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Cheapest Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Computer Engineering Technologies programs show remarkable cost variation, with CUNY New York City College of Technology offering the nation's most affordable option at just $4,783 net price while most programs cluster between $8,000-$11,000. This field directly supports America's $1.8 trillion technology sector, where technicians bridge the gap between engineering theory and practical implementation in industries from aerospace to telecommunications. Brigham Young University-Idaho stands out with strong earnings potential at $80,336, nearly double the typical range, while maintaining relatively low costs at $7,131 net price. Public institutions dominate the affordable market, though several private nonprofit options in Puerto Rico offer competitive pricing. The 55.1% graduation rate at BYU-Idaho significantly exceeds typical performance in this field, suggesting strong student support systems can overcome the technical challenges that often derail students in engineering technology programs. With acceptance rates ranging from 33% to 97%, students have options across selectivity levels while pursuing this hands-on career path.
50
Programs
$4,783 – $22,185
Net Price Range
$49,340
Avg. Program Earnings
47.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
2 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
3 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
4 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
5 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
6 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
7 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
8 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
9 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
10 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
11 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
12 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
13 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
14 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
15 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
16 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
17 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
18 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
19 $13,208 $6,368 31.0% 82.5%
20 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
21 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
22 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
23 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
24 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
25 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
26 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
27 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
28 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
29 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
30 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
31 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
32 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
33 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
34 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
35 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
36 $16,136 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
37 $16,391 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
38 $16,435 $12,460 49.3% 76.7%
39 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
40 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
41 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
42 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
43 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
44 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
45 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
46 $20,473 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
47 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
48 $20,913 $19,430 39.3% 91.5%
49 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
50 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brigham Young University-Idaho unique among affordable Computer Engineering Technologies programs?

BYU-Idaho delivers strong value with $80,336 average earnings against a $7,131 net price, creating an earnings-to-cost ratio that exceeds most engineering programs nationwide. The school maintains a 55.1% graduation rate, well above typical performance in technical fields. Despite accepting 95.56% of applicants, the program produces graduates who significantly outperform peers in earning potential. Student debt averages just $16,125, making the high earnings particularly meaningful for career return on investment.

How do public versus private costs compare in Computer Engineering Technologies programs?

Public institutions claim the three most affordable spots, with CUNY NYC College of Technology at $4,783, followed by two other public options under $8,000. However, private nonprofit schools in Puerto Rico offer competitive alternatives, with Inter American University campuses ranging from $8,036 to $8,783 net price. The cost advantage of public schools becomes more pronounced when comparing in-state tuition, with Florida Atlantic University charging just $4,879 for residents. Private options typically require higher net payments but may offer more personalized attention given smaller program sizes.

Where do graduates typically find employment after completing these programs?

Computer Engineering Technicians work across industries requiring hardware-software integration, from defense contractors to telecommunications companies and manufacturing firms with automated systems. The $39,369 to $80,336 earnings range reflects geographic and industry variations, with higher salaries concentrated in tech hubs and defense-heavy regions. Many graduates support engineering teams at companies like Boeing, Intel, and regional technology manufacturers. Government positions, particularly with defense agencies and public utilities, often provide stable career paths with good benefits for program graduates.

Is the low graduation rate at some schools a concern for prospective students?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 19.4% at CUNY NYC College of Technology to 69.9% at California State University-Long Beach, reflecting different student populations and program structures. Lower rates often indicate part-time student bodies juggling work responsibilities, particularly common in urban areas where students support themselves. Schools like Florida Atlantic University achieve 64.3% graduation rates while maintaining affordable costs, suggesting strong student services can improve outcomes. The 24.3% to 57.1% range across most programs reflects the technical demands and math-heavy curriculum that challenges many students.

Does program selectivity correlate with student success in Computer Engineering Technologies?

The data reveals an interesting pattern where moderate selectivity often produces better outcomes than extremely high or low acceptance rates. Inter American University campuses with 33% acceptance rates show mixed results, while BYU-Idaho accepts 95.56% of applicants yet achieves the highest graduation rate at 55.1%. California State University-Long Beach accepts 39.95% of applicants and maintains a strong 69.9% graduation rate. This suggests that institutional support systems and program design matter more than admission selectivity in determining student success in technical programs.

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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.