2020 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Engineering Degrees
This page lists 24 accredited colleges with affordable online bachelor’s degrees in engineering. A bachelor’s degree provides an entry point into an engineering career, with prospects improving as professionals gain experience and further education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates steady job growth in most engineering disciplines, and engineers make twice the median salary of all other occupations in the United States. Schools on this list offer many distinct engineering disciplines, so it’s important to research the correct type of program during a school search. Below we’ve provided information about common engineering courses and answers to frequently asked questions.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or see our other engineering rankings. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar University | $7,440 | |
| University of the Potomac | $7,785 | |
| American Public University System | $8,640 | |
| Middle Georgia State University | $8,670 | |
| Bemidji State University | $8,758 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | $9,637 | |
| Stony Brook University | $10,590 | |
| Florida International University | $11,067 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | $11,100 | |
| University of Alabama | $12,000 | |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | $12,570 | |
| Regent University Online | $12,640 | |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide | $13,216 | |
| Upper Iowa University | $14,130 | |
| University of North Dakota | $14,410 | |
| Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | $14,594 | |
| Arizona State University | $15,900 | |
| National University | $16,650 | |
| University of Arizona | $18,000 | |
| University of Advancing Technology | $18,900 | |
| Keiser University | $19,808 | |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $20,010 | |
| Cogswell College | $24,750 |
Most Affordable Online Engineering Degrees by Program
| # 1 | University of New Mexico Tuition: $6,136 |
| # 2 | Mississippi State University Tuition: $7,335 |
| # 3 | University of Idaho Tuition: $8,235 |
| # 1 | Fort Hays State University Tuition: $6,560 |
| # 2 | Western Governors University Tuition: $6,750 |
| # 3 | Lamar University Tuition: $7,440 |
| # 1 | Montana Technological University Tuition: $3,921 |
| # 2 | University of New Orleans Tuition: $4,007 |
| # 3 | University of Arkansas Tuition: $4,558 |
| # 1 | University of the Potomac Tuition: $7,785 |
| # 2 | Middle Georgia State University Tuition: $8,670 |
| # 3 | University of Maine at Augusta Tuition: $9,269 |
| # 1 | University of New Mexico Tuition: $4,583 |
| # 2 | Kennesaw State University Tuition: $6,894 |
| # 3 | Mississippi State University Tuition: $7,335 |
Most Affordable Engineering College Details
For each school ranked above, we conducted manual research to provide prospective students with more details about the schools' engineering programs. Explore engineering class offerings, degrees offered, and accreditation information below.
Lamar University Beaumont (TX) At Lamar University, the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering degree is designed to be a four-year program that prepares students for leadership roles in manufacturing and other production environments. Students can opt for the 2+2 online format, in which they take the first two years of math and other foundational courses in person and the remaining industrial engineering courses online. Lamar’s industrial engineering faculty are known for their expertise in supply chain management, safety,... quality, operations research, six sigma, and lean engineering. All junior- and senior-level courses are delivered online through the Blackboard learning management system, but students are required to attend an on-campus three-day manufacturing lab. Students are strongly encouraged to develop additional real-world experience through the school’s many internships and co-op opportunities with local businesses and manufacturing research labs. Tuition is frozen for four years upon enrollment for eligible students, and financial aid and scholarships are also available. Distance learners have access to resources, including library resources, career services, and online tutoring. Students can apply through the ApplyTexas online system. In addition to the application form, applicants will need to supply an essay, transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a resume. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in logistics, management, quality control, materials, occupational health and safety, and cost estimation and analysis.
Example Classes: Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Engineering Materials/Process, IE Systems Design, Industrial Management, Production and Inventory Control, Quality Improvement Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of the Potomac Multiple Locations The University of the Potomac's online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering program is designed to prepare students to plan, design, build, and optimize hardware and software systems in a wide range of business, government, and academic settings. Delivered through the Blackboard learning management system, the 10 core courses cover computer organization and architecture, object-oriented design and development, database organization, wireless networks, operating systems,... distributed systems, and mobile app development. From there, students can choose courses from a number of specializations, including software engineering, database management, game design, mobile app development, data analytics, geospatial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The content helps prepare students for professional certification in software engineering. Students with prior education, work, or military experience may be able to receive some credit for this training. Online students enjoy the same resources as their on-campus counterparts, including career development services, student advising, and disability support services. Tuition fees were reduced in 2017 and financial aid and scholarships are available. To apply, prospective students should complete and submit an online application through the university website. Applicants will also need to submit official transcripts and test scores before scheduling an admissions interview. International students may need to provide alternative documentation and should contact the university directly for more information.
