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Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

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

Alpena Community College stands out with a remarkable net price of just $4,067, making it the most affordable Energy Systems Technologies program in the country. This Michigan school achieves a 50.2% graduation rate while keeping costs exceptionally low. The 15 programs under $20,000 span from $4,067 to $18,996, with public institutions dominating the market. Energy systems technicians work across power generation facilities, renewable energy installations, and utility companies throughout the nation's evolving electrical grid infrastructure. Graduates from Ferris State University earn $62,111 annually with manageable debt of $18,750, while Appalachian State University maintains the highest graduation rate at 73.1% for $16,487 net cost. The field connects directly to America's energy transition, where technicians maintain everything from solar arrays to nuclear power plants.
15
Programs
$4,067 – $18,996
Net Price Range
$50,897
Avg. Program Earnings
47.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,067 $5,130 50.2%
2 $6,802 $4,865 26.2%
3 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
4 $11,209 $5,265 22.2%
5 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
6 $12,612 $4,914 41.2%
7 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
8 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
9 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
10 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
11 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
12 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
13 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
14 $18,217 $12,640 57.0% 94.3%
15 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Alpena Community College so affordable for energy systems training?

Alpena Community College achieves a net price of $4,067, nearly $3,000 less than the next cheapest option. The school maintains reasonable graduation rates at 50.2% while keeping total costs minimal. This Michigan institution focuses on practical training without the overhead of larger universities.

How do graduation rates vary across these energy programs?

Graduation rates span from 22.2% at Lake Michigan College to 73.1% at Appalachian State University. Schools with higher net costs often achieve better completion rates, though Alpena Community College maintains 50.2% graduation despite its low $4,067 price. The average graduation rate across all 15 schools sits around 47%.

Is there a significant earnings difference between these programs?

Ferris State University graduates earn $62,111 annually, substantially higher than Appalachian State's $43,319 average. Illinois State University falls between these at $47,260 for graduates. The $18,888 earnings gap between highest and lowest suggests program focus and regional job markets significantly impact salary potential.

Does program cost correlate with post-graduation earnings?

Ferris State University charges $12,202 net but delivers the highest earnings at $62,111, showing strong return on investment. Appalachian State costs more at $16,487 but produces lower earnings of $43,319. The relationship between cost and earnings varies considerably, making program research essential for career planning.

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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.