There’s a growing need for qualified early childhood educators due to the:

• Increasing awareness of the importance of early learning among children
• Expansion of public pre-K programs
• Growing demand for childcare services

But the cost of college is a significant concern for many aspiring teachers. In the United States, it costs $38,270/year, on average, to earn a bachelor’s degree. Add in economic inflation, and the costs can become higher every year.

As such, we cannot overemphasize the importance of finding affordable programs. But it isn’t only about affordability either. More importantly, it’s about finding the best value early childhood education degrees.

What does best value mean in our opinion? Best value equals low tuition, quality instruction, and strong career prospects. If one of these aspects is missing, then it isn’t a best value program.

If you’re interested in the best value early childhood education degrees, read on. Here, we’ll discuss their costs, quality, and career outcomes.

Related:

• Top 10 Best Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees
• Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees
• What’s the Difference Between Early Childhood Education vs Elementary Education?
• Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees
• Top Affordable Education Degrees with High ROI

Why Early Childhood Education Is a Smart Career Choice

Becoming an ECE teacher has its personal and professional advantages.

Take advantage of the strong demand for preschool and kindergarten teachers.

The ECE field has a strong projected demand for the next decade, 4% (BLS, 2024-2034). So, choosing an ECE career means job and career growth opportunities in the future.

Play a crucial role in child development and education.

Early childhood educators don’t only teach young children their ABCs. Their job also involves creating a nurturing environment where children can:

• Develop their social and emotional skills.
• Strengthen their language and communication skills.
• Build their independence and confidence.

Indeed, you’ll be a child’s first formal teacher – and that, in itself, carries a noble responsibility.

Enjoy emotional and professional rewards in your career.

Early childhood educators enjoy a deep sense of fulfillment from their job. After all, becoming a positive influence in children’s lives helps shape their future.

In the professional realm, the field of ECE offers diverse career paths. You can become a classroom teacher, an educational administrator, or a policymaker. Whatever your choice, you can make a lasting impact on young lives. 

What Makes an Early Childhood Education Degree a “Best Value”

We considered these factors in choosing the best value early childhood education degrees.

Affordable tuition and fees

The direct costs must be affordable since these comprise 40%+ of the cost of attendance.

Financial aid availability

The students must have access to scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Of course, FAFSA must be available to students.

Active accreditation

The college must have regional or national accreditation for starters. State approval as well as programmatic accreditation are a must, too. CAEP is the accreditation agency we looked for.

High job placement rates

The graduates report getting hired within six months in their line of work.

Strong earning potential

Starting salaries differ based on location, employer, and education and experience. But the average starting salary for early childhood educators is $30,000-$35,000 per year.

The median wage is $62,340/year for kinder and elementary school teachers (BLS, May 2024). Preschool teachers earned $37,120/year in median wages. Emphasis must be made that the teachers at these levels can earn as much as $102,010/year.

If you’re looking for good cost savings, consider online and hybrid programs. Many offer more affordable tuition and fees than on-campus programs. You can also save on indirect costs, such as books, supplies, and transportation.

Top Best Value Degrees in Early Childhood Education

University of Florida – BA in Early Childhood Education

Gainesville, Florida

The UF BA in ECE program is among the most affordable early childhood education programs.

• Tuition Cost: $129.18/credit (in-state)
• Delivery Format: In-person
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, CAEP, and FLDOE
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE educators or child development specialists. $40,683/year
• Unique Features: Interdisciplinary curriculum, scholarship opportunities, and rigorous coursework

Fort Hays State University – BS in Early Childhood Unified

Hays, Kansas

FHSU offers one of the low-cost degrees in early childhood education. Plus, students learn special education methods, too.

• Tuition Cost: $203.73/credit (on-campus courses); $265.05/credit (online courses)
• Delivery Format: Hybrid
• Accreditation: HLC, CAEP, and KSDE
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE teacher, SPED teacher. $32,000-$58,000/year 
• Unique Features: Unified licensure, flexible delivery, and career-focused coursework

Appalachian State University – BS in Child Development: Birth through Kindergarten

Boone, North Carolina

App State makes earning an early childhood education degree online affordable.

• Tuition Cost: $4,111/year (in-state)
• Delivery Format: Online and on-campus options
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CAEP
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: Pre-K and kinder teacher, infant/toddler specialist. About $40,000/year
• Unique Features: Dual certification in regular and special education; field experience

Southern Utah University – BA/BS in Family Life and Human Development

Cedar City, Utah

SUU’s students can choose the Early Childhood Development Emphasis. This is among the cheapest early childhood education bachelor’s degree programs.

• Tuition Cost: $3,547/term (in-state)
• Delivery Format: Online and on-campus options
• Accreditation: NWCCU and NCFR
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE educator, child therapist, or family life educator. $50,000-$60,000/year
• Unique Features: Hands-on learning (e.g., service learning and internships), CFLE certification

Minot State University – BSEd in Early Childhood Education

Minot, North Dakota

Minot State offers high ROI early childhood education degrees, too. Graduates qualify for a birth to Grade 3 teaching license.