Example Classes: Agile Software Development, Applied Network and Security, Software Testing Online Bachelor's Degrees
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American Public University System Charles Town (WV) At American Public University, three online bachelor’s of electrical engineering degrees are offered. Each program is designed to provide students with a foundation in theory, practices, tools, and technology. The core courses cover such topics as electrical engineering fundamentals, electrical circuit analysis, analog and digital circuit theory, discrete math, linear algebra, calculus, and physics. Students who want to specialize in communications will take additional courses in microwave engineering,... wireless communications, and more, while students focusing on mechatronic systems will take additional courses in mechatronics, embedded systems design, and power electronics. Undergraduates also have the option of taking courses in both areas for a generalized degree in electrical engineering. A senior seminar project is required for all students. Distance learning courses typically run for eight weeks, and new classes start every month. Online students earn the same degree as their on-campus counterparts and have the same access to student resources, including the school’s career preparation and coaching services. Applicants must be able to show proof of a high school diploma or the equivalent. College students who have studied elsewhere or completed a degree program at another school may be able to receive transfer credit for previously completed coursework. Besides federal aid programs, the school offers some scholarships, especially for current and former members of the U.S. armed forces.
Example Classes: Continuous and Discrete Signals and Systems, Control Systems Theory and Design, Energy Conversion Processes and Systems, Field Theory Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Middle Georgia State University Macon (GA)
Example Classes: Computer Architecture, Robot Programming, Software Testing and Quality Assurance Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Bemidji State University Bemidji (MN)
Example Classes: Economic and Cost Analysis, Material Science and Metallurgy, Principles of Professional Development, Project Management Methodology, Quality Assurance, Safety and Risk Management Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH)
Example Classes: Computational Graphics and Visualization, Fundamentals of Data Mining, Operating Environments, Software Development Lifecycle, Software Testing, Automation, and Quality Assurance Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale (IL)
Example Classes: Computer-Aided Manufacturing, Cost Estimating, Health and Injury Control in A Work Setting, Industrial Robotics, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Black Belt Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Stony Brook University Stony Brook (NY)
Example Classes: Design using Programmable Mixed-Signal Systems-on-Chip, Electric Machinery & Energy Conversion, Electromagnetics, Power Systems Engineering, Random Signals, Renewable Distributed Generation and Storage Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Florida International University Miami (FL)
Example Classes: Embedded GUI Programming, Energy Conversion Lab, Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures, Industrial Control Systems, Integrated Circuits and Systems, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Source and Their Utilization Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Saint Leo University Online St. Leo (FL)
Example Classes: Database Concepts and Programming, Decision Support Systems, Information Technology and Project Management, Network Theory and Design, Programming in C/C++, Programming in JAVA Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (AL)
Example Classes: Heat Transfer, Modern Manufacturing Practices, Small-Scale Engineering Graphics, Static Machine Components Online Bachelor's Degrees
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MidAmerica Nazarene University Olathe (KS)
Example Classes: Data Structures and Algorithms, Emerging Trends in Technology, Web Application Development Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Regent University Online Virginia Beach (VA)
Example Classes: Information Systems Security, Mobile and Smart Computing, Operating Systems, Parallel and Distributive Programming, Software Engineering Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach (FL)
Example Classes: Advanced Technologies in Design and Production of Aircraft Structures & Systems, Aviation Information Systems, Construction Scheduling & Control, Rotorcraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems Robotics, Unmanned Systems Sensing Technology Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Upper Iowa University Fayette (IA)
Example Classes: Database and Information Management, Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Systems and Integration, Human-Computer Interaction, IT Security and Risk Management, Strategy, Management and Acquisition Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of North Dakota Grand Forks (ND)
Example Classes: Design Hydrology for Wetlands, Drilling Engineering, Groundwater Modeling, Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation, Reclamation Engineering, Reservoir Engineering Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park (PA)
Example Classes: Electrical Circuits and Power Distribution, Embedded Real Time Systems, Engineering Quality and Security in Software, Software Verification, Validation, and Testing Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Arizona State University Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
Example Classes: Engineering Administration, Introduction to Systems Engineering, Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving Online Bachelor's Degrees
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National University La Jolla (CA)
