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Engineering Technology Colleges Under $20,000

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

Berea College breaks the mold for Engineering Technology, General programs by offering the lowest net cost at $4,483 despite being a private institution, challenging the assumption that public schools always deliver the most affordable education. The 15 schools on this list span net costs from $4,483 to $11,432, with public institutions like Texas Southmost College charging just $3,148 in tuition while private Berea's full aid brings costs below many state schools. Engineering technology graduates enter a national job market where manufacturing, construction, and telecommunications companies actively recruit technicians who can bridge the gap between engineering design and hands-on implementation. Eastern New Mexico University stands out with graduates earning $97,959, nearly four times the $26,353 earned by Berea graduates, highlighting how program focus and regional industry connections can dramatically impact career outcomes. The acceptance rates vary widely from Berea's selective 24.58% to University of North Alabama's open 95.68%, suggesting different institutional approaches to engineering technology education and student preparation.
50
Programs
$4,483 – $17,365
Net Price Range
$56,061
Avg. Program Earnings
49.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering Technology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $4,971 $4,226 45.5%
3 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
4 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
5 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
6 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
7 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
8 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
9 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
10 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
11 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
12 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
13 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
14 $11,257 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
15 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
16 $11,480 $7,272 37.1%
17 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
18 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
19 $12,174 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
20 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
21 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
22 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
23 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
24 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
25 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
26 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
27 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
28 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
29 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
30 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
31 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
32 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
33 $13,953 $7,392 25.4%
34 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
35 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
36 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
37 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
38 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
39 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
40 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
41 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
42 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
43 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
44 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
45 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
46 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
47 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
48 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
49 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
50 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between engineering technology programs?

Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $97,959 compared to Berea College's $26,353, a difference of over $70,000 annually. Regional industry presence plays a major role, as does program specialization within engineering technology. New Mexico State graduates earn $59,253 while Southern Utah graduates make $51,273, showing how location and employer partnerships influence starting salaries. The type of engineering technology focus, whether manufacturing, electronics, or construction, also affects earning potential significantly.

How do private and public costs compare for engineering technology programs?

Berea College, the only private school on this list, achieves a $4,483 net cost through substantial financial aid despite a $49,326 sticker price. Most public schools charge between $6,000 and $11,000 net cost, with Texas Southmost College offering the lowest published tuition at $3,148. California State schools like Long Beach ($8,931 net) and Sacramento ($10,512 net) fall in the middle range. The gap between sticker price and net cost varies dramatically, making financial aid calculations essential for accurate cost comparison.

Where do engineering technology graduates find the best job prospects?

The earnings data suggests strong opportunities in the Southwest, with New Mexico State ($59,253) and Eastern New Mexico ($97,959) leading in graduate income. Western states like Utah ($51,273 at Southern Utah) also show solid returns. Manufacturing hubs, energy sectors, and aerospace companies typically hire engineering technology graduates. The 26% to 70% graduation rate spread indicates varying program rigor and student support, which employers often consider when recruiting.

Does school selectivity correlate with program quality in engineering technology?

The data shows mixed results, with highly selective Berea College (24.58% acceptance) graduating students earning $26,353, while moderately selective Eastern New Mexico (27.55% acceptance) produces $97,959 earners. California State Long Beach combines moderate selectivity (39.95% acceptance) with strong graduation rates (69.90%). Open-admission schools like University of North Alabama (95.68% acceptance) maintain respectable 54% graduation rates. Selectivity appears less important than regional job markets and program focus for engineering technology outcomes.

What graduation rates should students expect from affordable engineering technology programs?

Graduation rates range from 26.80% at Texas Southmost College to 69.90% at California State Long Beach, with most programs falling between 45% and 60%. Schools charging higher net costs like University of West Florida ($8,155 net cost, 61.80% graduation rate) and Berea College ($4,483 net cost, 62% graduation rate) show stronger completion rates. The data suggests that programs with moderate costs around $8,000 to $11,000 often balance affordability with adequate student support services. Lower-cost programs may require students to work while attending, potentially affecting completion rates.

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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.