The 25 Most Affordable Engineering Bachelors Degree Programs

AffordableEngineering

How would you like to have a career that allows you to develop cutting edge technologies that will change the world, build spectacular structures that will stand for centuries, or design medical procedures that will save lives? All of this while making a boatload of money to boot! With a degree in engineering, you can change your life and the world for the better. Here is what you could be doing as an engineer:

* With an Aerospace Engineering degree, you could work at NASA developing rockets that will travel to other planets or beyond the solar system.

* With a Civil Engineering degree, you could build skyscrapers that will withstand the strongest earthquakes or bridges and tunnels that will span the oceans.

* With a Mechanical Engineering degree, you could work for an automobile manufacturer developing the next generation of driverless vehicles or flying cars.

* With a Biomedical Engineering degree, you could design prosthetics to help people walk again or artificial organs to keep people alive longer.

Engineering degrees offer the highest starting salaries of any college major at an average of $56,000. Moreover, according to Forbes, there are 1.6 million U.S. engineering jobs that pay at least $42 per hour. Engineering students are in high demand because there are more jobs available than there are candidates to fill them. So, why are you waiting? Is it the cost? Believe it or not, an engineering degree is not as difficult to achieve or as expensive as you might think. Consider these schools as see for yourself!

These 25 engineering programs offer affordable, quality engineering degrees. The schools below were chosen based on cost and reputation in the field. The methodology considered and weighed factors like annual tuition costs, overall program reputation, and location. These schools are listed from highest to lowest in cost, ranked among the Top 100 engineering schools by U.S. News and World Report, and located in 20 states across the country. So, no matter where you live, you can find an affordable engineering school near you.

25. University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, PA

University of Pittsburgh

The Swanson School of Engineering boasts a world-renowned research facility with a hands-on approach to helping students thrive in their studies. The campus is located just outside of downtown Pittsburgh, giving students the benefit of studying on a large, urban, research campus that also offers fun and engaging student activities. The Freshman Engineering Program encourages success and growth with smaller class sizes, personal relationships with professors, team building exercises, and strong student guidance counseling interactions. All first-year students take common core courses that specifically focus on the needs of engineering students. The program gives students an overall understanding of the different engineering fields and methods. The University of Pittsburgh offers nine undergraduate and six graduate engineering degrees.

* Tuition: Below $19,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #43

24. University of Massachusetts: Amherst, MA

University of Massachusetts

UMass Amherst’s College of Engineering ranks as the best public engineering school in New England, as well as one of the top engineering schools in the country. While UMass is at the higher end of this list, nearly 60% of the students receive need-based aid, and hundreds of scholarships are granted each year, which can help offset the cost of the program. Engineering students hold the highest average SAT and GPA scores on campus, with one-third of their students enrolled in the honors program. In addition to the 13 bachelor’s and master’s degrees, there are two dual programs in electrical/computer and mechanical/industrial engineering that allow students to earn both degrees concurrently in just five years.

* Tuition: Below $15,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #59

23. Rutgers University of New Brunswick: Piscataway, NJ

Rutgers University

Founded in 1864, Rutgers School of Engineering is one of the oldest academic engineering programs in the country. Today, the school and faculty are known for their innovations in biomedical, environmental, and computer engineering. Students will gain unique experiences by studying in one of the school’s world-renowned research centers, such as the Wireless Information Network Lab and the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation. Outstanding undergraduate students can apply for the prestigious Engineering Honors Academy, which provides accelerated physics and calculus classes that are unique to the program. The school offers nine Bachelor of Science degrees, including bioenvironmental and biochemical engineering, as well as Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Ph.D. engineering degrees.

* Tuition: Below $15,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #56

22. University of Minnesota: Minneapolis, MN

university of minnesota

The College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota is affordable, highly rated, and also regularly voted as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. While Minnesota winters can be brutal, there is an underground system of tunnels called Gopher Way that students can safely navigate to their classes. A free bus also shuttles students across the Mississippi River that runs through the campus. There are 12 academic departments and dozens of degree programs that are taught by globally recognized engineering and science faculty members. The Living Learning on-campus housing for engineering and science students only provides additional opportunities to meet with faculty, socialize with classmates, and participate in engineering-related extracurricular activities.

