Early childhood education is a critical intervention for children of all backgrounds. Many experts in child development would argue that the earliest years of life are the most crucial for intellectual, social, and emotional development.
This applies particularly to students from disadvantaged homes, underserved populations, or with disabilities and special needs. Below, we name the best colleges for early childhood education degree programs.
Originally published in September 2022, our team updated this ECE article in February 2024.
According to the BLS, preschool teacher employment is expected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032. This growth rate is due to the critical need for experienced, well-trained teachers for a growing population.
Those who graduate from early childhood education colleges with an ECE degree have career outcomes including employment as:
- Childcare Center Directors
- Preschools
- Family Services Sector
Those who graduate from early childhood education colleges learn how to assess a child’s knowledge, plan instruction, and teach in real classroom settings.
Moreover, students receiving their bachelor of arts in early childhood education are empowered to become critical thinkers regarding the cognitive, social, and physical development of children. Most importantly, early childhood educators develop a real-world understanding of how to collaborate with children and their families in and outside of childcare facilities.
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Methodology: Ranking the Best Colleges for Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Programs
To rank the best traditional, on-campus early childhood education (ECE) degree programs, Bachelor’s Degree Center editors did a thorough search of all of the CAEP and NCATE-accredited education schools in the nation. That initial pool – more than 500 schools – was then narrowed to those offering early childhood education specializations. Programs were then ranked according to 5 factors:
- Cost (IPEDs data)
- Employment Rate (IPEDs data)
- Graduation Rate (IPEDs data)
- Reputation (Niche student reviews)
- Salary Expectation (College Scorecard)
With this comprehensive set of standards, BDC is confident that these 10 colleges and universities represent the very best ECE colleges in the US. These programs are most likely to provide graduates not only with quality education but also a real opportunity to make a difference – and a living.
1. Purdue University
Purdue University’s BS in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs is a clearly defined, specialized early childhood education degree program designed for students who want to teach young children with special needs or take on leadership roles in special education.
Students receive thorough education and experience in understanding developmental stages and needs from Pre‑K through 3rd grade. One of the best colleges for early childhood education bachelor’s in the Midwest, Purdue’s BS prepares students for two Indiana certifications:
- Early Childhood Generalist
- Exceptional Needs licensure
Purdue University is one of the Midwest’s foremost public research universities and the flagship of the rapidly expanding Purdue University System. Founded in 1869, Purdue originated as Indiana’s land-grant agriculture and engineering college; however, the land-grant vision to provide educational opportunity to Indiana’s people remains at the heart of Purdue’s mission.
As such, Purdue is the state’s leader in professional and technical education, including the ECE degree program. This makes Purdue one of the best colleges for early childhood education in the region.
Degree: BS in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Delivery: West Lafayette location
Credits Required: 120
Tuition: $347.85 per credit hour (exceeding 9 credits)
2. Indiana University — Bloomington
Indiana University’s BS in Education-Early Childhood Education concentration degree leads to a dual Indiana teaching license for young children (i.e. infants, toddlers, and preschoolers) as well as K‑3 classrooms.
Two concentrations are available:
- Teaching All Young Learners (TAYL)
- Early Childhood Care and Education Leadership (ECCEL)
Graduates are prepared to develop curricula for young learners by building upon education theories taught within the course framework. Indiana University’s early childhood education degree prepares graduates to focus on each student’s unique needs.
Indiana University Bloomington is a public research school and holds the distinction of being the flagship school of the Indiana University system. IU’s School of Education is a nationally ranked teacher’s school. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits IU’s School of Education and the ECE degree program.
Among its outstanding faculty is Rod Paige, a former US Secretary of Education. IU’s graduates are regularly named the best teachers in the state of Indiana.
Degree: BSEd in Early Childhood Education
Accreditation: CAEP
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 79%
Delivery: On-campus
Credits Required: 122
Tuition: $687.90 per credit hour
3. The University of Utah
The College of Social & Behavioral Science offers The University of Utah Early Child Education undergraduate program – a BA or BS in Family, Consumer, and Human Development.
The coursework for this early childhood education degree includes a solid foundation for those educational professionals who wish to work with children from birth through five years old. The University of Utah’s BA in Early Childhood Education degree coursework includes child development skills, observation and assessment.
The University of Utah, founded in 1850, is the state’s Flagship University. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has accredited U of U’s BA/BS Family, Consumer, and Human Development degree, making it one of the top ECE degree programs in the nation.
The University of Utah is nationally ranked as one of the most ideologically diverse universities in the country. U of U’s 1,500+-acre campus is home to more than 30,000 students.
Degree: BA/BS Family, Consumer and Human Development — Early Childhood Education emphasis
Accreditation: CAEP
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Delivery: On-campus, Salt Lake City
Credits Required: 122
Tuition: $260 per credit hour
4. California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton’s BS in Child and Adolescent Studies/Development (CAS) provides a concentration in Early Childhood Development (ECD) Option. This undergraduate ECD program complies with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Professional Standards.
