Cheapest Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges

Civil engineering technology programs show remarkable cost variation, with Savannah State University charging just $8,683 annually while some programs reach nearly double that amount. These 20 affordable options produce graduates earning between $50,606 and $61,516, making them solid investments for students entering a field that builds America's infrastructure backbone. The Southeast offers particularly strong value, with Georgia and West Virginia schools providing quality training at budget-friendly prices. Public universities dominate this affordable market, though graduation rates vary significantly from Lincoln University's 22.1% to Murray State's 59.5%. With the nation's aging bridges, roads, and water systems requiring constant attention, civil engineering technicians find steady employment opportunities across construction firms, government agencies, and consulting companies. Students can complete these programs knowing they're entering a stable career field where technical skills translate directly into middle-class earnings.

Programs

$8,683 – $36,906

Net Price Range

$57,820

Avg. Program Earnings

50.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$5,498	25.2%
2	Fairmont State University Fairmont, West Virginia	$9,055	$8,454	48.3%	98.5%
3	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
4	Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, New York	$9,173	$8,576	57.1%	73.2%
5	Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, Oklahoma	$11,588	$5,774	42.2%
6	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
7	Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana	$12,188	$9,992	41.1%	92.3%
8	Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri	$12,484	$9,290	22.1%
9	Bluefield State University Bluefield, West Virginia	$12,529	$10,240	34.6%	97.2%
10	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%
11	SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York	$13,882	$8,578	59.2%	81.7%
12	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
13	Montana State University-Northern Havre, Montana	$14,164	$6,269	42.3%
14	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
15	University of Houston-Downtown Houston, Texas	$14,623	$7,708	33.8%	88.4%
16	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
17	SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, New York	$15,001	$8,689	44.1%	94.9%
18	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, New Jersey	$15,266	$35,822	61.7%	84.1%
19	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
20	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
21	Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho	$17,324	$8,356	38.3%
22	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
23	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
24	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$18,045	$12,606	56.4%	94.0%
25	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
26	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
27	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, Pennsylvania	$18,952	$14,646	53.4%	97.4%
28	Texas Southern University Houston, Texas	$19,734	$9,173	19.9%	96.8%
29	Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$24,791	$38,160	59.6%	82.1%
30	Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, Pennsylvania	$26,084	$17,940	50.4%
31	Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,219	$22,082	74.7%	79.7%
32	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694	$57,016	70.8%	67.2%
33	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074	$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
34	Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, Massachusetts	$34,170	$41,010	68.6%	92.3%
35	New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, Rhode Island	$36,906	$35,625	57.5%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Savannah State University the most affordable option for civil engineering technology?

Savannah State University offers the lowest net cost at $8,683 annually, with in-state tuition of just $5,498. As a public historically black university in coastal Georgia, it provides access to civil engineering technology education at a fraction of typical costs. However, students should note the 25.2% graduation rate and consider support resources needed for success.

How do earnings compare across these affordable civil engineering technology programs?

Graduate earnings range from $50,606 at Savannah State to $61,516 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a difference of nearly $11,000 annually. SUNY Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $60,523 with the lowest debt burden at $17,104. Most programs produce graduates earning between $55,000-$58,000, providing solid middle-class incomes regardless of the school's cost.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduation rates in civil engineering technology?

The data reveals no clear correlation between cost and graduation success. Farmingdale State College costs $9,173 and achieves a 57.1% graduation rate, while more expensive Colorado State University Pueblo at $12,948 graduates only 38% of students. Murray State University offers the best combination with moderate costs of $9,121 and strong 59.5% graduation rates.

Where do civil engineering technology graduates find the best job opportunities?

State departments of transportation, construction companies, and engineering consulting firms hire the majority of civil engineering technology graduates. Programs near major metropolitan areas like Denver, Houston, and New York typically offer more internship and job placement opportunities. Rural programs may have fewer local options but often maintain strong industry partnerships within their regions.

Does attending a more expensive program within this affordable range improve career outcomes?

Higher costs don't guarantee better outcomes among these budget-friendly options. SUNY Polytechnic Institute at $13,882 produces graduates earning $60,523, while similarly priced programs show varied results. Student debt loads range from $17,104 to $30,717, making the total financial picture more important than upfront costs alone.

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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.