2026 Best Value Early Childhood Education Schools in Connecticut

1

Capital Community College
New Britain, CT

For return on investment in early childhood education, no school beat Capital Community College this year. Set in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,338, compared with $15,596 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for early childhood education graduates is $12,059. Early Childhood Education graduates of Capital Community College earn a median of $29,811 early in their careers. Set against $12,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT

A rank of #2 makes Charter Oak State College one of the best values for early childhood education. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Charter Oak State College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,506. Typical student debt for early childhood education graduates is $23,584. Early-career early childhood education graduates make about $62,864. Set against $23,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT

Central Connecticut State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in early childhood education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,550. Early Childhood Education graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Early-career early childhood education graduates make about $44,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Connecticut State University admits about 73% of applicants.

4

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT

Eastern Connecticut State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value early childhood education schools. Located in the town of Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,928, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $26,978 to complete the early childhood education program here. Early-career early childhood education graduates make about $48,624. That is a strong return on a $26,978 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

5

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

Southern Connecticut State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in early childhood education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,442 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Students borrow a median of $24,660 to complete the early childhood education program here. Soon after graduation, early childhood education degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $50,876. That is a strong return on a $24,660 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

6

Saint Joseph College
West Hartford, CT

Saint Joseph College placed #6 among the best values for early childhood education. Located in the city of West Hartford, Saint Joseph College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,278 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for early childhood education graduates is $27,798. Early-career early childhood education graduates make about $75,782. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

7

University Of Hartford
West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford came in at #7 for value in early childhood education this year. Set in the city of West Hartford, University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Typical student debt for early childhood education graduates is $25,648. Early-career early childhood education graduates make about $53,003. Set against $25,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants.

8

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University came in at #8 for value in early childhood education this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Fairfield University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. Early Childhood Education graduates carry a median of $26,687 in student loans. Soon after graduation, early childhood education degree recipients from Fairfield University generally make around $66,305. Set against $26,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.