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Choosing a higher education program to pursue can be daunting. With so many schools, courses of study, and career paths available, picking the perfect early childhood education degree to pursue is no simple feat. Keep reading this guide to mitigate the stress of choosing a degree program!
What is Early Childhood Education?
An early childhood education degree is a field that focuses on educating children between the ages of 0-5 and is responsible for guiding the development of children and preparing them for formal education. Educators will need to design classroom presentations, maintain discipline in an education environment, resolve behavioral & education issues, and monitor children by detecting signs of developmental delays.
Individuals can pursue various levels of education when pursuing this degree and available jobs will be reflected in the degree acquired. The goal of an early childhood educator is to ensure the safety of the children he or she oversees and provide an environment that engages and educates children, providing an atmosphere of play and growth that allows children to ease into elementary education with ease.
Career Summary
- Median Salary: $45,790
- Percent Above National Income Average: 19.04%
- Total Sector Employment: 64,400
- Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types: $45,790 vs $59,270
2022 Best Early Childhood Education Degree
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
9. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
10. Baptist Bible College and Seminary
16. Texas Christian University
17. San Diego State University
21. University of Washington - Seattle Campus
22. Spelman College
25. University of Central Florida
1. Vanderbilt University
- Location: Jackson, TN
- Graduation Rate: 92.97%
- Acceptance Rate: 9.12
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Vanderbilt University is a nonprofit private institution that has many degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Nashville, TN, in a predominantly urban area. Vanderbilt University has a yearly student enrollment of over 13,000. Here is a list of some of the popular programs VU offers:
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Social Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendation, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. An SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 2050 to 2310 for the SAT exam and between 31 to 34 for the ACT exam typical among students accepted to VU. Admission to this school is considered highly competitive, with only 20 percent of applicants being admitted per year. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $45,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to see their personalized cost of attendance. Student housing is available for students, and generally costs around $9,700 each year. Vanderbilt University may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of grants and loans. The mascot for Vanderbilt University is the "Commodores", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
Students may visit the Vanderbilt University website to get a complete list of areas of study, student services, and more that are available at this school.
2. Boston College
- Location: Brookline, MA
- Graduation Rate: 94.04%
- Acceptance Rate: 27.22%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Boston College, located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, was founded in 1863 and is one of the 568 private Jesuit institutions that comprise the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The school's undergraduate is ranked among the best in the United States, as well as an active research institution that works closely with the Carnegie Foundation. The school maintains a tradition of excellence in education, which traces its mandate to its Jesuit origins. An example of the school's high standard for education can be seen in the number of Fulbright Scholars it has produced, ranking eighth among all colleges and universities in the United States. Also notable is the school's architecture, which provides an early glimpse into the gothic style for collegiate institutions.
Academics
Boston College offers degrees beginning at the bachelor's degree level all the way to the doctoral. Bachelor's degree programs offer students an undergraduate education that is comprised of upper and lower division major courses, electives, and general education requirements. Students may also pursue minor degrees or double majors, both of which require additional courses of study in a secondary field, with a second major requiring much more extensive study in order to complete.
Graduate and doctoral programs have separate requirements for admissions, and provide a more in-depth study in a particular area, often allowing students to pursue specialization. Students studying at this level may choose to become involved in research as part of their education. The length of programs may vary but typically take between one and three years.
Programs offered include:
- Biology
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Nursing
Admissions and Financial Aid
Boston College requires students to complete an application that includes the submission of transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. The student's application will be reviewed by the school, with a decision being made by the committee. Once decided, the student will be notified, and if admitted will be provided information in order to begin their enrollment. Graduate level admissions require students to have earned a lower level degree, to have maintained a certain academic standard, and to have scored highly on graduate level examinations.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Aid is awarded based on need as determined by the applicant's information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aid must be applied for each academic year due to shifting financial circumstances. Students are also required to maintain a minimum GPA in order to continue receiving aid. All aid forms should be completed prior to posted deadlines to ensure timely disbursement of funds.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Location: Asheville, NC
- Graduation Rate: 90.56%
- Acceptance Rate: 22.63%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill or "Carolina") is just one of 16 public universities in North Carolina. It is located in the charming college town of Chapel Hill. One of the most highly regarded institutions of higher education in the United States, "Carolina" ranks high for its academic quality, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence.
