information
Norfolk, NE
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $108
Non-Resident: $151
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
402-371-2020
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.78
Award
Rankings
#3 Best Colleges
#22 Accredited Schools Online
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 17%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $92
Non-Resident: $223
accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
520-206-4500
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 95.1
Award
Rankings
#3 College Cliffs
#6 Value Colleges
#7 College Consensus
#8 Best Colleges
#13 The Best Schools
School Information
Winona, MN
Graduation Rate: 40%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$209
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
507-453-2700
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 94.08
Award
Rankings
#1 College Consensus
#1 Value Colleges
#2 College Cliffs
School Information
Marion, IN
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 92%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$305
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-498-4968
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 93.56
Award
Rankings
#4 Best Colleges
School Information
Rockville, MD
Graduation Rate: 21%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $134 - $273
Non-Resident: $380
accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
240-567-5000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 93.04
Award
Rankings
#7 Best Colleges
#18 Accredited Schools Online
School Information
Fayetteville, NC
Graduation Rate: 22%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
910-500-0277
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
intelligent score 92.65
Award
Rankings
#2 Value Colleges
#3 College Consensus
#5 College Cliffs
School Information
Cincinnati, OH
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$376 - $564
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
513-556-6308
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.85
Award
Rankings
#5 Best Colleges
School Information
Coos Bay, OR
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
98
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$109
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
541-888-2525
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
98
intelligent score 90.62
Award
Rankings
School Information
Reno, NV
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $189
Out-of-State: $284
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
775-673-7111
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 90.19
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fairbanks, AK
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $234
Non-Resident: $800
accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
907-455-2800
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 88.7
Award
Rankings
School Information
Clyde, NC
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
828-627-4500
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
intelligent score 87.05
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lynchburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$390
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-424-9595
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 86.96
Award
Rankings
School Information
Concord, NH
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $215
Non-Resident: $490
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-230-4000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60-62
intelligent score 86.85
Award
Rankings
School Information
Casper, WY
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $147
Non-Resident: $357
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
307-268-2424
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 86.69
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rangely, CO
Graduation Rate: 37%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $263
Non-Resident: $401
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-562-1105
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 86
Award
Rankings
School Information
Spokane, WA
Graduation Rate: 32%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
86-92
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $119
Non-Resident: $306
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
509-533-3500
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
86-92
intelligent score 83.41
Award
Rankings
School Information
Blytheville, AR
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $74
Non-Resident: $134
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
870-838-2955
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 81.41
Award
Rankings
School Information
Albemarle, NC
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71-73
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
704-982-0121
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71-73
intelligent score 81.17
Award
Rankings
School Information
Glendive, MT
Graduation Rate: 33%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $80
Non-Resident: $141
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
406-377-9400
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
61
intelligent score 79.17
Award
Rankings
School Information
Renton, WA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $133
Non-Resident: $316
accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
425-235-2352
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
65
intelligent score 77.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Grantsboro, NC
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66-69
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-249-1851
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66-69
intelligent score 77.61
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bolivia, NC
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-754-1050
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
71
intelligent score 77.59
Award
Rankings
School Information
Waxahachie, TX
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$415
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-937-7248
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 77.51
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hamlet, NC
Graduation Rate: 31%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
65
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
910-410-1700
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
65
intelligent score 77.42
Award
Rankings
School Information
Fairfield, ME
Graduation Rate: 41%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $96
Non-Resident: $134
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
207-453-5822
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 77.05
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 57%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$389
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
614-292-8860
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 76.02
Award
Rankings
School Information
Saint Paul, MN
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$420
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-641-2525
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
72
intelligent score 75.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Clarion, PA
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $273 - $409
Non-Resident: $308 - $462
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-393-2000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 75.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Milledgeville, GA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
99
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$168
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
478-377-5817
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
99
intelligent score 74.5
Award
Rankings
School Information
Concord, NH
Graduation Rate: 42%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $314
Non-Resident: $379
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-472-4255
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 74.2
Award
Rankings
School Information
Rock Springs, WY
Graduation Rate: 34%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $105
Non-Resident: $360
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
307-382-1600
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 72.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tucson, AZ
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
67
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$510
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-711-1700
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
67
intelligent score 72.65
Award
Rankings
School Information
Westminster, CO
Graduation Rate: 25%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $367
Non-Resident: $401
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
303-404-5513
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 72.64
Award
Rankings
School Information
Henderson, NC
Graduation Rate: 27%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $76
Non-Resident: $268
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
252-738-3327
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
intelligent score 72.1
Award
Rankings
School Information
Eau Claire, WI
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $143
Non-Resident: $215
accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
715-833-6300
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 70.57
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$103
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-201-8555
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
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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.
Compare School Options
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