Graduates are prepared to apply rich literacy and language classrooms to enhance the early learner’s experience. Students choosing the option for a concentration in Early Childhood Development must complete 42 credit units, in addition to the school’s baccalaureate requirements. CSUF’s early childhood education bachelor’s of science in Child and Adolescent Studies offers a Peer Mentoring Program.
California State University, Fullerton was established in 1957 as a small regional college. Today the school stands as a Hispanic-serving, major public research university with more than 40,000 students. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits California State University’s undergraduate ECE degree programs.
The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is a special opportunity for students transferring from a community college to CSU Fullerton. In only 24 months, ITEP students earn both a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development and a Credential in Special Education.
Degree: BS Child and Adolescent Studies — Early Childhood Development Option
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Delivery: Fullerton location
Credits Required: 51 semester units
Tuition: $396 per unit
5. Clemson University
Clemson University’s BA in Early Childhood Education provides degree graduates with more than 90 additional hours of fieldwork that is required by South Carolina’s licensing board.
This undergraduate education program prepares graduates for education careers with children from birth to age 8. The program focuses on early literacy as well as early mathematical and scientific development. Clemson’s Bachelor of Arts In Early Childhood Education includes the educational areas of language arts, math science, literacy, and social studies, among others.
Clemson University was established in 1889 as a land-grant school. In 2016, the US News & World Report ranked Clemson University among the top National Universities. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits Clemson University’s undergraduate education degree program.
Clemson University partners with local school districts that offer degree candidates a diverse hands-on experience with different age groups. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education allows graduates to either move forward toward career goals or to choose to earn their graduate ECE degree.
Degree: BA in Early Childhood Education
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Delivery: On-campus
Credits Required: 124
Tuition: $889 per credit hour (less than 9 credit hours)
6. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University’s BS in Early Childhood Education, offered through their College of Human Sciences in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, prepares graduates to meet the development and education needs of early learners.
Students, upon completion of the Teacher Preparation Program, become certified to teach Pre‑K through 3rd grade in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University offers a unique feature found in only a few early childhood education colleges, a development lab as a model of the classroom to test and practice education techniques.
Oklahoma State University, which began as Oklahoma A&M, was established in 1890. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits Oklahoma State University’s undergraduate ECE degree program.
OK State’s program in Early Childhood Education requires more than 1,200 classroom hours. Additionally, this program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Degree: BS in Early Childhood Education
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Delivery: On-campus
Credits Required: 121
Tuition: $205.30 Lock Rate
7. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s BS in Early Childhood Education degree comes from their College of Education. Upon completion of the USF’s state-sanctioned program, graduates are eligible to apply for a Florida teaching license for Early Childhood Education which allows them to teach students from pre‑K through 3rd grade.
Graduates can also attain their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsement in addition to their degree. An early childhood education degree from the University of South Florida can be completed in a 5‑semester program format, that is if a student chooses to follow the cohort model.
The University of South Florida was established in 1956. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits the University of South Florida’s undergraduate ECE degree program. USF has been acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Tuition for the USF Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education differs and is contingent upon the student’s state of residency. Students in the Early Childhood Education program participate in three levels of field experiences prior to a final internship.
Degree: BS in Early Childhood Education
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Graduation Rate: 75%
Delivery: Tampa campus
Credits Required: 120
Tuition: $431.43
8. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University’s BS in Early Childhood (BSEC) degree is a part of their Department for Human Development and Family Studies. Coursework for this degree includes childhood teaching methods as well as the many facets of education that impact early learners.
These include patterns of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Students graduate ready to take the Early Childhood certification examination. Texas Tech’s Early Childhood Education degree program encourages students to choose a focus that will allow them to move toward the specific populations they wish to teach.
Texas Tech University, established in 1923 in Lubbock, TX, is the flagship university of the Texas Tech University system. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits Texas Tech’s undergraduate ECE degree program.
In 2022, the US News & World Report ranked TTU, among the top tier of national public research universities. The Museum of Texas Tech University is home to more than 3 million objects as well as the Moody Planetarium.
Degree: BS in Early Childhood
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Delivery: On-campus
Credits Required: 120
Tuition: $298 per credit hour
9. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming’s interdisciplinary early childhood education program from the Colleges of Agriculture and Education prepares graduates to educate infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
However, this program is not a degree program; it is an endorsement program available to both post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students. UW’s endorsement program does not certify one to teach in public school kindergarten programs or primary grades. The University of Wyoming offers cost-effective options for in-state residents when compared to other early childhood education colleges.
The University of Wyoming was established in 1886 — 4 years before Wyoming became a state. As the state’s only comprehensive research university, the University of Wyoming is critical to every aspect of the state’s professional and technical education, including early childhood education degrees.
