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Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $30,000

Programs with net price under $30,000. See our methodology.

California State University-Long Beach breaks the mold among affordable electrical engineering technology programs with a 69.90% graduation rate that towers above most competitors charging similar fees. While community colleges dominate this field with net costs under $8,000, Long Beach proves that four-year institutions can deliver strong outcomes at $8,931 annually. The manufacturing belt across Ohio, Kentucky, and North Carolina houses several budget-friendly options, reflecting the region's deep ties to automotive and industrial employers seeking skilled technicians. Purdue University Northwest graduates command the highest starting salaries at $62,409, nearly triple the earnings of some program completers. Caribbean University-Bayamon offers the most affordable private option at $6,392, while Lorain County Community College leads public schools at just $4,598 net cost. These programs prepare students for roles in power generation, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors that employ over 180,000 electrical technicians nationwide.
50
Programs
$4,598 – $13,945
Net Price Range
$54,482
Avg. Program Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,598 $4,135 32.7%
2 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
3 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
4 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
5 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
6 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
7 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
8 $7,423 $5,856 53.0%
9 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
10 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
11 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
12 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
13 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
14 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
15 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
16 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
17 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
18 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
19 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
20 $9,657 $6,284 31.4% 93.2%
21 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
22 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
23 $10,146 $3,168 29.1%
24 $10,399 $2,474 43.5%
25 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
26 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
27 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
28 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
29 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
30 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
31 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
32 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
33 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
34 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
35 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
36 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
37 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
38 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
39 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
40 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
41 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
42 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
43 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
44 $13,208 $6,368 31.0% 82.5%
45 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
46 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
47 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
48 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
49 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
50 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide salary gap between electrical engineering technology graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $15,552 to $62,409 depending largely on regional job markets and program depth. Purdue University Northwest graduates average $62,409 in areas with major manufacturing and industrial facilities. Graduates from schools in Puerto Rico and rural areas often start closer to $23,579, reflecting local wage scales and industry concentration.

How do graduation rates compare between community colleges and universities in this field?

Community colleges typically graduate 32-44% of electrical engineering technology students, while universities can reach nearly 70%. Zane State College leads community colleges at 53.00%, proving that two-year programs can achieve strong completion rates. California State University-Long Beach tops all schools at 69.90%, though it charges nearly double what most community colleges cost.

Is debt manageable for students in electrical engineering technology programs?

Most graduates carry reasonable debt loads, with Caribbean University-Bayamon students averaging $23,500 and Purdue Northwest graduates holding $26,000. These amounts align well with starting salaries, particularly for Purdue graduates earning $62,409 annually. Many community college students graduate with minimal debt since in-state tuition runs $2,336-$5,856 per year.

Where do the most affordable programs cluster geographically?

Ohio leads with multiple budget options, including Lorain County Community College at $4,598 and Zane State College at $7,423 annually. North Carolina and Kentucky also offer strong value through Wake Technical Community College and Northern Kentucky University. Puerto Rican schools provide additional low-cost alternatives, with several programs under $8,000 net cost.

Does program selectivity affect affordability in electrical engineering technology?

Most affordable programs maintain open or generous admission policies, with acceptance rates from 72-97%. University of the Virgin Islands admits 96.90% of applicants while charging $7,563 annually. California State University-Long Beach proves more selective at 39.95% acceptance but delivers the highest graduation rate at 69.90% for $8,931 yearly.

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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.