Cheapest Online Master's in Early Childhood Education

Avg. Cost per Credit: $429

Credits to Graduate: 34

Students can complete UWA's non-certification M.Ed. in early childhood development in about one year. The curriculum allows for personalization, especially in core professional courses. For example, learners can choose special education or counseling multicultural populations courses and 12 credits of early childhood electives. UWA further enhances the learning experience by partnering each student with a mentor. 

UWA offers a flat, per-credit tuition rate for all online graduate programs. Eligible students may also apply for scholarship and partnership opportunities, such as the Teacher Connect Scholarship.

Avg. Cost per Credit: $547

Credits to Graduate: 32

At UND, the non-licensing master's in early childhood education balances theory, research, and hands-on experience over two years. Students dive into topics like curricular foundations, the importance of place, and language development. They also explore special education fundamentals and the relationship between home, school, and community. Before graduating, each learner must complete 60 hours of classroom experience.

Enrollees can apply for hundreds of scholarships through UND's scholarship database. Several options cater specifically to education and early childhood education students. 

Avg. Cost per Credit: $350

Credits to Graduate: 33

The M.Ed. program at NWC offers eight specialization tracks, including two in early childhood education. Students can choose the standard M.Ed. in early childhood program or a pathway leading to Iowan Birth-Grade Three Inclusive Setting endorsement. The latter requires seven more credits, mostly in student teaching. Learners in both programs complete the same core courses, such as early literacy development and advocacy in the early childhood community. 

NWC offers affordable online tuition for all students. Enrollees planning to teach in high-need areas can apply for the TEACH Grant. Individuals in endorsement programs can apply for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship.

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $512

Out-of-State | $739 ($563 for Washington residents)

Credits to Graduate: 45

At PSU, the non-licensure master's in early childhood: inclusive education begins with several core courses in child development, action research, and social justice in education. Students then select from four specializations: constructivism, special education, infant-toddler mental health, or a combination of these three. 

They can personalize the program with electives and special opportunities, such as study-abroad programs or internships at PSU's Helen Gordon Child Development Center. Oregon residents pay a reduced tuition rate and can apply for state-specific grants or scholarships. Out-of-state learners can still apply for general scholarships — including over 50 options from the College of Education. 

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $567

Out-of-State | $987 ($597 for border-state residents)

Credits to Graduate: 36

SFA offers two non-licensure early childhood education graduate programs: an M.Ed. in early childhood education and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood. Both programs share many of the same classes and require extensive field experience. However, the curriculum and instruction program focuses exclusively on early childhood education courses and includes a capstone research project.

While SFA charges higher out-of-state tuition, it offers a significant discount for border-state residents (students from Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas). Texas residents can also apply for institutional and state grants.

Avg. Cost per Credit: $480

Credits to Graduate: 30

USA created its online M.Ed. in early childhood education for current Alabama early childhood education teachers (with a class B certification) seeking advanced licensure (class A certification). The curriculum includes five classes in curriculum and teaching, a diversity course, and two electives. Each enrollee also takes a course on educational research before completing a capstone portfolio project. 

USA charges higher out-of-state tuition for regular on-campus courses — but not for online classes. Regardless of residency, all online learners pay the more affordable in-state tuition. They can also apply for scholarships or graduate assistantships.

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In-State | $516

Out-of-State | $774 ($526 online)

Credits to Graduate: 33

Professionals with bachelor's degrees and one year of experience working with children can apply to WCU's M.Ed. in early childhood education, though no teaching certificate is required. The non-licensure program helps prepare students for educational leadership positions by exploring topics like advocacy, community and parental partnerships, and effective learning environment design. 

WCU offers a significant discount for out-of-state students taking online classes. Enrollees can also apply for several WCU scholarships or apply for a graduate assistantship.

Avg. Cost per Credit: $475

Credits to Graduate: 36

At NSU, the M.Ed. in early childhood education offers a pathway for existing teachers. The curriculum explores early childhood learning spaces, school administration, curriculum development, and instruction. Each enrollee completes a practicum, designing and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans before focusing on a final research or thesis project.

All online graduate NSU students pay a flat, per-credit rate. However, if they complete more than nine credits in one semester, the rate drops to just $100 for each subsequent credit. Enrollees can also lower the cost by applying for applicable NSU scholarships.

Avg. Cost per Credit: $300

Credits to Graduate: 49

The M.Ed. in early childhood education at EWU caters to students with or without a teaching certificate. The program does not lead to licensure, but graduates can apply to leadership roles or pursue an extra early childhood teaching endorsement. Students explore topics like positive learning environments and early childhood leadership before completing two internship requirements. They finish the degree by creating a portfolio and taking a comprehensive exam.

Even with relatively low per-credit tuition, EWU offers a university-wide scholarship opportunity for all applicants. The EWU School of Education also provides several departmental grants and scholarships for graduate students.

Avg. Cost per Credit: $598

Credits to Graduate: 36

Prescott College offers an online M.Ed. licensure program with seven certification options. The early childhood education track includes 12 courses on topics like inclusive classroom management, language development, and reading methods. It also provides an introduction to special education and how to diagnose reading difficulties. Each enrollee must complete an early childhood practicum and student teaching experience.

Prescott College charges a flat, per-credit tuition rate for all online students, regardless of state residency. It also offers several grant and scholarship opportunities, like the Achieve Educator Scholarship for M.Ed. enrollees.