Engineering is the 6th most popular degree college students are trying to get, according to collegefactual.com. So, what makes these degrees such a hot commodity? Once they graduate, there is a huge demand for excellent engineers with a handsome starting salary to boot. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, this occupation is expected to grow, bringing in at least 140,000 new jobs in the 2016-2026 decade, while also earning a median salary of $91,000. As popular as this degree is, finding the cheapest engineering degree can be a struggle.
While many students want to get a great education to help them succeed in the real world, engineering degrees can be extremely costly, costing as much as $40,000. Fortunately, with the following list of colleges, you can still get an excellent education without going into debt. The information below is based on a two-year or four-year degree, but many engineers do go on to obtain a Master’s degree. This list should be an excellent starting point for your college education.
1. South Texas College
Since 1993, South Texas College has offered over 120 degrees and certificate programs. Their Associate of Science Engineering program will provide future engineers with the hands-on technical experience they need to get a job right after graduation. Located in McAllen, Texas, this university has a 100% acceptance rate for a small tuition rate.
- Tuition is $1,610 a year after financial aid
- The student to teacher ratio is 22:1
- 28,000 students are enrolled
2. Brazosport College
Another Texas-based college to make our list is Brazosport College. This small public college has a wide range of degrees, certificates, and transfer plans available to meet the needs of their diverse students. This college is a great stepping stone for those who want to start with a two-year college before making the jump to a four-year university.
- Annual tuition of $5,487
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1
- 825 full-time enrolled students
3. Utah Valley University
Located in Orem, Utah, Utah Valley University offers an Associate in Pre-Engineering. This degree allows students to complete their first two to three years of college completing requirements for an engineering degree. Once these requirements are met, students can transfer to a four-year university.
- Annual tuition of $6,760
- 69 credits are completed in the Pre-Engineering program
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1
4. CUNY College of Staten Island
The mid-size institution of CUNY College of Staten Island offers a wide range of majors at an affordable price. Two engineering majors available are Engineering Science, Electrical Engineering.
- Annual tuition of $6,761
- Requires 133 credits to graduate
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1
5. California State University – Stanislaus
The large campus of California State University – Stanislaus is located in Turlock, California, and has been serving the needs of its students since 1965. The faculty and staff of this public university firmly believe in preparing students for the workforce they will be entering when they graduate and can be seen in their rigorous engineering program. The unique program available at this university is known as the Joint Engineering Program, which allows Computer Science, Math, or Physics undergraduates to also pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- Annual tuition of $6,930
- 86% of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.
- 7,855 undergraduates are enrolled.
6. Arkansas Tech University
The Department of Electrical Engineering at Arkansas Tech University offers students the opportunity to obtain a four-year degree for an affordable tuition rate. This institution is ABET-accredited, which is one of only three accredited programs in the state. Some areas of study include Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
- Annual tuition of $7,254
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1
7. Lamar University
Ranked as number 1 for Best Online Bachelor’s Engineering Degree, Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Engineering Degree, and Best Value Engineering Degree, Lamar University is at the top for the most affordable engineering degree. Not only does this university provide its students with valuable and affordable education, but they also provide numerous employment opportunities through their co-op and internship programs. Lamar University was also ranked number two by Payscale for the best return on investment with their degrees.
- Annual tuition of $7,440
- 1,240 undergraduate students
- College Gazette Ranked LU #8 for “amazing universities on the rise.”
8. University of Connecticut – Avery Point
The University of Connecticut – Avery Point is a public university found in Groton, Connecticut. This college was named the #1 public engineering college in New England, while also providing over half of the state’s engineering graduates. If finding a job after graduation is something that concerns you, 95 percent of graduates obtain employment 6 months after completing their degree.
- Annual tuition of $7,629
- One of the Top 20 Universities that encourage diversity and inclusion
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1
9. University of Washington – Bothell
The Bothell campus of the University of Washington has small class sizes, a high acceptance rate, and affordable tuition. Computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are the three majors students can choose from in the engineering department. All three programs also received ABET accreditation in 2019.
- Annual tuition of $8,346
- 4,623 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1
10. Wright State University – Lake Campus
Wright State University is located in Celina, Ohio, and is known for its engineering department, especially in the fields of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Technicians. Class sizes are small and do provide students with real-world experience through its internship program.
- Annual tuition of $9,516
- 715 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1
11. Arizona State University – West
The West Campus of Arizona State University is a small institution that offers numerous majors, including 25 undergraduate programs in their Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering department. This college has been a part of 24 startup companies, 42 NSF Career Awardees in the last 5 years, and at least $115 million in research expenditures.
- Annual tuition of $9,742
- 3,521 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1
12. Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University was ranked 152-200 in Best Engineering Schools, according to US News. This high-performing university has a large number of engineering programs available to its students at the Bachelors, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. While this mid-size institution continues to perform well, tuition costs remain relatively low compared to other engineering schools.
