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Best Value Engineering Technology Colleges

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

Berea College breaks the mold for Engineering Technology education with a net cost of just $4,483 despite its private status, though graduates earn $26,353 annually compared to the field's top earner at Eastern New Mexico University where alumni make $97,959. This massive earnings gap of over $70,000 reveals how program focus and regional job markets shape career outcomes in Engineering Technology. The field connects directly to America's manufacturing backbone, with technicians supporting everything from automotive assembly lines to telecommunications infrastructure. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with nine schools charging under $12,000 annually. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona demonstrates the sweet spot at $11,580 net cost while delivering $63,005 in graduate earnings. The 20 programs span costs from $4,483 to $16,972, reflecting varied institutional approaches to hands-on technical education that prepares students for immediate workforce entry.
50
Programs
$4,483 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$56,123
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering Technology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,199 $97,959 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
2 $6,747 $59,253 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
3 $4,483 $26,353 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
4 $10,089 $56,544 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
5 $11,580 $63,005 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
6 $11,592 $60,771 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $13,346 $66,821 $7,278 21.6%
8 $13,824 $66,821 $7,278 24.5%
9 $13,253 $61,020 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
10 $6,500 $29,685 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
11 $11,432 $51,273 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
12 $12,909 $57,888 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
13 $13,945 $62,012 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
14 $12,579 $54,996 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
15 $12,174 $52,107 $8,373 44.8% 99.0%
16 $14,207 $60,256 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
17 $14,542 $57,318 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
18 $15,336 $59,937 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
19 $16,972 $66,287 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
20 $12,599 $47,729 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
21 $14,532 $53,775 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
22 $17,050 $63,005 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
23 $16,496 $60,298 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
24 $11,480 $41,193 $7,272 37.1%
25 $17,365 $58,673 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
26 $15,794 $52,107 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
27 $17,883 $56,867 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
28 $20,924 $63,463 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
29 $20,261 $56,641 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
30 $16,438 $43,798 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
31 $27,662 $66,821 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
32 $16,177 $38,829 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
33 $20,841 $48,432 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
34 $33,995 $73,949 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
35 $19,125 $40,485 $7,683 32.3% 42.4%
36 $19,614 $41,193 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
37 $29,219 $50,606 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
38 $38,428 $64,493 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
39 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
40 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
41 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
42 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
43 $4,971 $4,226 45.5%
44 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
45 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
46 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
47 $21,976 $9,576 100.0% 24.4%
48 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
49 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
50 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $71,606 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $97,959 annually while Berea College graduates make $26,353, reflecting different program emphases and regional job markets. Eastern New Mexico likely focuses on higher-tech applications serving oil and gas industries. Berea's lower earnings may reflect its mission-driven approach serving rural Appalachian students. Regional employer demand significantly impacts starting salaries for Engineering Technology graduates.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Engineering Technology?

Purdue University leads with an 83.10% graduation rate at $13,945 net cost, while Miami University campuses show concerning 21.60% and 24.50% rates despite moderate costs. Berea College achieves 62% graduation at the lowest net price of $4,483. The data suggests institutional support matters more than price, with some expensive programs underperforming cheaper alternatives in student completion.

Is attending a public university always more affordable for Engineering Technology students?

Not necessarily, as Berea College's $4,483 net cost beats every public option despite being private. However, 14 of the 15 most affordable programs are public institutions. In-state students at Western Carolina pay just $4,532, while California State Polytechnic University-Pomona residents pay $7,439. Private Berea's work-study model creates an exception to typical pricing patterns.

Where do Engineering Technology graduates face the highest student debt burdens?

Western Illinois University graduates carry $30,059 in debt, the highest among reporting schools, despite earning $60,771 annually. Morehead State and Northern Illinois follow with $27,000 and $27,250 respectively. Surprisingly, Miami University campuses show just $18,750 in debt despite concerning graduation rates. Debt-to-earnings ratios vary significantly, with some programs creating better financial outcomes than others.

Does program selectivity indicate quality in Engineering Technology education?

Admission rates range from 27.55% at Eastern New Mexico to 98.98% at Southeastern Louisiana, showing most programs maintain open access. Berea College accepts just 24.58% of applicants but serves a specific mission-driven population. Purdue's 52.70% acceptance rate aligns with its strong 83.10% graduation rate and solid $62,012 earnings. Selectivity appears less important than program design and institutional support.

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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.