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Engineering-Related Fields Colleges Under $20,000

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

Stanford University proves that top-tier education doesn't always mean crushing debt, with engineering graduates earning $92,632 annually despite a net cost of just $12,136. This financial aid success story contrasts sharply with the budget-friendly public options scattered across mining states and manufacturing regions. West Virginia University at Parkersburg delivers the lowest net cost at $3,613, while New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro reflects the Southwest's growing tech sector with a 56.40% graduation rate. Engineering fields nationwide benefit from federal infrastructure investments and the push toward renewable energy, creating demand for graduates from both community colleges and research universities. The $9,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options on this list demonstrates how geographic location and institutional type shape affordability. California State University-Long Beach stands out with a 69.90% graduation rate at $8,931 net cost, serving a region where aerospace and tech companies actively recruit. These programs span from two-year technical certifications to full engineering degrees, reflecting the field's multiple entry points and career trajectories.
47
Programs
$3,613 – $19,678
Net Price Range
$57,568
Avg. Program Earnings
54.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

47 Engineering-Related Fields Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,613 $4,420 30.6%
2 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
3 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
4 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
5 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
6 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
7 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
8 $8,615 $4,200 24.7%
9 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
10 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
11 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
12 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
13 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
14 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
15 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
16 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
17 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
18 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
19 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
20 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
21 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
22 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
23 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
24 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
25 $13,725 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
26 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
27 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
28 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
29 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
30 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
31 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
32 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
33 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
34 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
35 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
36 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
37 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
38 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
39 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
40 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
41 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
42 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
43 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
44 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
45 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
46 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
47 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Stanford's low net cost compared to its $62,484 sticker price?

Stanford's generous need-based aid reduces costs dramatically for qualifying students, bringing the net price to $12,136. The university's $37 billion endowment funds this financial aid, making it accessible despite the high published tuition. This policy particularly benefits middle-income families who might otherwise face significant debt. Engineering graduates from Stanford command starting salaries around $92,632, providing strong return on investment even at the net price.

How do public university costs vary by state for engineering programs?

In-state tuition ranges from $4,200 at Clark State College in Ohio to $10,130 at Eastern Kentucky University. West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers the lowest net cost at $3,613, reflecting the state's efforts to retain technical talent. California schools like Cal State Long Beach charge $7,008 in-state despite higher living costs. These variations often reflect state funding levels and regional economic priorities.

Is New Mexico Tech worth considering despite its higher cost than community colleges?

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology charges $8,265 net cost but delivers a 56.40% graduation rate in a specialized field. The school's location in Socorro places it near Los Alamos National Laboratory and mining operations. Its focused curriculum in mining and petroleum engineering connects directly to regional industry needs. The higher completion rate compared to broader community college programs may justify the additional investment.

Does geographic location affect job prospects for engineering graduates?

Regional industry clusters significantly impact opportunities, with graduates earning $63,749 at Eastern Kentucky University versus $23,579 at Universidad Ana G. Mendez in Puerto Rico. California schools benefit from proximity to tech companies and defense contractors. Mining-focused programs in New Mexico and West Virginia connect to energy sector employers. Utah Valley University serves the growing Salt Lake City tech corridor, contributing to stronger regional job placement rates.

Where can students find the best value in terms of graduation rates and costs?

California State University-Long Beach offers strong value with a 69.90% graduation rate at $8,931 net cost. New Mexico Tech provides 56.40% completion rates for $8,265, serving specialized mining and energy fields. Cal State Northridge delivers 56.20% graduation rates at $7,599 net cost in a major metropolitan area. These schools balance affordability with strong completion statistics, indicating effective student support systems.

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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.