ECE Associate's Degree for Around $20.4K | Rasmussen University Education Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associate's Degree Next program start date May 13, 2026 Finish in as few as 18 months Learning includes Online Campus Support and Resources You can earn your online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education for around $20.4K to help make your goals more affordable You could save nearly $5,750 more with self-directed assessments, which allow you to show that you don’t need to take a specific course. Make a positive difference in the lives of children as a well-equipped early childhood educator—earn your ECE Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in as few as 18 months. With career-focused learning and flexible online courses, our Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education prepares you to meet the academic requirements for the CDA credential application. Already have your CDA? You can request a course waiver for up to 12 credits, allowing you to finish in as few as 15 months and save an additional $2,616. Our ECE programs do not prepare students for licensed teaching positions in any public school setting, but students will have the opportunity to help shape the futures of young children from birth to age six in a childcare or non-public school setting or leadership role. Request Information Take me to: Outcomes Curriculum Locations Next Start Date: May 13, 2026 Start Your Application Take the Next Step—Talk to Us! Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term. Tuition for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associate’s degree is $218 per credit, for new students only. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. Students who receive the tuition price of $218 per credit cannot use any additional Rasmussen University grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total estimated tuition and fees will exceed $20,445. Tuition and fees breakdown: $218 per credit x 90 credits = $19,620 + $825 book fees = $20,445 estimated tuition and fees. Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details. Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). 30 credits in self-directed assessments at $218 per credit = $6,540. Save an additional $400 on books (8 classes x $50 per class in books). Pay $149 for each of eight self-directed assessment (totaling $1,192). Savings cost breakdown: $6,540 + $400 - $1,192 = $5,748 estimated total savings. Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). CDA and Child Development Associate are registered trademarks of the Council for Professional Recognition. Three CDA classes for a total of 12 credits at $218 per credit = $2,616. The average number of transfer credits will vary by student. Tuition savings information displayed here is based on the credit transfer data of incoming students who enrolled in the Rasmussen University Early Childhood Education Bachelor's program in 2019.