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Engineering Science Colleges Under $20,000

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

Engineering Science programs show remarkable cost variations, with California State University-Bakersfield offering degrees for just $5,825 annually while UC Berkeley charges $14,979 for similar outcomes. This 157% price difference reveals how strategic school selection can dramatically impact educational debt without sacrificing career potential. Engineering Science graduates typically earn between $48,041 and $56,415 within six years, reflecting the field's practical focus on applying engineering principles across multiple disciplines. The western states dominate affordable options, with California schools claiming five of the top spots despite the state's high living costs. National employers like Boeing, General Electric, and tech companies actively recruit Engineering Science graduates for their broad technical foundation and problem-solving skills. Arizona State University represents the middle ground at $13,670, combining reasonable costs with a 67.8% graduation rate. Meanwhile, highly selective programs like UC San Diego prove that well-known education remains accessible at $11,750 for in-state students, though only 23.71% of applicants gain admission.
26
Programs
$5,825 – $19,568
Net Price Range
$56,875
Avg. Program Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Engineering Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
2 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
3 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
4 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
5 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
6 $12,391 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
7 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
8 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
9 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
10 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
11 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
12 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
13 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
14 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
15 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
16 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
17 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
18 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
19 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
20 $17,478 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
21 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
22 $17,680 $30,010 59.6% 58.5%
23 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
24 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
25 $19,040 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%
26 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Cal State Bakersfield charges $5,825 while UC Berkeley costs $14,979, creating a $9,154 annual gap primarily driven by campus resources and research funding. Public universities in smaller cities often maintain lower operational costs while still delivering accredited Engineering Science curricula. Berkeley's higher price reflects its research infrastructure and faculty, but both schools prepare graduates for similar starting salaries. The 157% cost variation shows how location and institutional focus affect pricing more than program quality.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity in Engineering Science?

Highly selective programs like UC Berkeley (11.33% acceptance) achieve 92.9% graduation rates, while open-access schools like Shepherd University (95.86% acceptance) graduate just 49.5% of students. This 43.4 percentage point difference suggests that admission standards strongly predict completion likelihood. Mid-tier schools like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo balance both factors with 30.43% acceptance and 85.2% graduation rates. The pattern indicates that stricter admission requirements often correlate with better student support systems.

Is Engineering Science worth the investment compared to other engineering majors?

Engineering Science graduates earn $48,041 to $56,415 annually, which falls below specialized engineering fields like petroleum or computer engineering. However, the broad curriculum provides flexibility to enter multiple industries including aerospace, manufacturing, and technology consulting. The $8,374 earning range between schools suggests that institution reputation matters less than individual performance and internship experience. Students gain interdisciplinary skills that prove valuable in management roles and emerging technology sectors.

Does geographic location significantly impact Engineering Science career prospects?

Western states dominate the affordable options list, with California schools offering strong industry connections to aerospace and tech companies. Michigan programs like Ann Arbor and Flint provide direct pathways to automotive engineering roles, while East Coast schools connect students to defense contractors and consulting firms. Regional job markets heavily influence starting salaries, with California and Michigan graduates often earning above the $56,415 maximum. Students should consider local industry presence when choosing between similarly priced programs.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

Southern Utah University delivers strong value at $11,432 with a 59% graduation rate, while Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers top-tier education for $15,624 with 85.2% completion rates. UC San Diego provides top-tier research opportunities for $11,750, though admission remains highly competitive at 23.71% acceptance. Arizona State University represents solid middle ground with reasonable costs, good graduation rates, and strong alumni networks. Students should weigh personal academic preparation against these institutional strengths.

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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.