Engineering Physics Colleges Under $20,000

Engineering Physics programs nationwide span a remarkable cost spectrum, from CUNY New York City College of Technology's $4,783 net price to private options exceeding $37,000. The field attracts students seeking the mathematical rigor of physics combined with practical engineering applications, particularly valuable in emerging quantum computing and renewable energy sectors where national employers like Intel, IBM, and Tesla actively recruit. Murray State University graduates command the highest median earnings at $47,260, while schools like UC San Diego achieve an 87.6% graduation rate despite selective 23.7% acceptance. Public institutions dominate affordable options, with 12 of the 15 lowest-cost programs housed at state universities. Texas leads accessibility with multiple sub-$7,000 options including UT Rio Grande Valley at $6,500 net cost. The major's interdisciplinary nature makes graduates particularly adaptable in aerospace, semiconductors, and medical device industries where physics principles drive engineering solutions. Geographic clusters emerge around tech corridors and research institutions, though even smaller regional universities like Arkansas Tech maintain solid 48.7% graduation rates while keeping costs under $13,000.

Programs

$4,783 – $18,436

Net Price Range

$54,307

Avg. Program Earnings

57.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering Physics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, New York	$4,783	$7,332	19.4%	81.8%
2	Texas Southmost College Brownsville, Texas	$5,458	$3,148	26.8%
3	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
4	New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces, New Mexico	$6,747	$8,147	52.2%	78.1%
5	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
6	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
7	Florida Polytechnic University Lakeland, Florida	$9,899	$4,940	53.0%	56.0%
8	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
9	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
10	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750	$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
11	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
12	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
13	University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, Illinois	$12,313	$14,338	60.3%	78.7%
14	Augustana College Rock Island, Illinois	$12,437	$49,834	79.2%	61.2%
15	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
16	Oakland University Rochester Hills, Michigan	$13,584	$14,694	56.9%	90.1%
17	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$13,670	$12,051	67.8%	89.8%
18	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
19	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
20	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
21	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
22	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
23	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
24	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$14,832	$17,228	93.2%	17.7%
25	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
26	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
27	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
28	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
29	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois	$15,201	$16,004	84.9%	44.8%
30	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
31	University of Nevada-Reno Reno, Nevada	$15,402	$8,994	62.4%	85.6%
32	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
33	Delaware State University Dover, Delaware	$15,745	$10,314	38.7%	54.9%
34	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$15,960	$13,626	65.9%	86.8%
35	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
36	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
37	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929	$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
38	Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan	$17,084	$15,510	45.5%	83.2%
39	University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas	$17,365	$11,700	68.8%	87.8%
40	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
41	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
42	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
43	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
44	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$18,045	$12,606	56.4%	94.0%
45	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
46	West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon, West Virginia	$18,148	$33,494	49.5%	96.4%
47	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
48	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
49	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
50	Randolph College Lynchburg, Virginia	$18,436	$29,010	51.5%	95.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the massive price difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public versus private funding creates the largest cost gaps, with CUNY NYC College of Technology offering Engineering Physics at $4,783 net price compared to Christian Brothers University's $37,300 sticker price. State residency status further impacts costs, as Texas Southmost College charges just $3,148 for in-state tuition. Private institutions often provide more research opportunities and smaller class sizes, but public programs typically offer comparable career outcomes at significantly lower debt levels.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity and cost?

UC San Diego demonstrates that selectivity drives completion rates, achieving 87.6% graduation with only 23.7% acceptance at $11,750 net cost. However, affordability doesn't guarantee lower outcomes, as Murray State maintains 59.5% graduation rates while offering strong earning potential at $47,260 median salary. Regional schools like Arkansas Tech and UT Rio Grande Valley balance moderate selectivity with respectable completion rates around 49-53%.

Where do Engineering Physics graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

Murray State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $47,260, followed by Texas Southmost College at $45,529, suggesting regional job markets matter more than institutional prestige. Engineering Physics majors often transition into semiconductor design, aerospace engineering, and renewable energy sectors. The major's mathematical foundation makes graduates particularly valuable in emerging fields like quantum computing and photonics, where starting salaries frequently exceed these medians.

Is attending a highly selective program worth the additional cost and competition?

UC San Diego's 23.7% acceptance rate produces 87.6% graduation rates, but costs $11,750 annually compared to more accessible options under $7,000. Less selective programs like University of Connecticut campuses maintain 56-65% graduation rates with 97% acceptance rates. For students confident in their academic preparation, selective programs offer research opportunities and industry connections that justify higher costs and competitive admission.

Does geographic location significantly impact program quality and job prospects?

Texas dominates affordable options with three programs under $7,000, while Connecticut offers multiple campus locations with consistent quality around $11,000-13,000. Regional tech hubs like San Diego command higher living costs but provide internship access at major aerospace and biotech companies. State university systems often maintain comparable academic standards across campuses, making location choice dependent on industry proximity rather than educational quality differences.

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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.