Best institutions to study Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in formal settings prior to beginning regular elementary school, usually ranging in age from three to six years (or grade one), depending on the school system or state regulations.
113 U.S. institutions graduated 1,689 Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1209, a specialization of Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12), and leads most directly to the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2011).
About Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching programs
A program that prepares individuals to teach students in formal settings prior to beginning regular elementary school, usually ranging in age from three to six years (or grade one), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching program is designed to prepare individuals to teach young children in formal educational settings before they enter elementary school. Typically focused on children aged three to six years, this program encompasses training in various subject matters relevant to early childhood education.
Learn more about Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as speaking, active listening, and critical thinking. Coursework often includes knowledge in education and training, psychology, and public safety, equipping graduates to adapt teaching methods and engage young learners effectively.
Credentials awarded
What Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree700 graduates / yr · 49 institutions41%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year468 graduates / yr · 30 institutions28%
- Associate's degree398 graduates / yr · 30 institutions24%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate61 graduates / yr · 8 institutions3.6%
- Master's degree44 graduates / yr · 5 institutions2.6%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years17 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,485 |
| 2013 | 2,692 |
| 2014 | 2,414 |
| 2015 | 2,390 |
| 2016 | 2,148 |
| 2017 | 1,881 |
| 2018 | 2,029 |
| 2019 | 2,065 |
| 2020 | 2,067 |
| 2021 | 2,447 |
| 2022 | 2,911 |
| 2023 | 2,712 |
| 2024 | 2,613 |
| 2025 | 1,689 |
Top 50 institutions for Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 91 | 75% | — | $39,607 |
| 2 | Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 87 | 31% | — | $23,865 |
| 3 | Western New Mexico University Silver City, NMPublicBachelor'sAssociate'sPost-degree cert. | 68 | 32% | — | — |
| 4 | Alamance Community College Graham, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 65 | 39% | — | $26,105 |
| 5 | County College of Morris Randolph, NJPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 62 | 36% | — | — |
| 6 | North Carolina Central University Durham, NCPublicBachelor's | 58 | 42% | — | $46,773 |
| 7 | Stanly Community College Albemarle, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 46 | 48% | — | $32,147 |
| 8 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NCPublicBachelor's | 46 | 60% | — | $40,594 |
| 9 | Athens State University Athens, ALPublicBachelor's | 44 | — | — | $40,948 |
| 10 | Davidson - Davie Community College Thomasville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 44 | 46% | — | $25,176 |
| 11 | Bowie State University Bowie, MDPublicBachelor's | 41 | 38% | — | $52,619 |
| 12 | New Mexico Highlands University Las Vegas, NMPublicBachelor's | 41 | 26% | — | $41,352 |
| 13 | Olivet Nazarene University Bourbonnais, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 35 | 61% | $20,903 | $44,072 |
| 14 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicBachelor's | 29 | 68% | — | $46,172 |
| 15 | Jackson State University Jackson, MSPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 29 | 51% | — | $40,448 |
| 16 | Bowling Green State University - Firelands Huron, OHPublicAssociate's | 29 | 11% | — | — |
| 17 | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublicBachelor's | 27 | 47% | — | $41,582 |
| 18 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicBachelor's | 27 | 89% | — | $53,054 |
| 19 | Westfield State University Westfield, MAPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 27 | 54% | — | $35,090 |
| 20 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 26 | 65% | $28,911 | $31,136 |
| 21 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DEPublicAssociate's | 25 | 22% | — | $25,289 |
| 22 | Bristol Community College Fall River, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 22% | — | $21,738 |
| 23 | Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 31% | — | — |
| 24 | Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 24 | 50% | — | — |
| 25 | Community College of Rhode Island Warwick, RIPublicAssociate's | 23 | 26% | — | — |
| 26 | Catawba College Salisbury, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 47% | $17,916 | $38,071 |
| 27 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 38% | — | — |
| 28 | Kent State University at Tuscarawas New Philadelphia, OHPublicAssociate's | 19 | 38% | — | $18,576 |
| 29 | Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OKPublicPost-degree cert. | 19 | 68% | — | $43,892 |
| 30 | Cleveland Community College Shelby, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 32% | — | — |
| 31 | Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 24% | — | — |
| 32 | Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Miami, OKPublicAssociate's | 18 | 26% | — | — |