The ECE degree endorsement program’s coursework includes a 6‑hour internship, which is followed by an assessment to determine the student’s performance against Wyoming’s Professional Teaching Standards Board guidelines. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits the University of Wyoming.
Degree: BS in Birth to Five Endorsement
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Delivery: Online & On-campus: Laramie campus and UW Casper
Credits Required: 60 semester hours
Tuition: $2,490 per semester
10. University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut BS in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) is a program offered through their Human Development and Family Studies division This early childhood education bachelor’s program prepares graduates for careers as preschool, infant, toddler, Head Start, and Early Head Start educators.
UConn’s Early Childhood Development and Education coursework includes an opportunity to work with working professionals through integrative internships. UConn’s early childhood education degree provides a student the chance to earn degree credits while experiencing real-world classroom experiences.
The University of Connecticut was established in 1881. The 4,400-acre campus is home to nearly 27,000 students. UConn holds the distinction as the best public national university in all of New England. Money Magazine ranks UConn 18th in terms of value and is recognized as a ‘Public Ivy’ school on par with its Ivy League neighbors.
UConn’s student retention rates rank among the nation’s top public schools. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has accredited the University of Connecticut’s ECE degree program.
Degree: BS in Human Development and Family Studies — Early Childhood Development and Education
Accreditation: NCATE
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Delivery: On-campus
Credits Required: 120
Tuition: $681 per credit hour
What is the Purpose of Early Childhood Education?
An early childhood education degree will not only assist with the retention of a fulfilling teaching job but also make a positive impact on the community. Students enrolled in early childhood education programs have demonstrated the ability to show marked improvements in their future academic achievements, educational progression, and behavior, according to research compiled by a recent study from the RAND Corporation.
An early childhood education degree prepares an educator to handle the developmental and scholastic needs of young children. Developmental milestones from birth to the age of five are researched and discussed alongside signs of developmental delays.
In the past, early childhood education bachelor’s degree holders typically pursued teaching jobs at childcare centers. However, the value of the degree has risen in recent years with more job opportunities available.
The National Education Association has advocated for more public school Pre‑K programs as a number of multi-year studies prove early childhood education sets up children for future scholastic success, particularly youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.
An early childhood bachelor’s degree program not only prepares teachers for classroom work but also demonstrates how to teach kids through hands-on experiences.
What Are Some Early Childhood Education Degree Requirements?
Most colleges and universities will have similar early childhood education degree requirements. At a minimum to graduate, students will need to earn a total of 120 credit hours (sometimes higher for extra specializations, like special education or ESOL).
A general education component is included in a school’s bachelor’s degree in early childhood education requirements. General education classes will include courses in mathematics, humanities, communications, social sciences, and technology.
Once students start to take specialized classes toward their early childhood education bachelor’s degree, courses may include:
- Early Childhood Development
- Language Development
- Early Childhood Assessments and Interventions
- Health and Safety for Young Children
- Curriculum for Early Childhood Education
For any of the best colleges for early childhood education requirements, classes will focus on teaching children from preschool age to third grade. Unlike an associate degree in early childhood education, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for a teaching license to work in a public school setting.
Enrollment in an early childhood or elementary education program may require a practicum, though experienced teachers may use their current position. Out-of-state students may not be eligible for licensure. The best colleges often offer online programs for experienced teachers, and prepare students for a master’s degree as well.
While many students prefer in-person learning, online master’s programs are convenient for working professionals. An online degree from a school like Arizona State, Michigan State, or the University of Illinois can help teachers earn more and advance.
What Can I Do with an Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s?
Due to the availability of a large number of early childhood degree jobs, graduates have an abundance of career options. Early childhood jobs include preschool teacher, teacher assistant, special education teacher assistant, and childcare worker.
The degree allows for a number of advancement opportunities in the field of childcare. For instance, graduates will meet the eligible educational requirements for early childhood director jobs. Directors of childcare centers are responsible for the retention and dismissal of all staff, scheduling, policy enforcement, budgeting, and more. Directors can run their own independent childcare centers or be employed at franchise childcare facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), preschool and childcare center directors make a median wage of $49,690 annually. Tutors and nannies will also pursue early childhood education jobs to make themselves more marketable to potential employers. Higher education financial aid can be expensive, but
Do I Need a Certification to Work in Early Childhood Education?
The type of position a graduate wishes to obtain in the field of education dictates if any certification is required. An early childhood education certificate is mandated for teachers in childcare centers and preschools.
State requirements vary but many recognize early childhood certification programs such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) and the National Child Care Association’s Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) credentials.
For teaching jobs in public schools, a license is required by the state. Early childhood education certification programs are also used for the professional development of current teachers. Certificate program topics could focus on:
- Early Childhood Literacy
- Science and Technology for Young Children
- Early Childhood Education for ESL
- Special Education Practices