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Electrical Colleges Under $20,000

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

Electrical engineering education shows dramatic cost variations across public universities, with some students paying just $3,307 annually while others face nearly $7,400 at similar institutions. The University of Florida stands out as the highest-earning program, with graduates averaging $75,405 despite maintaining a competitive net cost of $6,351. California dominates affordable options with four Cal State campuses offering programs under $7,000, reflecting the state's massive tech sector demand for electrical engineers. Ohio presents an interesting case study through its regional campus system, where identical tuition structures yield vastly different graduation outcomes ranging from 12.1% to 20%. The national semiconductor shortage and infrastructure modernization efforts have created strong job prospects for electrical engineers, particularly in power systems and communications technology. CUNY City College delivers solid value at $3,486 with 54.7% graduation rates, while specialized institutions like Navajo Technical University offer the lowest costs but face completion challenges in rural markets.
50
Programs
$3,307 – $10,896
Net Price Range
$65,091
Avg. Program Earnings
48.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
5 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
9 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
13 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
14 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
15 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
16 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
17 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
18 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
19 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
20 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
21 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
22 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
23 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
24 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
25 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
26 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
27 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
28 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
29 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
30 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
31 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
32 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
33 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
34 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
35 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
36 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
37 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
38 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
39 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
40 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
41 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
42 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
43 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
44 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
45 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
46 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
47 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
48 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
49 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
50 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $4,000 cost difference between similar public universities?

State funding formulas and regional economic factors create significant gaps between public institutions. California State University campuses range from $4,113 to $6,480 in net costs despite similar program structures. Ohio's regional campuses maintain identical $6,178 tuition but show completion rates from 12.1% to 20%, suggesting local support systems matter more than sticker price. Geographic location often correlates with both costs and career outcomes in electrical engineering fields.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in electrical engineering?

Higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates in this field. University of Florida combines a $6,351 net cost with an strong 91.5% graduation rate, while Ohio's regional campuses show 12-20% completion despite similar pricing. California State campuses demonstrate more consistency, with graduation rates between 49-69% across their $4,000-$6,500 cost range. Small specialized programs like Navajo Technical face unique retention challenges despite the lowest costs.

Is the University of Florida worth the higher cost for electrical engineering?

Florida graduates earn $75,405 annually, representing a $20,000 premium over typical program outcomes and the highest earnings in this affordable category. The 91.5% graduation rate significantly exceeds other options, while the $6,351 net cost remains reasonable for public education. With only 23.35% acceptance rates, admission competition reflects program quality. The strong earnings justify the moderate cost increase over cheaper alternatives.

Does location affect earning potential for electrical engineering graduates?

California programs show earnings ranging from $59,124 to $70,009, reflecting regional tech industry demand and cost of living adjustments. Texas graduates from UT Rio Grande Valley earn $55,693, the lowest in this group, but benefit from lower regional living costs. Florida's $75,405 average tops all programs, supported by aerospace and defense contractors throughout the state. Geographic proximity to major employers often outweighs program prestige in electrical fields.

Where can students find the best value in electrical engineering education?

CUNY City College offers strong value at $3,486 with 54.7% graduation rates and $57,318 average earnings, providing strong returns in a major job market. California State Fullerton combines reasonable $5,646 costs with $65,610 earnings and solid 69.2% completion rates. University of Florida delivers premium outcomes at moderate costs for qualified students. Regional factors like internship access and local employer relationships often matter more than raw program rankings.

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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.