* Tuition: Below $14,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #28

21. University of California: Berkeley, CA

UC Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley’s College of Engineering is located on the coast, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Residents of the state of California will find tuition rates that are lower than other schools across the country. One of the top three national engineering programs, Berkeley is known for its innovative and visionary faculty. Students are taught to think creatively to solve problems and develop new industries. In fact, two female UC Berkeley mechanical engineering students were featured on the TV show Shark Tank and secured a deal to develop their robotics company to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. The college offers 11 single undergraduate majors, hybrid majors, dual majors, and simultaneous degree options.

* Tuition: Below $14,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #3

20. University of Washington: Seattle, WA

University of Washington

Just north of downtown is Seattle is the College of Engineering at the University of Washington. This research institution is one of the oldest public universities on the west coast. A national leader in supporting women engineers, the college’s faculty is 22% female, compared to an average 14% nationally. The program is also a leader in economic growth as the third in the nation for creating startup businesses. More than 65 technology-related companies have been started by faculty and students of the engineering program in the last half decade. Engineering students have endless opportunities to show off their skills at one of the many campus competitions, including steel bridge building, human-powered submarines, and flying machines.

* Tuition: Below $13,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #27

19. Georgia Institute of Technology: Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta

The Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering is one of the top programs in the country, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. This urban campus is close to all the amenities that make living in a big city convenient and fun. It is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country, with U.S. President Jimmy Carter as an alumni. Offering dozens of degrees and eight schools, Georgia Tech is creating the leaders of tomorrow in science, technology, and engineering. Their Co-op program is the largest of its kind in the country, where students spend three semesters gaining real-world experience at some of the largest companies in the country.

* Tuition: Below $13,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #6 (Tied)

18. University of Texas Dallas: Richardson, TX

University of Texas

The Erik Jonsson School is located in a 330,000 square foot Engineering and Computer Science Complex at the University of Texas in Dallas. It features the newest, state-of-the-art Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory where highly specialized computer labs, clean microelectronic rooms, and plasma processing laboratories are used for learning and research. Students can major in six undergraduate and 11 graduate degrees, including software, computer, and electrical engineering. Areas of study might include artificial intelligence, bioengineering, cochlear implants, cyber security, nanoscience, or organic electronics. Engineering clubs compete and win on the national and international levels in fun and educational projects, such as BattleBot, video game modification, and autonomous underwater vehicle competitions.

* Tuition: Below $12,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #76

17. University of Arizona: Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s College of Engineering faculty, students, and alumni have been shaping the world we live in for 125 years. By developing new ways to help people using science, graduates have helped develop new retinas for the visually impaired, water purification systems for drought-stricken communities, optical imaging for early cancer detection, and technologies to help build earthquake resistant buildings. This commitment to building a better world is what makes this program strong, but they also like to have some fun. The UA Baja Racing Team and Formula Racing Club design, build, and race solar, off-road, and robotic vehicles. Students can choose from 13 undergraduate degrees, including aerospace, civil, and environmental engineering.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #49

16. Auburn University: Auburn, AL

Auburn University

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University is the largest and most prestigious program in the state. Its large campus with brick buildings and open green spaces is home to the Tigers. Their computer science program is the first public institution in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. The polymer and fiber engineering program allows students to develop cutting edge materials for communications electronics, aircraft performance equipment, and lifesaving biomedical materials. Ginn College is also one of the top research facilities in the country with students addressing cyber security, infrastructure, and environmental issues. Students will be at the forefront of innovative designs with the 12 undergraduate and ten graduate degree options.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #68

15. University of Wisconsin: Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin’s College of Engineering situated between three beautiful, tree-lined lakes in the heart of Madison. To say this university is one of the oldest in the country is an understatement, as it was established in 1849, a year after Wisconsin became the 30th state. The College offers a world-class faculty, outstanding curriculum, and high-tech facilities that immerse students in interdisciplinary activities and challenges them to solve real-world problems from the start. Students can choose their major directly after being admitted to one of their 12 highly ranked undergraduate degree programs. This includes nuclear engineering, which is ranked as the second best national program.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #14

14. Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is home to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering where engineering students are trained to become community problem solvers and innovative entrepreneurs. The Fulton Difference provides students with a strong core foundation of studies, hands-on experiences, and individual academic advising. The department boasts a respected team of faculty who are members of the national academies of Engineering, Sciences, and Construction, as well as a Nobel Laureate. The school also has a reputation for developing graduates who are well-trained for the workforce and recruited by top technology companies. On campus recruitment efforts have resulted in 84% of undergraduate and 92% of graduate students securing an engineering job within 90-days of graduating from ASU.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #42

13. The Ohio State University: Columbus, OH

Ohio State

Ohio State University’s College of Engineering offers 14 undergraduate and 15 graduate degrees in ten engineering departments. Students with an engineering degree from OSU can work in aviation, welding, agricultural, computer, and aeronautical-related careers. First-year students are enrolled in the Fundamentals of Engineering program and participate in a student competition upon completion. The competition allows students to learn more about nanotechnology, civil engineering, or advanced energy vehicle. The Humanitarian Engineer program encourages students to give back through volunteer work from an engineering perspective. Work in this program may involve repurposing old computer parts to assist the physically challenged in the community or traveling abroad to create improved ways of bringing clean water to needy communities.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #32

12. Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University

The College of Engineering at Purdue University strives to solve the world’s greatest challenges. They see the field of engineering as an opportunity to help humanity in all areas. With a focus on developing the top engineers of the future, the college spent $750 million to create Discovery Park, a research and learning complex that houses 4,000 faculty and students. Since 2002, another $165 has been spent on new state-of-the-art buildings. There are also over 400 research labs on campus that are working to solve the world’s problems. Students are encouraged to participate in the Summer Research Program, which lets students participate in hands-on scientific research.

* Tuition: Below $11,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #6

11. University of Maryland: College Park, MD

University of Maryland

The A. James Clark School of Engineering is one of the top-ranking programs in the world. Located just north of Washington, D.C., the College Park campus gives students a unique opportunity to work with or have access to some of the most prominent high-tech companies and government agencies in the country. The University of Maryland campus features several unique facilities for engineering students to conduct research, including the Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility, which simulates the conditions of space, and a state-of-the-art wind tunnel used for aerodynamic research. The Clark School offers nine undergraduate programs, including aerospace, chemical, and mechanical engineering degrees. Their graduate department offers 14 advanced degree programs, including civil, electrical, and nuclear engineering.

* Tuition: Below $10,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #23

10. Missouri University of Science & Technology: Rolla, MO

Missouri S&T_357

Missouri University of Science & Technology offers an extensive Freshman Engineering Program for students majoring in one of 15 undergraduate degrees. The program provides common courses that all new students must take during their first three semesters. Students will study chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and humanities to prepare better them for future success. Core classes like these ensure that all Missouri S&T engineering students are better informed when choosing a major after the first year. Freshman students also work closely with a faculty engineering advisor. The average class size is 29 students, and the student-to-faculty ratios are 17:1. Missouri S&T hosts the largest technological career fair in the U.S. with 700 employers hiring graduates each year.

* Tuition: Below $10,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #81

9. Texas A&M University: College Station, TX

Texas A&M University

Dwight Look College of Engineering is the largest college on the Texas A&M University campus. With more than 500 faculty, 15,000 students, and 14 engineering departments, the school of engineering is as big as you would expect from the Lone Star State. Both affordable and highly ranked, the Look College offers 20 undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees. The Fast Track program allows junior students to begin graduate studies, allowing you to earn both a BS and MS degree in just five years. As one of the top research colleges, students have the opportunity to participate in important technology projects that are being designed to improve homeland security, renewable energy sources, and advances in touchless technologies.

* Tuition: Below $10,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #12

8. University at Buffalo: Buffalo, NY

University of Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system of schools, and its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is the largest in the state. Globally recognized as a world-class research institution, students get hands-on experience with scientific studies. The SEAS Engineering Machine Shop is a unique facility that provides students the opportunity to design and build research equipment for class or research purposes. The Engineering Club allows students to participate in intercollegiate competitions where they might build motorized machines, steel structures, or concrete canoes. SEAS offers a wide range of engineering degrees, including electrical, industrial, and aerospace.

