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Minneapolis (Feb. 17, 2022)—Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, today announced the launch of its best value on an Associate’s degree from its Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, now available for $15K or less. This new offering builds on Rasmussen’s focus on flexibility and support and gives students the ability to earn an affordable, convenient Associate’s degree at a fraction of the cost.
The Early Childhood Education industry was highly impacted by the onset of COVID-19, causing many ECE centers to close or significantly reduce their workforces and, in some cases, suspend educational benefits temporarily. As a result, many in the field left and now ECE centers across the country are desperate to recruit their workforce back. With a longstanding, 30-year history of educating in the field, Rasmussen University has alliances with some of the industry’s largest employers, making it more affordable for their employees to get an education.
“As Early Childhood Education centers work to rebuild their workforces, preparing our students to fill those positions is a top priority for Rasmussen University,” said Dr. Mary Muhs, M.Ed. and department chair for Early Childhood Education and Human Services at Rasmussen University. “The ability to offer this program at this time and for this cost will help to make the program more easily accessible for a broader range of students, whether they are new to the field or looking to advance their careers with degrees necessary to hold leadership roles at most childcare centers. Those with a Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential can also receive a 12-credit waiver toward any of the ECE degrees, as well.”
The cost of an Associate’s program can hinder enrollment when the average cost of an ECE program is compared to the median salary of childcare workers. Offering this low-cost degree program in a fully online environment meets the growing market demand. Additionally, eight self-directed assessments are available in the ECE Associate’s degree program. These $149 online assessments are a way for students to show that they have already achieved certain skills and knowledge for a particular course and don’t need to take it—saving them money and time. In fact, if a student chooses to take all eight available assessments, they could save almost $4,000 on the cost of the program.
“We designed this program to prepare our students for an ever-changing career in early childhood education. Every element of the program, from faculty interaction to online coursework, is designed to set them up for success in the field,” said Dr. Muhs. “Offering it at this cost is also extremely valuable. It gives students a little less worry, as they don’t need to take on as large of a financial commitment to earn the degree itself. If you have a passion for working with our youngest learners, now may be the perfect time to take that next step.”
Rasmussen also offers affordable options at both the Diploma and Certificate levels to put a student’s ECE education goals within reach. Rasmussen University’s corporate alliances allow students already working in the field to save even more on the cost of their Associate’s degree. To learn more, visit corporate.rasmussen.edu/education/.
About Rasmussen University: Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org)—is committed to enriching our communities by providing innovative, career-ready higher learning and outstanding healthcare education. The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses across the country across eight areas of study. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through person-centered career-focused education. In 2025, the University proudly celebrated 125 years of empowering students to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact. Rasmussen University is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). Learn more at www.rasmussen.edu.
This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
