- Tuition for the ECE Associate’s degree program is $210 per credit for qualified students. 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 $210 per credit cannot use any additional Rasmussen University discounts, grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed $19,395. Program cost and estimated time to completion assume successful completion of up to eight self-directed assessments and the 12-credit CDA waiver, totaling up to 42 credits taken off the original 90 credits, bringing the total credits to 48 and total estimated cost to $10,290. Breakdown: $10,080 in tuition (48 credits) + $210 in book fees = $10,290 in estimated program cost. Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.
- CDA and Child Development Associate are registered trademarks of the Council for Professional Recognition.
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and number of courses completed each term.
- Students with tuition rates at or lower than $258 per credit for full-time rates and $334 per credit for part-time rates are not eligible for any grants or scholarships offered by the University. Students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program on or after January 2, 2023, may be eligible for institutional grants regardless of program or course tuition rate provided they meet all other applicable terms and conditions for the grants. Students enrolled in the Nursing Post-Graduate Certificates in Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics or Nursing Leadership and Administration are not eligible for any grants or scholarships offered by the University. In order to qualify for the grant, all admission requirements must be completed, and enrolling students must provide proof of eligibility by submitting proof of employment. Students cannot receive both corporate and military grants. Grant value cannot exceed tuition cost. For additional details visit: rasmussen.edu/tuition/.
- This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and this program is not intended to lead to any state issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence.
Make a Greater Difference with an Affordable Degree
Qualified Students Could Earn an ECE Associate's Degree for Around $10,000 1
With Rasmussen University, qualified students from ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) can apply what they already know to maximize savings and minimize time to completion. You may be eligible to earn your Rasmussen University ECE Associate’s degree for around $10,000:1
- Earn up to 30 credits by successfully completing self-directed assessments to show you don’t need to take a specific course
- Obtain a course waiver for up to 12 credits for already having your Child Development Associate® (CDA®) credential2
If you're interested in other Rasmussen University programs, you may be eligible for a Corporate Grant to save up to 35% on the ECE Bachelor’s program or up to 20% on other eligible programs.4
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 non-public school setting or leadership role.
Take me to:
Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
Associate’s Degree
Make a positive difference in the lives of children as a well-equipped early childhood educator—earn your Associate’s degree in as few as 18 months. 3 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. Students can specialize their degree in either Special Needs or Child Development.
And, if you 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. 3 Just provide your certificate to the Council for Professional Recognition.
Bachelor’s Degree
Whether you're looking to advance your career in a childcare center, lead your own program or become a program director, this non-licensure Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will help you further develop your leadership and administration skills. 5
Finish in as few as 18 months 3 with a combination of online courses and self-directed assessments, which can enable you to skip a number of courses by showing you know the content. Bachelor's students can choose between the traditional ECE Leadership track or specialize in Child Development.
Quorum - Upcoming Start Dates
Take the Next Step
The path to higher education is ready for you. Classes start soon, but our convenient form makes it easy to register and start your journey in a Rasmussen University ECE program.
| Quarter | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter '25 |
Term 1 Term 2 |
January 6, 2025 February 12, 2025 |
| Spring '25 |
Term 1 Term 2 |
April 7, 2025 May 14, 2025 |
"Rasmussen had a flexible and fast-paced option for someone with a family lifestyle. My goal is to help prepare children to give them a head start. The more I learn, the better I can do that."
Kayla S.
ECE Graduate
Additional Support
Supporting Your Education
Rasmussen University makes it easy to navigate the ins and outs of taking college courses. With support services, you’re connected to the answers, planning and resources you need to be successful. Count on our peer tutors, mentors, librarians, financial aid experts and others on your support team.
Whom Should I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?
If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Mackenzie McFadden at [email protected] or 320-761-4625.
Take the Next Step
I'm ready for the next step!
It all starts with completing the form. A Rasmussen University admissions advisor can then answer your questions and walk you through the application process.
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