Skip to main content

Engineering Colleges Under $25,000

Programs with net price under $25,000. See our methodology.

Engineering programs across the nation show remarkable cost variation, with net prices spanning from $4,113 at California State University-Los Angeles to $8,364 at Indiana University-South Bend. The California State University system dominates affordable engineering education, claiming four of the top ten spots with graduation rates reaching 69.20% at Fullerton. Ohio University's regional campuses offer another pathway, though their graduation rates hover between 12.10% and 20.00%. Marshall University graduates earn $57,318 annually, reflecting strong demand for engineers in manufacturing and energy sectors that drive much of the national economy. Community colleges like Wake Technical provide entry points with $6,935 net costs, while College of the Ozarks stands out as the sole private option under $8,000. The acceptance rates range widely from College of the Ozarks at 21.13% to California State University-Fresno at 95.43%, showing multiple entry points for aspiring engineers.
50
Programs
$4,113 – $13,707
Net Price Range
$62,806
Avg. Program Earnings
50.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
3 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
7 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
8 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
9 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
10 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
11 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
12 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
13 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
14 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
15 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
16 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
17 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
18 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
19 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
20 $9,424 $6,110 42.1%
21 $10,191 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
22 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
23 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
24 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
25 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
26 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
27 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
28 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
29 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
30 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
31 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
32 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
33 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
34 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
35 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
36 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
37 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
38 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
39 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
40 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
41 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
42 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
43 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
44 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
45 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
46 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
47 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
48 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
49 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
50 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University engineering programs so affordable?

The Cal State system leverages state funding to keep net prices low, with four campuses offering engineering under $8,000 annually. CSU-Los Angeles leads at just $4,113 net cost while maintaining an 86.94% acceptance rate. CSU-Fullerton combines affordability at $5,646 with strong outcomes, graduating 69.20% of students. The system serves over 485,000 students statewide, creating economies of scale that reduce per-student costs.

How do Ohio University regional campuses compare for engineering value?

Ohio University's regional campuses offer consistent $6,178 in-state tuition across five locations, with net costs ranging from $4,503 to $6,483. However, graduation rates remain challenging, peaking at just 20.00% at the Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville. The Lancaster Campus shows the lowest completion rate at 13.70% despite similar pricing. These campuses serve as access points for students needing local options or transfer pathways.

Is College of the Ozarks worth considering despite higher selectivity?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21.13% of applicants but delivers strong value with a $7,669 net price and 61.30% graduation rate. The private college's work-study program helps offset the $21,290 sticker price significantly. Students graduate with minimal debt while receiving personalized attention. The school's unique model combines academic rigor with practical work experience that employers value.

Does Wake Technical Community College provide adequate engineering preparation?

Wake Technical offers engineering programs at $6,935 net cost with a $2,336 in-state rate, making it highly accessible. The 31.40% graduation rate reflects typical community college completion patterns where many students transfer before completing degrees. The Raleigh location provides access to Research Triangle Park employers and major universities. Students often use Wake Tech as a cost-effective pathway to four-year engineering programs.

Where do affordable engineering graduates typically find employment?

Marshall University graduates earning $57,318 annually often work in West Virginia's chemical and energy industries or migrate to neighboring states. California State graduates benefit from proximity to aerospace, tech, and manufacturing employers throughout the state. Ohio regional campus graduates typically serve local manufacturing and infrastructure needs. The $56,776 to $57,318 earnings range reflects entry-level positions in traditional engineering sectors rather than high-tech specializations.

More Engineering, General Rankings

Cheapest Engineering, General Best Value Engineering, General

Related

All Engineering, General Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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