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Engineering programs under $25,000 reveal striking cost variations across the country, with net prices ranging from just $3,307 at Navajo Technical University to $6,500 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The field offers strong earning potential, with graduates commanding salaries between $55,693 and $75,405 annually. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, though graduation rates vary dramatically from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to an impressive 91.5% at the University of Florida. The telecommunications sector has grown rapidly nationwide, creating demand for engineers who can design everything from 5G networks to IoT systems. California State campuses appear frequently on this list, reflecting the state's massive technology infrastructure needs. Ohio University's regional campuses offer particularly low net costs around $5,000-$6,000, though their completion rates suggest students may face academic or financial challenges. The CUNY system provides urban access points with reasonable costs and solid graduate earnings near $57,000-$59,000.
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 $3,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Navajo Technical University's $3,307 net cost reflects significant federal funding for tribal education, while UT Rio Grande Valley's $6,500 cost includes higher base tuition despite Texas's generally affordable public education. Regional Ohio campuses cluster around $5,000-$6,000, benefiting from shared resources with the main campus. State funding formulas and local cost of living create these price gaps even among public institutions.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

The data shows no clear cost-quality relationship among affordable programs. University of Florida achieves a 91.5% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, while Ohio University regional campuses see rates as low as 12.1% despite similar pricing. California State universities maintain moderate 49-69% completion rates across their $4,000-$6,500 cost range. Student support services and academic preparation matter more than price alone.

Is the $75,405 earning potential at University of Florida typical for electrical engineering graduates?

Florida's $75,405 graduate earnings top this affordable tier, reflecting the state's aerospace and defense industries plus tourism technology needs. Most programs in this cost range produce graduates earning $55,000-$70,000 annually. California State graduates typically see $59,000-$70,000 starting salaries, while Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates average $55,693. Geographic job markets significantly influence these earning differences.

What makes CUNY schools attractive options for electrical engineering students?

CUNY City College and Staten Island offer net costs under $5,200 with access to New York's massive technology sector. City College graduates earn $57,318 annually with a solid 54.7% graduation rate and 66.6% acceptance rate. Staten Island shows similar earning potential at $59,350 despite a lower 32.8% completion rate. Both provide urban internship opportunities and industry connections unavailable at rural campuses.

Does attending an Ohio University regional campus limit career prospects?

Ohio regional campuses show concerning graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, suggesting academic or financial challenges for many students. However, graduates typically carry $23,125 in debt, which remains manageable given electrical engineering salary potential. The campuses serve rural areas with limited educational access, though students may benefit from transferring to the main Athens campus. Career outcomes depend heavily on individual student persistence and local industry presence.

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