* Tuition: Below $9,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #59

7. Stony Brook University: Stony Brook, NY

SBU vert1_2clr_pms

Stony Brook is also part of the SUNY system of schools. The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is a research institution that combines engineering fundamentals with medical, business, and social sciences. This unique focus allows students to participate in cutting-edge research projects, such as nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and environmental studies. The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program strives to attract more female students to major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) degrees. The college is also affiliated with SUNY Korea, giving engineering students the opportunity to study abroad while gaining intercultural understanding. There are six engineering departments offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.

* Tuition: Below $9,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #66

6. University of Nebraska: Lincoln, NE

University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska’s College of Engineering is the only degree-granting engineering school in the state. The University takes its role of being the sole educator in the area of engineering very seriously by offering top-notch programs of study. The college also teaches its engineering courses at three University of Nebraska campuses, depending on major, including two in Lincoln and one in Omaha. Students can choose one of 12 majors, such as agricultural, architectural, and construction. There are also four defined minor tracks in engineering, including biomedical, energy science, international, and robotics. Students will also enjoy interacting with classmates in one of the many student organizations, like Earthquake Engineering Research, Husker Motorsports, or Emerging Green Builders.

* Tuition: Below $9,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #90

5. University of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT

The University of Utah

The College of Engineering at the University of Utah sits just east of downtown Salt Lake City on a breathtakingly beautiful campus at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. More impressive than the natural surroundings is its list of engineering graduates and faculty who have founded globally recognized technology companies, such as Pixar, Adobe, WordPerfect, Netscape, Novell, and Atari. The college has increased its number of engineering graduates by 140% in the last 15 years and has plans to triple the number of current graduates to meet the growing needs of the technology industry. There are 11 departments that offer engineering degrees in many unique fields, including nuclear, petroleum, and entertainment arts engineering.

* Tuition: Below $9,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #56

4. University of Iowa: Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s may be the home of the Hawkeyes, but their College of Engineering is also the home of student leaders who are excelling in the field of engineering. The University of Iowa has a unique approach to accepting new students by allowing them to choose any major they want and encourages students to register as undeclared engineering majors until they decide. This flexibility lets students explore different areas within the program and to pursue what truly inspires them. The college is extremely student friendly with free tutoring, team-building projects, and research mentoring opportunities. Engineering student organizations focus on community improvements by letting students work to improve the local and global community.

* Tuition: Below $9,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #63

3. Iowa State University: Ames, IA

Iowa State University

Iowa State University’s College of Engineering was originally an agricultural college, producing six civil and mechanical engineers with its first graduating class in 1872. Faculty and students have produced an impressive list of engineering achievements throughout its history. A former head of engineering built the first and tallest steel water tower west of the Mississippi on campus in 1897; an electrical engineering graduate student developed the world’s first electronic digital computer in 1939; and a student group designed the first solar car in 1990. The campus also hosts one the largest annual engineering career fairs in the country. The College of Engineering offers 12 undergraduate and 33 graduate degrees, including accelerated and concurrent dual degree programs.

* Tuition: Below $8,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #43

2. North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University is an urban campus near downtown Raleigh, which is consistently rated as one of the best cities to live and work. Some of the top tech companies in the world are in the Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, which regularly intern and higher NCSU engineering students. Centennial Campus, their award-winning research complex, is where undergraduates, graduates, faculty, private, and public companies conduct world-changing research. This facility has led to nearly 100 startups, 500 products, and 1,000 patents issued. The Hunt Library is a futuristic facility that features a 3-D printing lab, virtual immersion rooms, game lab, media studio, and other technology-rich learning spaces.

* Tuition: Below $8,000
* Engineering School Ranking: #28

1: Mississippi State University: Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University

 

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University is the most affordable engineering program on our list. For more than a century, the engineering department has been at the forefront of research, including most recently in renewable energy, robotics, and unmanned aircraft systems. The sprawling, tree-lined campus has a classical look with a touch of southern charm. Engineering Row is an impressive line of buildings that are home to the aerospace, civil, industrial, electrical, and computer engineering departments. Bagley College dedicates itself to attracting and graduating women and minorities. Nationally, only 5% of engineering degrees are awarded to African American students, but Bagley boasts a rate of 12% from their ten engineering programs.

* Tuition: Below $7,500
* Engineering School Ranking: #94