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Engineering-Related Technologies Colleges Under $20,000

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

Engineering-Related Technologies programs reveal a striking cost divide across the country, with net prices ranging from just $6,351 at the University of Florida to $13,869 at Troy University. This 118% price gap reflects different state funding models and regional economics rather than program quality differences. The field serves critical infrastructure needs nationwide, from telecommunications networks to manufacturing automation systems that keep American industry competitive. Community colleges like Wake Technical offer accelerated pathways at $6,935 net cost, while full universities provide broader technical foundations. Graduate earnings span $33,987 to $73,446, with Louisiana's Nicholls State University producing the highest-earning graduates despite moderate program costs. California State University-Fresno combines reasonable $6,480 pricing with strong $67,101 graduate earnings, reflecting the state's tech-heavy economy. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Wake Technical's 31.4% to University of Florida's impressive 91.5%, often correlating with program structure and student preparation levels.
31
Programs
$6,351 – $18,292
Net Price Range
$55,051
Avg. Program Earnings
49.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Engineering-Related Technologies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
5 $7,113 $5,400 20.4%
6 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
7 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
8 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
9 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
10 $12,091 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
11 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
12 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
13 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
14 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
15 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
16 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
17 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
18 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
19 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
20 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
21 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
22 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
23 $16,338 $9,810 23.6%
24 $16,391 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
25 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
26 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
27 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
28 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
29 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
30 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
31 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between graduates at different schools?

Graduate earnings range from $33,987 at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez to $73,446 at Nicholls State University, a difference of $39,459 annually. Regional job markets drive much of this variation, with Louisiana's petrochemical industry offering premium salaries for technical specialists. University of Alaska Anchorage graduates earn $65,332, reflecting Alaska's resource extraction economy that values technical expertise. Local industry partnerships and internship networks also influence post-graduation salary negotiations.

How do community college programs compare to university options for cost and outcomes?

Community colleges like Wake Technical ($6,935 net cost) and Cincinnati State ($7,113) offer the most affordable entry points but show lower graduation rates at 31.4% and 20.4% respectively. These programs focus on immediate workforce preparation with shorter timeframes. Four-year universities like University of Florida cost similar amounts at $6,351 but achieve 91.5% graduation rates through more structured academic support. The choice depends on career timeline and learning preferences rather than pure cost savings.

Is University of Florida's 91.5% graduation rate sustainable at such low costs?

University of Florida achieves the highest graduation rate at 91.5% while maintaining the lowest net cost at $6,351, suggesting strong state funding and student support systems. Their 23.35% acceptance rate indicates selective admissions that contribute to student success rates. Florida's aerospace and defense industries provide clear career pathways that motivate student completion. This combination of affordability, selectivity, and regional job demand creates an unusually successful program model.

Does program location significantly impact career opportunities after graduation?

Geographic location strongly influences both program costs and career prospects in Engineering-Related Technologies. Alaska and Louisiana graduates earn $65,332 and $73,446 respectively, reflecting resource-heavy state economies that value technical skills. California State University-Fresno graduates earn $67,101, benefiting from proximity to Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem. Puerto Rico programs show lower earnings at $33,987 but also feature the most affordable in-state tuition, creating different value propositions for students.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and career outcomes?

California State University-Fresno offers the optimal balance with $6,480 net costs and $67,101 graduate earnings, providing 10-to-1 annual return on educational investment. University of Alaska Anchorage delivers strong $65,332 earnings for $13,780 costs, though graduation rates remain challenging at 28.9%. University of Florida provides excellent academic outcomes at minimal cost but requires navigating highly competitive 23.35% admissions. Students should match their academic preparation to program selectivity levels.

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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.