Engineering is the 6th most popular degree college students are trying to get, according to collegefactual.com. So, what makes these engineering 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 engineering 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 prospective engineering 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 affordable engineering schools, 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.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | South Texas College | McAllen, Texas |
2 | Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, Texas |
3 | Utah Valley University | Orem, Utah |
4 | CUNY College of Staten Island | New York City, New York |
5 | California State University – Stanislaus | Turlock, California |
South Texas College
Since 1993, South Texas College of Engineering 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. Their college of engineering offers Industrial engineering, computer engineering, environmental engineering, and chemical engineering among others. Located in McAllen, Texas, this university has a 100% acceptance rate (for both local and international students) for a small tuition rate and there is the certainty that you get the most out of their engineering degree.
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 its 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.
Utah Valley University
Located in Orem, Utah, Utah Valley University College of Engineering offers an Associate in Pre-Engineering. This degree allows engineering students to complete their first two to three years of college completing the requirements for an engineering degree in majors like computer engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, civil engineering, electrical engineering, Robotics engineering, and general engineering. Once these requirements are met, students enrolled can transfer to a four-year university.
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 and Electrical Engineering.
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 values and curricula that prepare students for the workforce they will be entering when they graduate and can be seen in their rigorous engineering degree 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.
Arkansas Tech University
The Department of Electrical Engineering at Arkansas Tech University offers students the opportunity to obtain a four-year degree at 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, Mechanical engineering, and Computer Engineering.
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 engineering school is at the top for the most affordable engineering degrees. Not only does this university provide its students with valuable and affordable education, but they also provide numerous employment opportunities through its co-op and internship programs. Fortunately, they are one of the most affordable engineering schools around. Lamar University was also ranked number two by Payscale for the best return on investment with their degrees. They also offer affordable online engineering degrees if you are thinking of getting one. Some of their engineering programs include Industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and electrical and chemical engineering.
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is a top-25 public university located in Storrs, Connecticut. The UConn School of Engineering is the #1 public engineering college in New England and provides over half of the state’s engineering graduates each year. If finding an engineering job after graduation is something that concerns you, 95 percent of graduates obtain employment 6 months after completing their degree. Some of their engineering programs include biomedical engineering, chemical & biomolecular engineering, environmental engineering, systems engineering, materials engineering, Electrical engineering, environmental engineering, computer engineering technology and so much more. The University of Connecticut offers diverse engineering degree programs, so there is a high chance that you will find your preferred engineering bachelor’s degree program.
University of Washington
The Bothell campus of the University of Washington has small class sizes, a high acceptance rate, and affordable tuition. Computer science and engineering degrees, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are the three major engineering degree programs students can choose from in the engineering department. All three programs also received ABET accreditation in 2019. The University of Washington happens to be one of the most affordable engineering schools out there.
Wright State University – Lake Campus
Wright State University is located in Celina, Ohio, and is known for its college of 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. They offer doctorate engineering technology degrees with a research focus on aerospace engineering, material science and engineering, biomedical engineering, human factor, and industrial engineering. Some of their MS and BS engineering discipline include biomedical engineering, mechanical and materials engineering, electrical engineering program, and computer science.
Arizona State University – West
The West Campus of Arizona State University is a small institution that offers numerous majors, including 25 undergraduate engineering degree 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. The Arizona State University offers programs like engineering management, software engineering, mechanical engineering degree, systems engineering and so much more.
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 degree programs available to its students at the bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. While this mid-size institution continues to perform well, tuition costs remain relatively low compared to other engineering schools. Concentration includes biological engineering, computer engineering and computer science, chemical engineer, civil engineering, electrical engineering, construction management, environmental engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and much more.
The University of Texas Permian Basin
The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Midland and Odessa, Texas, the energy epicenter of the US. The College of Engineering offers engineering students the opportunity to study chemical, electrical, mechanical, and petroleum engineering in their undergraduate programs. Graduate students can earn a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and our Accelerated Master’s programs (BS-MS) offers a pathway for undergraduates to complete bachelors and master’s degree in mechanical engineering within 5 years. Their mechanical engineering degree program is one of the best out there.
- Annual tuition of $8,200
- Petroleum engineering ranked #1 highest paid graduates by U.S. News & World Report
- 100% passing rate in Fundamental of Engineering Exams in 2019
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.
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. Their civil engineering program guarantees an easier route to getting engineering jobs.
Miami University
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 Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology. Although engineering is a popular major, 83% of engineering students surveyed said they had no problems getting the classes they needed. Miami University provides you with the university education you need to become a successful engineer. Some of their majors include biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering and computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering technology degree, robotics engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering management, and general engineering.
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 engineering and electrical engineering degrees that will allow its students to build, test, and invent new machines and electrical products. Their mechanical engineering department is also one of the best out there and it prepare students for the workspace. Students looking forward to becoming mechanical engineers or electronics engineers will find Weber State University courses fascinating.
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. They offer engineering programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and engineering physics.
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. Their engineering options are electronics systems engineering technology program, manufacturing technology, computer electronics engineering technology, environmental engineering technology, and manufacturing engineering technology.
Montana Technological University
As a Special Focus STEM University and a few engineering awards, 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. Some of its engineering programs include software engineering, electrical engineering technology, environmental engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering technology, petroleum engineering, industrial engineering technology, and many more.
