If you’re seeking an accessible way to start a career helping young learners thrive, an online associate in child development degree may be just what you need to reach your goals. With this degree, you can become a preschool teacher (median salary of $37,130) or a social services assistant ($41,410).
These programs provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to nurture children’s growth, setting them up for long-term success. Whether balancing your education with a full-time job or raising a family, online programs offer the flexibility to help you achieve your goals and impact early childhood development.
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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
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- 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 Child Development 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.
Best 25 Online Associate in Child Development Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Arkansas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 99.29In-state: $5,568
Out-of-state: $11,136
In-state: $5,256
Out-of-state: $5,256
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $242
Non-Resident: $485
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Northern Oklahoma College
Intelligent Score: 99.26In-state: $16,681
Out-of-state: $23,446
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 940 or higher
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $117
Non-Resident: $342
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
61
Western Oklahoma State College
Intelligent Score: 98.62In-state: $14,360
Out-of-state: $18,532
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 890-1110
ACT: 16-22
Resident: $107
Non-Resident: $256
Online
National Association for the Education of Young Children
63
Walters State Community College
Intelligent Score: 98.52In-state: $14,425
Out-of-state: $27,241
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 710 or higher
ACT: 27-30
Resident: $171
Non-Resident: $705
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
61
Roane State Community College
Intelligent Score: 98.03In-state: $15,805
Out-of-state: $28,621
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $171
Non-Resident: $705
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
64
North Central Missouri College
Intelligent Score: 97.77In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$195
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61
Dakota County Technical College
Intelligent Score: 97.54In-state: $20,501
Out-of-state: $20,501
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$192
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Intelligent Score: 96.06In-state: $8,976
Out-of-state: $25,320
In-state: $10,134
Out-of-state: $10,134
SAT: 1030-1230
ACT: 21-27
$160-$221
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Point University
Intelligent Score: 96.01In-state: $20,700
Out-of-state: $20,700
In-state: $16,200
Out-of-state: $16,200
SAT: 910-1080
ACT: 17-21
$410
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
South Texas College
Intelligent Score: 94.81In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $160
Non-Resident: $250
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Foothill College
Intelligent Score: 94.18In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$270
Online
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
90
Redlands Community College
Intelligent Score: 93.28In-state: $17,593
Out-of-state: $20,287
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 990 or higher
ACT: 19 or higher
Resident: $154
Non-Resident: $240
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
61
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 92.93In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$390
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Cincinnati
Intelligent Score: 92.71In-state: $9,723
Out-of-state: $25,057
In-state: $13,224
Out-of-state: $13,224
SAT: 1120-1330
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $571
Non-Resident: $586
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Ohio State University Online
Intelligent Score: 91.75In-state: $10,615
Out-of-state: $32,599
In-state: $11,560
Out-of-state: $11,560
SAT: 1210-1430
ACT: 26-32
$405
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Indiana Wesleyan University
Intelligent Score: 91.52In-state: $28,184
Out-of-state: $28,184
In-state: $13,512
Out-of-state: $13,512
SAT: 1010-1200
ACT: 21-27
$305
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Murray State College
Intelligent Score: 91.23In-state: $15,980
Out-of-state: $22,420
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 1410 composite
ACT: 19 or higher
Resident: $175
Non-Resident: $181
Online
Higher Learning Commission
64
University of Arizona Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 89.05In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
$510
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
67
What You Should Know About an Online Associate in Child Development Degree
Similar degrees include an associate degree in child psychology or early childhood education. While an online associate in child development opens you up to many careers working with children, the others focus specifically on roles such as social worker or teacher. You can still access these career paths with an associate in child development, as your education will cover a variety of relevant topics, such as nutrition, family dynamics, teaching methods, and working with children with special needs.
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.
Many facilities and schools require an associate degree to work in childcare, and you may also need to undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in child development programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Online child development associate programs accept students with a high school diploma or GED. Because you’ll be working with children, these programs also require a criminal background check, child abuse screening, and fingerprinting before admission. Contact the school’s admissions department to learn how and when you can complete these requirements.
- How long does it take to earn this online degree? An online associate in child development program usually requires approximately 60 credits to complete; one of our listed programs requires 90 credits, and others require 62 to 67 credits. This degree takes about two years for full-time students, but accelerated options are available.
While researching, keep an eye on application deadlines and required materials. This information is accessible on each program’s website.
Since financing is vital, submit all financial aid applications on time. Many scholarships and grants are available for those seeking childcare careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate in Child Development Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online associate in child development degree?
Earning this degree is an excellent way to secure meaningful roles working with children during their formative years. Many graduates pursue roles as preschool teachers, childcare workers, or social service assistants, where they provide care and support to young learners. These professionals help nurture children’s development across all levels — social, emotional, and cognitive — setting a strong foundation for future success.
Are online associate in child development degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
You can count on these online associate programs to be as credible as their on-campus counterparts. Many share identical curricula and faculty, ensuring the same quality of education. The key difference lies in the delivery — online programs offer flexibility, making them ideal for working professionals or those juggling other responsibilities. It’s important to note, though, that online learning isn’t for everyone and requires self-discipline.
Accreditation is a solid indicator of credibility; for instance, our recommended programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Essentially, this means that the program meets high academic and professional standards, preparing graduates for success in their future careers.
How long does it take to complete an online associate in child development degree program?
These degrees often take about two years to earn, with most programs requiring around 60 credits. If you’re considering enrolling part-time, it may take longer to graduate, depending on your course load each semester. Some programs offer accelerated tracks for those seeking a faster route, allowing completion in 18 months or less.
Are there specialization options within online associate in child development degree programs?
Many online associate in child development degree programs offer specialization options, though these offerings will likely vary by institution. Popular options include:
- Early childhood education
- Special needs
- Infant and toddler care
- Child advocacy
These tracks are an excellent way to focus on areas more aligned with your career goals — whether you want to teach young learners, work with children with disabilities, or support families through social services.
Some programs may not offer formal specializations but provide elective courses, allowing you to pick and choose classes according to your interests.
What is the cost of an online associate in child development degree?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the average annual tuition for two-year programs is $3,885. It’s crucial to remember that several factors can cause this figure to fluctuate. For example, public institutions typically offer lower rates for in-state students, while private schools are more expensive. And, of course, additional fees and materials can affect the total cost.
Don’t hesitate to contact a financial aid counselor at your chosen school to better understand the total investment required. They can help you explore options like grants, scholarships, and payment plans to make earning your degree more affordable.
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