Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

Computer engineering technology programs under $20,000 showcase dramatic cost variations, from CUNY New York City College of Technology's $4,783 net price to Purdue University Fort Wayne at $11,513. The most striking outlier appears in earnings data where Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates command $80,336 annually, nearly double the typical range for this field. Public institutions dominate the affordable market, though private Inter American University campuses in Puerto Rico maintain competitive pricing around $8,000. Graduation rates span from 19.40% to 69.90%, reflecting the hands-on nature of these programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The computer engineering technology sector continues expanding as manufacturers and tech companies across all regions seek skilled technicians who can bridge hardware and software implementation. Students entering these programs typically focus on practical applications rather than theoretical computer science, making them valuable assets in manufacturing, telecommunications, and emerging technology sectors.

Programs

$4,783 – $19,734

Net Price Range

$49,155

Avg. Program Earnings

46.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

45 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, New York	$4,783	$7,332	19.4%	81.8%
2	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, Idaho	$7,131	$4,656	55.1%	95.6%
3	University of the Virgin Islands Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands	$7,563	$5,612	28.6%	96.9%
4	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida	$8,001	$4,879	64.3%	81.3%
5	Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Arecibo, Puerto Rico	$8,036	$5,580	35.4%	33.3%
6	Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Mercedita, Puerto Rico	$8,245	$5,580	43.1%	52.8%
7	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$5,498	25.2%
8	Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Bayamon, Puerto Rico	$8,783	$5,580	33.0%	33.8%
9	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, California	$8,931	$7,008	69.9%	40.0%
10	Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, New York	$9,173	$8,576	57.1%	73.2%
11	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, Arkansas	$9,325	$8,280	24.3%
12	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962	$10,130	49.7%	64.3%
13	Weber State University Ogden, Utah	$10,722	$6,391	43.0%
14	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
15	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$11,513	$9,254	32.5%	80.7%
16	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
17	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
18	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973	$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
19	Nevada State University Henderson, Nevada	$13,208	$6,368	31.0%	82.5%
20	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$13,670	$12,051	67.8%	89.8%
21	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
22	SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York	$13,882	$8,578	59.2%	81.7%
23	Prairie View A & M University Prairie View, Texas	$14,041	$11,299	43.2%	76.1%
24	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
25	Fresno Pacific University Fresno, California	$14,317	$35,558	55.9%	75.0%
26	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred Alfred, New York	$14,488	$8,862	52.7%	81.7%
27	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553	$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
28	University of Houston-Downtown Houston, Texas	$14,623	$7,708	33.8%	88.4%
29	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
30	Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan	$14,773	$14,297	56.5%	75.3%
31	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
32	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
33	Shawnee State University Portsmouth, Ohio	$15,389	$9,622	43.0%
34	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
35	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, Texas	$16,025	$9,228	55.1%	84.6%
36	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
37	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, Oregon	$16,391	$12,687	59.1%	92.6%
38	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut	$16,435	$12,460	49.3%	76.7%
39	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
40	Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan	$17,084	$15,510	45.5%	83.2%
41	Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho	$17,324	$8,356	38.3%
42	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529	$23,400	69.6%
43	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
44	Kent State University at Kent Kent, Ohio	$19,614	$12,846	65.5%	88.0%
45	Texas Southern University Houston, Texas	$19,734	$9,173	19.9%	96.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between similar programs?

Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates earn $80,336 compared to $39,369 at CUNY New York City College of Technology, despite both offering computer engineering technology programs. Geographic location plays a significant role, as Idaho's tech sector growth and lower competition can drive higher starting salaries. The 55.10% graduation rate at BYU-Idaho also suggests more rigorous program completion standards. Regional employer partnerships and internship networks further influence post-graduation earning potential.

How do public and private costs compare in this field?

Public institutions generally offer the best value, with schools like CUNY NYC College of Technology at $4,783 and Florida Atlantic University at $8,001 leading affordability rankings. Private nonprofit Inter American University campuses maintain competitive pricing between $8,036 and $8,783 net cost. The acceptance rates vary dramatically, from Florida Atlantic's 81.32% to Inter American Arecibo's selective 33.31%. Cost differences often reflect state funding levels and regional economic factors.

Is the low graduation rate at some programs concerning?

CUNY New York City College of Technology's 19.40% graduation rate contrasts sharply with California State University Long Beach's 69.90% rate, indicating significant program variation. These differences often reflect student demographics, part-time versus full-time enrollment patterns, and local employment opportunities that may draw students into the workforce before completion. Some students enter these programs specifically for skill acquisition rather than degree completion. Transfer rates to four-year engineering programs also impact graduation statistics.

Where do computer engineering technology graduates typically find employment?

Graduates enter manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare technology, and defense contracting sectors that require hands-on technical skills. The $39,369 to $80,336 earnings range reflects regional job markets, with higher salaries concentrated in technology hubs and specialized industries. Many programs maintain partnerships with local employers who recruit directly from graduating classes. Government contractors, medical device companies, and automation specialists frequently hire these graduates for roles requiring both technical expertise and practical problem-solving abilities.

Does program selectivity affect job outcomes?

Inter American University Arecibo's 33.31% acceptance rate produces 35.40% graduation rates, while more open-access programs like University of Virgin Islands at 96.90% acceptance achieve 28.60% completion. Selectivity doesn't always correlate with employment success, as local job markets and employer relationships often matter more than admission standards. Programs with moderate acceptance rates around 64-82% tend to balance accessibility with academic rigor. The key factor remains matching program focus with regional employer needs rather than admission selectivity.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.