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. some of their engineering degree programs include mechanical engineering technology, civil engineering, electrical engineering technology, computer engineering, and aerospace engineering.
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. they offer civil engineering, mechanical engineering technology degree, and electrical engineering that ensure you get a cut from the list of engineering jobs around the world.
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. Ranken Technical College of engineering programs focuses on architectural engineering technology, electromechanical engineering technology, and computer engineering technology.
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 from students for the passion the faculty has for teaching and the ease of getting the classes needed to fulfill their degree requirements. Some of the available degrees include Chemical engineering, Civil engineering technology, Electrical engineering technology, Mechanical engineering degree, and Industrial engineering technology.
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.
What is the Average Salary for Engineering Graduates?
Engineers have a median annual salary of $100, 640 according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary of an engineering graduate is $61, 952 but payment differs based on the engineering field, years of experience, and the place of employment. However, you can receive as low as $53,100 and as high as $77,100.
Benefits Of An Engineering Degree
High-chance to get employed
Engineering is a versatile course that equips students with not just engineering techniques but leadership, creating thinking and problem-solving skills. Engineering is mostly demanded by the world. From infrastructures to water and electricity, engineering jobs of different kinds such as agricultural engineering, nuclear engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, and every other type of engineering are always constant in the market and there is a high chance of getting a job when you opt-in for an engineering degree.
There are high-salary potential opportunities
Engineering-related jobs ranked 9 out of 10 highest-paying degrees. An average engineer with an engineering bachelor of science degree gets double the payment of English and media degrees, therefore it is no lie that engineering jobs are lucrative. Fortunately, the pay gets higher as one specializes and gains more experience.
International career opportunities
Engineering is demanded all over the world, and founders are constantly looking for engineers to fill up the gap in their companies. So, you get a lot of international opportunities that can be leveraged.
Contribution To Technical Advancement
As we know it, the world is advancing every day, thanks to engineers that are paving the path. Engineering is a prestigious career that brings satisfaction merely by thinking about the positive results you are contributing to the world.
What Courses Will I Take In An Engineering Degree
Courses vary depending on degree type; engineering bachelor of science or master of science, the type of engineering; mechanical engineering degree, nuclear energy engineering technology, electrical engineering, engineering management and so on. However, there are some core courses that are common to most engineering programs. They are
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Structural Analysis
- Dynamics
- Analysis of Structures
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics etc.
What Can I Do With An Engineering Degree
There are limitless options when it comes to having an engineering degree. You can decide to work directly in the field or use your engineering skills to work in alternative fields.
Some of the fields are
- Mechanical engineering technology
- Civil engineering
- Nuclear Energy engineering technology
- Electrical engineering etc.
Sone of the alternative fields are
- Information Technology
- Business & Management
- Finance
- Technical Writing etc.
How Long Does It Take To Earn An Engineering Degree
It varies depending on the degree type. Only a bachelor’s degree takes four years; two years of core courses and two years of specialized disciple courses.
Master’s degree programs require two years of full-time graduate studies while a doctorate degree will take three to seven years depending on the coursework, school, and level of specialization.
How Much Does An Engineering Degree Cost
On average, an offline degree cost $40,000 while an online degree cost $16,000. On this list, the cheapest engineering school cost less than $2000 when financial aid is applied.
Which engineering programs are in most demand?
Each Engineering field has always seen a high level of demand, and there have always been engineering jobs available. However, depending on the trends and technological advancements, there are times when one field of engineering has more demand than others. So, finding out the relevant engineering degree programs that will matter in years to come is a great way to start your engineering career and secure your working future. Here are some of the engineering degree programs that are in demand.
Automation and robotics engineering
Robots have moved from assembly machines or automated vacuum cleaners to a fully-functional humanoids. These advancement has led to more complexity in designing, manufacturing, and testing robots which in turn leads to a higher demand for robotics engineers. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering will be a great investment, especially with the rapid rate robots are being created for various tasks.
Software engineering
Software engineering is a broad field that includes different specializations. Data Science and Machine learning is a part of software engineering and it is in high demand. Our technology is getting more sophisticated daily and it requires the attention of software engineers to write programs and analyze data to keep the technology sector growing. Software engineering is a goldmine and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in software engineering is a big yes.
Mechanical engineering technology
One of the most popular yet sought-after engineering program. Mechanical engineers are responsible for the designing and manufacturing of machines and mechanical systems. In our world today, Mechanical systems are highly demanded in different sectors making mechanical engineers well -sought after. Opting for a mechanical engineering degree even though the field may look saturated, is still a great idea!
Civil engineering
Getting an engineering degree in civil engineering will be a great investment. The world depends on infrastructures and those in charge of the construction of infrastructures are civil engineers making it impossible for a civil engineer to stay without a job for long.
Electrical engineering technology
Electrical and electronics engineering technology is a broad field that cannot be exhausted. Electric engineering covers fields like instrumentation engineering, power engineering and so much more. This makes it impossible for electrical and electronics engineers to fall out of jobs. So, if it is in your future plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, it is a great decision. Also, the electronics engineering technology field is seeing a significant rise.
Get enrolled in an engineering program today
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 of engineering 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 degree programs. These institutions got excellent reviews from previous students and alum.