Best College Values (bestcollegevalues.com), an online resource that helps students find reputable and affordable degree programs, has just released a new ranking of online Master's of Education in Early Childhood Education (http://www.bestcollegevalues.com/rankings/online/best-masters-early-childhood-education/).

The ranking consists of 25 programs, all regionally accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies for colleges and schools.

The top three programs in Early Childhood Education are as follows: 1) University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri; 2) Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia; and 3) Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.

Other colleges and universities in this ranking are listed below in alphabetical order.

Arizona State University - Phoenix, Arizona

Ball State University - Muncie, Indiana

Brandman University - Irvine, California

Brenau University - Gainesville, Georgia

California Baptist University - Riverside, California

California University of Pennsylvania - California, Pennsylvania

Concordia University - Portland, Oregon

Emporia State University - Emporia, Kansas

Indiana State University - Terre Haute, Indiana

Liberty University - Lynchburg, Virginia

Mercy College - Dobbs Ferry, New York

Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff, Arizona

Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Natchitoches, Louisiana

University of Alabama - Birmingham, Alabama

University at Albany SUNY - Albany, New York

University of Colorado - Denver, Colorado

University of North Carolina - Greensboro, North Carolina

University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, North Dakota

University of Northern Colorado - Greeley, Colorado

University of Houston - Houston, Texas

University of Toledo - Toledo, Ohio

University of West Alabama - Livingston, Alabama

"Deciding to attend graduate school can be daunting prospect for anyone, but particularly for those who live on a teacher's salary," says site editor Brett Gershon. "Many working adults already have student loan debt, so the idea of amassing more through an expensive graduate program is not a decision to be taken lightly." Yet, Gershon notes, there are objective benefits to pursuing an advanced degree such as higher salary, increased career opportunities, and greater professional competence. He adds, "We hope to make the decision process a little easier for prospective students by highlighting a selection of quality programs that strike a balance between reasonable tuition rates and a high return on investment."

A ranking that focuses on a narrowly defined career specialization such as Early Childhood Education should prove a useful resource for educators seeking advancement along a particular career path. Moreover, online programs of study make it possible to obtain a degree while remaining employed. By analyzing the objective factors that contribute to the overall value of graduate programs, Best College Values lessens the cumbersome amount of research that can accompany choosing a program of study. With the ranking as a guide, students are more likely to succeed in selecting a program that suits their unique educational needs and interests.