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Best Value Electrical Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Carnegie Mellon University graduates in electrical engineering command the highest starting salaries in Pennsylvania at $114,223, nearly $40,000 more than most other programs in the state. This premium reflects the school's deep connections to Pittsburgh's growing tech sector, where companies like Google and Uber have major operations alongside traditional employers like Westinghouse Electric. However, the 19 engineering programs across Pennsylvania offer dramatically different value propositions. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown delivers solid outcomes with a net cost of just $18,952, while private institutions range up to $44,876 at Villanova University. The state's position as home to major telecommunications infrastructure and defense contractors creates strong demand for electronics specialists, particularly in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas.
19
Programs
$18,952 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$75,030
Avg. Program Earnings
75.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,952 $68,918 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
2 $31,671 $114,223 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
3 $29,219 $68,592 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
4 $30,074 $68,918 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
5 $32,496 $71,575 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
6 $30,470 $66,029 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
7 $33,549 $72,168 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
8 $38,428 $70,270 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
9 $44,876 $74,576 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
10 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
11 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
12 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
13 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
14 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
15 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
16 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
17 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
18 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
19 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $95,271 difference between the most and least expensive programs?

The gap reflects Pennsylvania's mix of public and private institutions serving different markets. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown costs $18,952 net while Villanova University reaches $44,876, yet both prepare graduates for similar entry-level positions. Public schools benefit from state funding and typically serve regional job markets. Private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and alumni networks that can justify higher costs through career services and industry connections.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Pennsylvania?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Carnegie Mellon achieving 92.5% graduation compared to 53.4% at the most affordable option. However, several mid-priced programs like Temple University deliver strong 74.7% graduation rates at $29,219 net cost. The University of Pennsylvania leads all schools at 96.8% graduation rate, though earnings data wasn't available for comparison.

Is the debt burden reasonable for electrical engineering graduates in Pennsylvania?

Most programs maintain manageable debt levels relative to earning potential, with typical debt ranging from $22,224 to $29,666. Carnegie Mellon graduates carry $22,224 in debt against $114,223 starting salaries, creating a debt-to-income ratio under 20%. Even at programs with lower starting salaries around $68,000, debt levels remain below $30,000 for most graduates.

Where do Pennsylvania electrical engineering graduates typically find employment?

The state's major metropolitan areas drive most hiring, with Philadelphia's telecommunications sector and Pittsburgh's tech growth creating strong demand. Companies like Comcast headquarters in Philadelphia and the growing autonomous vehicle industry in Pittsburgh actively recruit from state programs. Defense contractors throughout Pennsylvania also hire electronics specialists, while the healthcare technology sector around major medical centers provides additional opportunities for graduates specializing in biomedical electronics.

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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.