2020 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Engineering Degrees

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.

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.

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.