Consistently ranking among the top five or six U.S. universities for the quality of its research programs, the research faculty at "Carolina" consistently attract strong funding for their work. Faculty garnered more than $800 million in research contracts and grant funding in 2010.
Many undergraduate and graduate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill receive high marks. Receiving particularly high marks are the school's city and regional planning programs, MBA, healthcare management and nursing programs, and its School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Education, and School of Law. UNC-Chapel Hill is also noted for its excellent creative arts programs, producing many great visual artists, actors, dancers, musicians, and writers over the years.
History
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was chartered the same year that George Washington was inaugurated as president (1789), and first opened its doors to students in 1795. It was the nation's first public university, and also the only one to award degrees in the 18th century.
Academics
The UNC-Chapel Hill's academic calendar follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters and a summer session.
Colleges, Schools, and Centers
- College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Dentistry
- School of Education
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Friday Center for Continuing Education
- General College
- Gillings School of Global Public Health
- Graduate School
- Kenan-Flagler Business School
- School of Government
- School of Information & Library Science
- School of Journalism & Mass Communication
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- School of Social Work
- Summer School
Student Life
Students at Carolina can get involved in the more than 600 student groups, clubs, and organizations available that focus on politics, the arts, public service, recreation, academics, research, and much more. The university magazine and online blog, Blue & White, is one of many ways for Carolina students to connect. There are also numerous journals and other media outlets available on campus to help students keep up with the news or become involved. Many cultural events and performances are available on campus year-round. Campus recreation includes fitness classes, intramural sports, and many adventure trips.
Campus housing is available, along with numerous on-campus dining options. Student health services are available, as are academic services, and many other resources that are accessible via MyUNC.
Traditions
The mascot of Carolina's "Tar Heels" is the ram. The white ram's antlers are traditionally painted light blue to represent the university's colors of white and light blue.
Athletics
UNC-Chapel Hill's athletic program produces some of the top college athletes in the country, and the Carolina "Tar Heels" men's and women's teams compete in 28 sports.
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Community Life
Chapel Hill is situated in the rolling, wooded hills of North Carolina. It is located three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains and equidistance from the Atlantic coast. Chapel Hill is one of three points in The Research Triangle, an area that is noteworthy for being a top location to live, do business and conduct scientific research. The other two "points" in the "triangle" are the cities of Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. The area is considered by many publications to be one of the best places to live in America.
4. Boston University
- Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
- Graduation Rate: 88.45%
- Acceptance Rate: 18.94%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Boston University (BU) is a top-ranked, private institution of higher education located in Boston, Massachusetts. BU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in more than 250 fields of study and is particularly known for its interdisciplinary programs, leading research, and excellent faculty. Its faculty includes several Nobel Prize winners, a poet laureate, and a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award."
BU's main campus is its Charles River Campus, and its Medical Campus is nearby. The total campus area is 133 acres, supporting 320 buildings, 487 classrooms, 23 libraries, and more than 2,000 laboratories. Despite its physical size, BU strives to have smaller class sizes, with a ratio of one teacher per 13 students. The average class size for undergraduates is 27 students.
History
Boston University was established in 1869.
Academics
Boston University (BU) follows the semester academic calendar, with fall, spring, and summer semesters. BU offers 250 different programs of study from its 17 colleges and schools.
Colleges and Schools:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Graduate School of Arts & Science
- College of Communication
- College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- College of General Studies
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College
- Metropolitan College
- Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
- School of Education
- School of Hospitality Administration
- School of Law
- School of Management
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Health
- School of Social Work
- School of Theology
Student Life
Boston University has 80% of its undergraduates living on campus, which means there is a strong student community on campus. Additionally, BU has more than 500 student activity groups that include academic, social, athletic, artistic, scientific, and religious interests. BU is host to many annual events, including lectures and debates, music, comedy, and drama.
There are several student publications, as well as WTBU, the student-run radio station, that encourage student participation. A good way for students to connect with others, navigate the academic requirements or find out what's happening on and around campus is to access "Student Central" online. This online resource provides access to academic bulletins, course descriptions, registration information, student health services, libraries, the student union, student links, a blackboard, the BU Bus schedule, BU maps, BU Bookstore hours, important dates, classes, and amenities available at the FitRec Center, and more.