- Annual tuition of $9,795
- 8,143 full-time enrolled students
- Specializes in Biomedical Engineering
13. University of Texas – Permian Basin
Located in Odessa, Texas, the Permian Basin campus of the University of Texas offers several specialized fields in its College of Engineering department, including Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Petroleum. The US Department of Educated rated this campus as #107 out of 1,376 for Best College Dorms and #265 out of 1,377 for Best College Food.
- Annual tuition of $9,800
- 2,014 full-time enrolled students
- 90% of students feel confident they will obtain employment after graduation
14. Lewis-Clark State College
Located in the beautiful and historical town of Lewiston, Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College offers an Engineering AS degree. Once this two-year program is completed, students will have obtained credits for their first two years of a typical Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Some of the available engineering electives include civil, chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
- Annual tuition of $10,118
- 2,209 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1
15. Nicholls State University
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls State University offers a Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management program that was created for workers in the oil and gas field. Graduates of this college have gone on to have successful oil and gas engineering careers around the world.
- Annual tuition of $10,496
- 4,893 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1
16. Montana State University-Northern
The Northern campus of Montana State University offers a civil engineering degree in Havre, Montana. The completion of this program will leave students with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology and will allow graduates to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam administered by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors.
- Annual tuition of $10,644
- Ranked #506 of 1,336 for Safest Colleges in America
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1
17. Miami University – Hamilton
The small campus of Miami University – Hamilton can be found in Hamilton, Ohio. This public university is known for its safety and conservativeness, while also having numerous degrees to choose from, including an Associate’s or Bachelors’s degree in Engineering Technology. Although engineering is a popular major, 83% of students surveyed said they had no problems getting the classes they needed.
- Annual tuition of $10,918
- Rated #715 out of 1,572 for Best Value Colleges in America
- 1,791 full-time enrolled students
18. Weber State University
The Salt Lake City area has a beautiful, serene view that includes rolling hills, blue skies, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Not only is this a vacation destination for many, but it is also the location of Weber State University. This college offers computer and electrical engineering degrees that will allow its students to build, test, and invent new machines and electrical products.
- Annual tuition of $10,951
- 11,444 full-time enrolled students
- Ranked #91 of 1,674 for Most Conservative Colleges in America
19. Stephen F Austin State University
Stephen F Austin State University is a medium-sized campus located in Nacogdoches, Texas. This college offers either a pre-engineering program to those interested in pursuing a degree in engineering or a dual program that combines engineering with physics.
- Annual tuition of $11,759
- 9,376 full-time enrolled students
- The acceptance rate is 100%
20. Southwestern Oklahoma State University
As a small institution in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers students small class sizes and a close-knit community. This university offers an Engineering Technology program that will teach students how to build, evaluate, and maintain electronic systems.
- Annual tuition of $11,996
- 3,593 full-time enrolled students
- The campus has been described as friendly and home-like by previous students
21. Montana Technological University
As a Special Focus STEM University, Montana Technological University provides plenty of research and hands-on learning opportunities for its students. Engineering is one of the most popular majors in this university and has a small-town feeling in the city of Butte, Montana.
- Annual tuition of $13,514
- Named #37 out of 1,674 for being the Most Conservative College and #72 out of 222 for being the Best Colleges for Public Health
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1
22. Bob Jones University
Bob Jones University is a small, Christian-based university located in Greenville, North Carolina. The engineering program at this institution is ABET-accredited and combines biblical teaching with the math and science components that would expect in this program.
- Annual tuition of $13,664
- Rated #6 of 1,674 for Most Conservative Colleges in America
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1
23. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Since 1870, Missouri University of Science and Technology prides itself on being an innovative college that values research and continuous learning. It is a medium-sized campus that offers almost 100 majors related to the computer science, arts, and engineering fields.
- Annual tuition of $13,994
- 6,065 full-time enrolled students
- Online courses are offered
24. Ranken Technical College
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Ranken Technical College is a private college that specializes in engineering degrees and certificates. The results of a poll that was sent to students stated that 100% of students agree that the professors put a lot of time and effort into their instructions and teaching efforts.
- Annual tuition of $15,291
- 1,210 full-time enrolled students
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1
25. University of Minnesota Duluth
The University of Minnesota Duluth does have slightly higher tuition than the other colleges and universities on our list, but the quality of the education greatly outweighs the cost. This campus has received high reviews by students for the passion the faculty has in teaching and ease of getting the classes needed to fulfill their degree requirements. Some of the available engineering degrees include Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Industrial.
- Annual tuition of $16,993
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1
- 8,799 full-time enrolled students
The colleges on our list were ranked primarily by affordability. Finding the cheapest engineering degrees can be a daunting task, so hopefully, we made your efforts of finding the right college a little easier. The tuition listed for each college is based primarily on in-state tuition, but all of these schools also offer scholarships and financial aid to help keep your costs low. Another factor we looked at when ranking these colleges and universities was the quality of the degrees. These institutions got excellent reviews from previous students and alum.
If you would like your school to be listed as one of our cheapest engineering schools or would like your information edited to include more updated information, please contact us and let us know.