• Tuition and Fees: $9,191/term
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Accreditation: HLC and CAEP
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: Preschool workers or ECE administrators. About $40,000/year 
• Unique Features: Licensure program, comprehensive curriculum, and high placement rate

Eastern New Mexico University – BS in Early Childhood Education

Portales, New Mexico

ENMU is among the top affordable colleges for early childhood education. The public university also offers diverse financial aid options.

• Tuition and Student Fees: $3,537/semester (in-state)
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Accreditation: HLC and CAEP
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE teacher and Early Head Start teacher. About $40,000/year
• Unique Features: Offers three emphasis areas and extensive field experiences

University of Washington – BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies

Seattle, Washington

The program features a multidisciplinary curriculum that encourages critical perspectives in ECE.

• Tuition Cost: $6,321/semester (in-state)
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Accreditation: NWCCU and CAEP
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: Preschool teacher or family support specialist. About $40,000/year
• Unique Features: Equity-focused curriculum, community engagement, and hands-on experience

Northern Arizona University – B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education

Flagstaff, Arizona

NAU offers one of the best online degrees for preschool teaching (i.e., dual certificate).

• Tuition Cost: $6,720/term (in-state)
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Accreditation: HLC and NAEYC
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: Preschool and kinder teachers. About $40,000/year
• Unique Features: Dual certification and field experience

University of New Hampshire – BS in Early Childhood Education

Manchester, New Hampshire

UNH is known for offering affordable teacher education programs, including its ECE program.

• Tuition Cost: $330/credit
• Delivery Format: Online
• Accreditation: NECHE
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE educators and administrators. About $45,000/year
• Unique Features: Licensure and non‑licensure options, transfer-friendly policy, and PLA

Texas Tech University – BS in Early Childhood Education

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech prepares students for successful ECE teaching careers. 

• Tuition Cost: $5,926/term
• Delivery Format: On-campus
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CAEP
• Career Outcomes and Median Salary: ECE educators and administrators. About $43,000/year
• Unique Features: Student teaching and lab experiences, emphasis on holistic child development

How to Find Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees

Be proactive in finding programs offering the best value early childhood education degrees.

• Compare in-state and out-of-state tuition. Being an in-state student usually means enjoying lower tuition and fees.
• Seek scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement programs. File your FAFSA every year. Use scholarship databases and search engines. Ask around your local community for leads. Take advantage of institutional scholarships.
• Consider the associate’s degree-to-bachelor’s degree pathways offered by community colleges. Also, explore formal articulation agreements between four-year universities.
• Explore online programs for their flexibility and affordability. Many also offer teaching-specific scholarships.

Maximizing ROI with an Early Childhood Education Degree

Getting maximum returns from your ECE degree also takes a proactive approach.

• Choose a high-demand specialization. Special needs, bilingual education, and literacy are among them.
• Gain experience through internships and practicum placements. You’ll develop real-world skills that can set you apart from the competition.
• Engage in professional development to increase your earning potential. Earn an additional certification or endorsement. Go for a master’s degree. Earn continuing education units (CEUs).

Career Paths After Earning Your Degree

After graduation, you can consider these early childhood education careers with high demand.

• Preschool teacher
• Kindergarten teacher
• Early intervention specialist
• Childcare center director
• Curriculum coordinator for early education programs

Remember that some of these jobs require further education and training.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

When choosing from ECE degree programs, affordability and quality are a must-have combo. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become an effective teacher. Best of all, More importantly, you won’t be drowning in student loan debt after graduation.

But it’s your responsibility to get the best value from your ECE degree, too. Research the ECE programs you’re interested in and compare their features. Apply early for the best scholarship opportunities, too. 

Are you ready to start your ECE journey? Explore Value College’s rankings and financial aid guides now.

Comparison Table: Top Best Value Early Childhood Education Degrees – Tuition vs. Salary Potential

University	In-state Tuition	Salary Potential
University of Florida	$129.18/credit	$40,683/year
Fort Hays State University	$203.73 – $265.05/credit	$32,000–$58,000/year
Appalachian State University	$4,111/year	$40,000/year
Southern Utah University	$3,547/term	$50,000–$60,000/year
Minot State University	$9,191/term	$40,000/year
Eastern New Mexico University	$3,537/semester	$40,000/year
University of Washington	$6,321/semester	$40,000/year
Northern Arizona University	$6,720/term	$40,000/year
University of New Hampshire	$330/credit	$45,000/year
Texas Tech University	$5,926/term	$43,000/year

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cheapest way to become an early childhood teacher?

Consider being an in-state student at a public university. Explore accredited online programs that offer affordable per-credit tuition, too.

Are online early childhood education degrees respected?

Yes, but be sure to enroll in an accredited program.