Example Classes: Computer Ethics, Design & Analysis of Experiment, Legal Aspects of Engineering, Linear Systems and Signals, Product Design Optimization, VLSI Design Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Arizona Tucson (AZ)
Example Classes: Engineering Ethics, Microprocessor Organization, Object-Oriented Software Design Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Advancing Technology Tempe (AZ)
Example Classes: Applied Mobile Computing and Cloud Collaboration Technologies, Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery, Directory Services Design and Administration, Router and Switch Configuration and Administration, Shell Scripting for Hackers, Virtualization System Technologies and Administration Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Keiser University Daytona Beach (FL) (and 15 others)
Example Classes: Advanced Electrical/Mechanical Systems, Programming in C for Engineers, Rapid Prototyping with FPGA Online Bachelor's Degrees
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University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham (AL)
Example Classes: Drawing, Design and Measurement for ID, Industrial Distribution Management, Industrial Distribution Policies and Quality Issues Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Cogswell College Sunnyvale (CA)
Example Classes: GUI and Graphics Programming, Mobile Programming for iOS, or Mobile Programming for Android, Tools Programming Online Bachelor's Degrees
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Common Engineering Courses
The following are examples of courses that engineering students might take in an online program. Many programs will offer coursework about these topics, though course names may vary.
- Computational Graphics and Visualization: Courses on this topic teach methods for visually representing complex systems and processes. Engineering students in many concentrations can study systems models, the qualities of various data inputs, and software to present compelling computer simulations. Old Dominion University offers both a BS and MS of Engineering in Modeling and Simulation for students who want to specialize in this discipline.
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): This course introduces students to the engineering technology used in modern manufacturing, which relies on computer-aided automation to maximize efficiency. Undergraduates in industrial engineering usually need to take a CIM course, with coursework that covers systems integration, robotics, computer-aided design, and more. Lamar University and Southern Illinois University - Carbondale are among the schools on our most-affordable list to require CIM courses in their bachelor’s programs.
- Material Science and Metallurgy: Engineers can’t build or design a project without first understanding the materials at their disposal. Courses in material science and metallurgy cover the physical properties of different substances, how they react to stresses, and how they bear loads under different conditions. These classes are useful for many engineering disciplines, so various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students take them. For example, the University of Alabama requires mechanical engineering undergraduates to take three courses in material engineering, including a lab.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance: A software testing course is required for undergraduate students in software engineering programs, including at the University of the Potomac and Middle Georgia State University. Students in other specializations, such as biomedical engineering, may take a similar class. Professors will teach debugging practices, development life cycle models, and test-plan writing skills to help their students develop high-quality software.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Engineering Degrees
What kind of engineering degree should I pursue?
Engineering is a broad discipline: OnlineU lists degree programs in nine different specializations, and the BLS notes 16 types of engineering careers. When deciding on an engineering degree program, consider how closely your interests and skills align with one of the career categories. Look into mechanical, industrial, aerospace, or electronics engineering if you like to build things or improve processes. If you’re interested in energy use, you may want to study nuclear, petroleum, or environmental engineering. Each discipline listed in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook notes the important qualities needed to succeed.
What affordability factors should I consider during my school search?
You want to consider tuition, fees, and post-graduation debt, along with your likely return on investment (ROI). Our research has found that, on average, schools charge online students the same tuition or less compared to on-campus students. Notably, distance learning may come with additional technology fees, along with equipment rental or purchase considerations. Finally, consider the likely return on your investment: you may be comfortable with the risk of a costlier program (and more debt) if it improves your salary prospects later in your career. Our sister site, OnlineU.com, provides ROI scores in school rankings.
Are there financial aid options for online engineering programs?
Most students at all degree levels use some form of financial aid. Enrolling in an accredited degree program opens up federal financial aid options, so check that your preferred program is nationally or regionally accredited. Federal financial aid includes grants and scholarships, loans that accrue interest after graduation, and work-study or research-study plans that pay students to work for their schools or participating organizations. Scholarships and grants can be crucial to reducing future debt by lowering total tuition, and you don’t need to repay them if you remain in good academic standing. The government offers a range of needs- and merit-based programs, as do individual schools, so you may consider these important options before turning to loans.