Athletics
The Boston University athletics department participates in 23 varsity sports. The team mascot is the Boston Terrier, and BU's athletic teams are known as "The Terriers."
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross Country
- Ice Hockey
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
Community Life
The BU community is vibrant and busy, with a full calendar of activities to choose from including exhibits, lectures, social gatherings, year-round events offered at the Agganis Arena, performances at the Huntington Theatre Company, and more. The FitRec Center offers individual or group exercise classes and state-of-the-art facilities for fitness and recreation.
5. Bucknell University
- Location: Bryn Mawr, PA
- Graduation Rate: 90.03%
- Acceptance Rate: 34.23%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Bucknell University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, which is a predominantly rural area. Enrollment at Bucknell University is nearly 3,600 per year.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Social Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Engineering
- English Language And Literature
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit school records, which are then studied by the admissions staff. Students may submit either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission at this school. A score between 1820 to 2100 on the SAT, or 27 to 31 for the ACT is usually submitted among accepted students. Admission to Bucknell University is considered highly competitive, with only 30% of students who applied on average being admitted each year. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is close to $48,000 for the year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their cost of attendance. The cost of on-campus housing is around $6,700 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Bucknell University Bison participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students should visit the website to obtain a complete list of areas of study, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
6. University of Rochester
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Graduation Rate: 87.46%
- Acceptance Rate: 29.71%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
The University of Rochester is a nonprofit private institution located in Rochester, NY, and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. Approximately nine thousand students are enrolled annually at the University of Rochester. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual And Performing Arts
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, student records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. The most common test scores among students admitted to the University of Rochester are between 28 to 32 on the ACT or 1860 to 2140 on the SAT exam. The University of Rochester admits around 40 percent of students applying. Of those students admitted, around 24 percent of students enrolled. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $46,000 but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. The price of on-campus housing is about $8,100 per year. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who qualify as loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The mascot for the University of Rochester is the "Yellow Jackets", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through oversight by the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include::
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
7. New York University
- Location: New York, NY
- Graduation Rate: 84.93%
- Acceptance Rate: 16.2%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
New York University's main campus is located in Greenwich Village. It is a private, non-sectarian, research university and the largest non-profit institution of higher learning in the US. Study abroad facilities are located in a wide variety of countries around the globe. New sites are planned for Abu Dhabi in 2010 and Washington DC in 2012.
History
New York University was established on April 18, 1831, by bankers, merchants, and traders in order to provide young men with higher education. They were to be admitted on merit alone, with no focus on social status or birthright.
On April 12, 1831, the New York State Legislature gave the school its charter and it was incorporated as the University of the City of New York. The name was changed to New York University in 1896 by popular demand. The first students were welcomed in 1832 and attended classes in rented rooms of Clinton Hall.
Academics
New York University is ranked 22nd of the world's top universities by the Global University Ranking. It is made up of 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. When the university was founded, the only school was the College of Arts and Science.
Undergraduate schools include:
- Education of Human Development
- Gallatin School of Individualized Study
- School of Social Work
- Stunhardt School of Culture
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University
- Stern School of Business
- Tisch School of Arts
Postgraduate schools include:
- Institute of Fine Arts
- College of Nursing
- College of Dentistry
- Institute of Study of the Ancient World
- School of Law
- Courant School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Medicine
- School of Continuing and Professional Studies
- Graduate School of Arts and Science
- Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University is the only private university in the US with two medical schools, as it also awards degrees for Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Campuses
New York State University's buildings are situated on approximately 229 acres between 14th Street in the north, Broadway on the east, Avenue of the Americas to the west, and Houston Street to the south. Washington Square Park is the core of New York University's buildings and has been since 1970. The Washington Square Arch is the unofficial symbol of the University.
During the 1990s, New York University became a double square university when a second community was established around Union Square. Other campuses and facilities include but are not limited to:
- Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
- New York University Medical Center
- Belleview Hospital Center
Athletics
New York University's sports teams are known as the Violets. Their colors are violet and white. Dictated by geography and history, Columbia University is their rival. The University's team mascot is the bobcat. Most of New York University's sports teams participate in the University Athletic Association and the NCAA's Division III.
Student Life
The governing student body at New York University is the Student Senators Council. The University has more than 350 clubs and organizations for students on campus. These include fraternities, sororities, sports teams, and those that focus on arts, culture, and entertainment.
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