Best Value Electrical Colleges in Ohio

Wright State's electrical engineering graduates earn $62,260 annually despite the program costing just $15,216 per year, while Case Western Reserve commands $38,909 annually but delivers similar $68,219 earnings. This 60% cost difference highlights Ohio's stark value divide in electrical engineering education. The state's manufacturing backbone, anchored by Honda and other tech-forward companies, creates steady demand for electronics specialists across 20 accredited programs. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Youngstown State delivering $70,596 graduate earnings at $11,877 annual cost. Ohio State produces the highest graduation rate at 87.7% while maintaining reasonable $18,292 costs. Regional campuses like Ohio University-Lancaster offer entry points at $6,133 yearly, though graduation rates hover around 14%. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional support, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for in-state students pursuing careers in electronics design, communications systems, and industrial automation.

Programs

$4,503 – $38,909

Net Price Range

$69,100

Avg. Program Earnings

51.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$70,596	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
2	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$70,558	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
3	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$75,623	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
4	Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio	$16,065	$65,849	$12,613	48.9%	85.3%
5	Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, Ohio	$15,216	$62,260	$11,188	45.9%	95.2%
6	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$74,576	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
7	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$68,219	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
8	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio	$23,156	$68,965	$13,570	71.5%	86.2%
9	Cedarville University Cedarville, Ohio	$25,022	$67,101	$36,078	74.3%	64.9%
10	Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio	$25,727	$68,219	$37,800	74.2%	54.4%
11	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$67,660	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
12	University of Dayton Dayton, Ohio	$31,236	$70,456	$47,600	81.5%	74.1%
13	Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio	$38,909	$68,219	$64,671	87.0%	27.4%
14	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133		$6,178	13.7%
15	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328		$6,178	19.3%
16	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971		$6,178	17.7%
17	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483		$6,178	12.1%
18	Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio	$7,349		$14,776	16.0%	45.1%
19	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503		$6,178	20.0%
20	Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, Ohio	$21,812		$35,524	63.6%	85.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $76,000 cost gap between Wright State and Case Western Reserve?

Wright State charges $15,216 annually compared to Case Western's $38,909, yet both deliver similar career earnings around $68,000. Case Western's private status drives higher tuition, but its 87% graduation rate significantly exceeds Wright State's 46%. The extra investment may pay off through better completion odds and networking opportunities.

How do Ohio's public engineering programs compare on value metrics?

Youngstown State leads public options with $70,596 graduate earnings at just $11,877 annual cost. Toledo graduates earn the highest at $75,623 but cost $17,460 yearly. Ohio State balances strong earnings of $74,576 with reasonable $18,292 costs and an strong 87.7% graduation rate.

Is the University of Toledo worth its higher public school costs?

Toledo's $17,460 annual cost ranks among the highest public options, but graduates earn $75,623 annually,the highest in the state. The 92% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, while the 56% graduation rate exceeds most Ohio public alternatives. This combination justifies the premium for career-focused students.

Does Ohio's job market support electrical engineering career growth?

Ohio's manufacturing sector, led by Honda and supported by Cleveland Clinic's medical technology needs, creates varied opportunities for electrical engineers. Graduate earnings ranging from $62,260 to $75,623 reflect steady regional demand. The state's mix of automotive, healthcare technology, and industrial automation provides multiple career paths.

What role do Ohio's regional campuses play in engineering education?

Regional campuses like Ohio University-Lancaster and Southern offer extremely low costs at $6,133 and $5,328 respectively. However, graduation rates of 14% and 19% suggest these serve primarily as transfer preparation. Students often complete foundational coursework before moving to main campuses for specialized electrical engineering degrees.

More Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Rankings

Cheapest Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering in Ohio Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Under $20,000 in Ohio

All Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs Best Colleges in Ohio Best Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering in Ohio

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.