Best Early Childhood Education Schools in Iowa (2026)

Updated September 6, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Iowa Early Childhood Education At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Early Childhood Education Salary $42,560
Salary Outlook Iowa offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Iowa Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online early childhood education degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into early childhood education careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Early Childhood Education Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online early childhood education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Iowa.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Iowa State University

Ames, IA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
76.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 74%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,386
Avg net price $18,589/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 169

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
68.9 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,177
Avg net price $15,901/yr
Tuition
In‑state$9,936
Out‑of‑state$21,712
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 116

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
62.5 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 77%
Graduation rate 62%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,531
Avg net price $24,691/yr
Tuition
In‑state$36,658
Out‑of‑state$36,658
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 80%
  • Programs offered: 59

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Early Childhood Education professionals in Iowa experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Iowa.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Iowa)
Preschool Teacher $33,830
Kindergarten Teacher $58,420
Preschool and Childcare Center Director $47,480
Teaching Assistant $30,510

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Early Childhood Education Degree in Iowa?

Choosing a program in Iowa can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Iowa offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Iowa economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online early childhood education programs in Iowa accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Early Childhood Education pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for early childhood education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for early childhood education in Iowa?

The Iowa Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Iowa. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

Online Early Childhood Education Programs by City in Iowa

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Ames · Ankeny · Bettendorf · Burlington · Cedar Falls · Cedar Rapids · Clinton · Coralville · Council Bluffs · Davenport · Des Moines · Dubuque · Fort Dodge · Iowa City · Johnston · Marion · Marshalltown · Mason City · Muscatine · Ottumwa · Sioux City · Urbandale · Waterloo · West Des Moines

Browse Other States

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