| 33 | Stevenson University Owings Mills, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 68% | $26,556 | $52,395 |
| 34 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAssociate's | 17 | 41% | — | $24,950 |
| 35 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicPost-degree cert. | 16 | 55% | — | $36,847 |
| 36 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 16 | 62% | — | $41,821 |
| 37 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicBachelor's | 16 | 52% | — | $38,059 |
| 38 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicBachelor's | 16 | 63% | — | $42,690 |
| 39 | Richmond Community College Hamlet, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 46% | — | — |
| 40 | University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, ARPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 15 | 49% | — | — |
| 41 | University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus Gallup, NMPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 20% | — | $20,646 |
| 42 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 86% | $33,106 | — |
| 43 | Middlesex Community College Bedford, MAPublicAssociate's | 14 | 23% | — | $27,981 |
| 44 | Lenoir Community College Kinston, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 36% | — | $27,534 |
| 45 | Kent State University at Salem Salem, OHPublicAssociate's | 13 | 31% | — | $18,576 |
| 46 | Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OHPublicBachelor's | 13 | 48% | — | — |
| 47 | Cape Cod Community College West Barnstable, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 22% | — | — |
| 48 | Siena Heights University Adrian, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 39% | $17,015 | — |
| 49 | Winston - Salem State University Winston-Salem, NCPublicBachelor's | 11 | 47% | — | $43,077 |
| 50 | Emporia State University Emporia, KSPublicMaster's | 10 | 56% | — | $43,933 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field (CIP 13.12) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 37 states & territories
Where Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching graduates come from. Each state links to all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2011, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching program can pursue careers as Preschool Teachers or Kindergarten Teachers, with a median wage of $37,120. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 65,500 annual openings in the field.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1209
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educationprimary SOC 25-2011 | $38,140 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~65,500 | Associate's degree |
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education SOC 25-2012 | $62,680 | -1.6% Decline | ~12,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
Tools and technology used
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12).
- Elementary Education and TeachingCIP 13.120242,176 graduates / yr1,131 institutions
- Early Childhood Education and TeachingCIP 13.121033,622 graduates / yr910 institutions
- Secondary Education and TeachingCIP 13.120510,339 graduates / yr530 institutions
- Teacher EducationCIP 13.12069,066 graduates / yr279 institutions
- Teacher Education and Professional DevelopmentCIP 13.12996,107 graduates / yr191 institutions
- Junior High/CIP 13.1203
Intermediate/ Middle School Education and Teaching 2,728 graduates / yr273 institutions - Adult and Continuing Education and TeachingCIP 13.1201942 graduates / yr67 institutions
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational MethodsCIP 13.1213398 graduates / yr21 institutions
- Montessori Teacher EducationCIP 13.1207282 graduates / yr16 institutions
- College/CIP 13.1214
Postsecondary/ University Teaching 95 graduates / yr16 institutions - Online Educator/CIP 13.1211
Online Teaching 59 graduates / yr17 institutions - International Teaching and LearningCIP 13.1212limited data34 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Waldorf/
Steiner Teacher Education13.1208
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs →
Common questions
What degrees are awarded in this program?+
Degrees awarded include Bachelor's degrees, Associate's degrees, and awards of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.1%.
What age group will I be teaching?+
You will typically teach children aged three to six years.
What is the CIP code for Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching?+
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching is CIP 13.1209 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to teach students in formal settings prior to beginning regular elementary school, usually ranging in age from three to six years (or grade one), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.
How many institutions offer Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching programs?+
113 U.S. institutions reported Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 37 states & territories, awarding 1,689 credentials in the year. That is 1.6% of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates.
How much do Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education occupation, which Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching most directly leads to, pays a median of $38,140 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field report median earnings of $39,607 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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