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Computer Engineering Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

University of Florida stands out dramatically in this affordable Computer Engineering market, delivering $77,715 median earnings while maintaining a $6,351 net price. This represents a stark contrast to programs like Ohio University's regional campuses, where graduation rates hover between 12-20% compared to Florida's impressive 91.5% completion rate. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, with graduates from top-performing affordable programs earning nearly three times more than those from struggling regional campuses. California's state university system dominates the middle tier, offering solid career preparation with earnings ranging from $45,600 to $63,005. The computer engineering field benefits from major tech hubs across these states, with California's Silicon Valley proximity, Texas's growing tech corridor, and Florida's aerospace industry providing ample internship and career opportunities. Most programs cluster around the $5,000-$7,000 net cost range, making quality engineering education accessible without crushing debt loads.
50
Programs
$3,061 – $11,513
Net Price Range
$66,275
Avg. Program Earnings
51.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,071 $4,564 46.7%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
15 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
16 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
17 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
18 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
19 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
20 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
21 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
22 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
23 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
24 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
25 $9,002 $4,311 35.2%
26 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
27 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
28 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
29 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
30 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
31 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
32 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
33 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
34 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
35 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
36 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
37 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
38 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
39 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
40 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
41 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
42 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
43 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
44 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
45 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
46 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
47 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
48 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
49 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
50 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between Florida and other affordable programs?

University of Florida graduates earn $77,715 annually, compared to $45,600 at Cal State Bakersfield, representing a 70% premium. Florida's 91.5% graduation rate and 23.35% acceptance rate indicate highly selective admissions and strong academic support. The program benefits from proximity to aerospace companies, defense contractors, and growing tech sectors. This combination of selectivity, support systems, and regional industry connections creates significantly better career outcomes.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare in Computer Engineering outcomes?

Ohio University's satellite campuses show concerning graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, suggesting significant academic challenges. The Lancaster campus reports only 13.7% of students completing their programs, while Eastern campus reaches 20%. Net costs range from $4,503 to $6,483, making them affordable but potentially risky investments. Students should carefully consider support services and transfer options to main campuses before enrolling.

Is California's state university system worth the cost for Computer Engineering?

California State University campuses offer solid value with earnings between $45,600 and $63,005 for graduates. Fresno leads with $63,005 median earnings and a 54.8% graduation rate at $6,480 net cost. Fullerton provides similar outcomes with a 69.2% graduation rate, while San Bernardino offers 91.08% acceptance with reasonable debt loads of $18,214. The system provides reliable pathways to tech careers without excessive costs.

Does Texas A&M International offer quality Computer Engineering despite the low cost?

Texas A&M International provides the lowest net cost at $3,061 with a 48.9% graduation rate, indicating reasonable academic outcomes for the investment. The 47.88% acceptance rate suggests moderate selectivity while maintaining affordability. Border location in Laredo offers unique opportunities in international business and cross-border technology applications. However, earnings data isn't available, making career outcome assessment challenging compared to other Texas options.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and career outcomes?

Brigham Young University-Idaho offers strong value with $61,516 median earnings at $7,131 net cost and 55.1% graduation rate. CUNY City College provides $52,733 earnings for just $3,486 net cost in a major tech market. University of Florida delivers the highest earnings at $77,715 but requires competitive admission with only 23.35% acceptance. Cal State Fresno balances strong earnings of $63,005 with 95.43% acceptance rate for broader accessibility.

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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.