TEACH New York LogoNew York
Empire State University Logo

Empire State University

About

Empire State University is New York's only online public university. Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York, Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. With decades of experience providing access to high-quality, affordable education through online teaching and learning, SUNY Empire builds on your experiences to promote growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York State and beyond. In July 2025, the University will open a new College of Education and expand its degree offerings. 

For aspiring educators, the University specializes in Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs including:
°Transitional B Certificates and 
°Accelerated residency pathways

Empire State University also has a new undergraduate degree in early childhood education. 
 

  • College or University
  • Saratoga Springs, NY

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application

SUNY Empire State University Highlights:

  • 100,000+ alumni
  • 91 percent pass rate on state teaching exams
  • Largest serving SUNY four-year military institution
  • Ranked 1st for student satisfaction among SUNY schools
  • Over half of students receive Prior Learning Assessment credits
  • 68.5 percent of undergrads receive financial aid
  • 98 percent fully online students
  • 40,000+ credits awarded for work and life experience
  • Highest percentage of adult learners in New York state
Empire State University Logo

Programs

Bachelor’s & certification

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

  • From 18 to 36 months

    Program Duration

  • Online

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program Info

SUNY Empire provides an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals passionate about helping young learners thrive. The BS in Early Childhood Education program leads to initial New York state teacher certification and equips you to become a confident, innovative educator. With a flexible blended learning model, you can balance your studies while receiving unwavering support and excellence from SUNY Empire. The coursework offers a strong foundation of current, innovative knowledge, and robust student support services including:

  • New ways for you to network with peers
  • Weekly "drop-in" sessions with mentors and faculty members
  • Newsletters
  • Webinars
  • Discussion groups

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Aug. 01, 2025

    Fall
  • Apr. 11, 2026

    Summer
Loading...

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $3,535

    In State Tuition

  • $4,240

    Out of State Tuition

  • $50

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Empire State University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Empire State University to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Varies

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

SUNY Empire awards more than $750,000 in scholarships annually. The staff at the financial aid office can help find a way to make SUNY Empire affordable for you. Learn more.

Varies

Loan Forgiveness

Learn more about the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.

Varies

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Thanks to SUNY Empire's unique blended and flexible delivery of course content, 51 percent of students work full-time, and 15 percent work part-time while completing their degree. SUNY Empire also offers work-study opportunities to students enrolled at least half-time. If you're interested, email Work.Study@sunyempire.edu.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 2)

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Empire State University's website to learn more and apply.