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Cheapest Electrical Colleges

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

Navajo Technical University delivers the most affordable path to electrical engineering education at just $3,307 net cost, making it nearly $3,000 cheaper than the second-most affordable option. This dramatic cost advantage reflects the university's mission to serve Native American students in New Mexico's energy sector, where traditional power generation and emerging renewable projects create steady demand for electrical engineers. The 20 most affordable programs span from $3,307 to $7,382, with public universities dominating the field. University of Florida stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $75,405 despite maintaining a reasonable $6,351 net cost. Regional clusters emerge across California State campuses and Ohio University satellites, each serving local manufacturing and technology industries. While graduation rates vary significantly from Ohio's satellite campuses at 12-20% to Florida's strong 91.5%, the earnings potential remains strong across all programs. California State University-Fresno graduates earn $70,009 annually, demonstrating how affordable education can still lead to substantial career returns in the electrical engineering field.
50
Programs
$3,307 – $10,896
Net Price Range
$65,091
Avg. Program Earnings
48.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
5 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
9 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
13 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
14 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
15 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
16 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
17 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
18 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
19 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
20 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
21 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
22 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
23 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
24 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
25 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
26 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
27 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
28 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
29 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
30 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
31 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
32 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
33 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
34 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
35 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
36 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
37 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
38 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
39 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
40 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
41 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
42 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
43 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
44 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
45 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
46 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
47 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
48 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
49 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
50 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Navajo Technical University's program so much cheaper than other options?

Navajo Technical University offers electrical engineering education at $3,307 net cost, nearly $3,000 below the next cheapest program. The university receives federal funding as a tribal college, allowing it to keep costs extremely low for students. However, the graduation rate of 19.7% indicates students should carefully consider their academic preparation before enrolling. The program serves students interested in both traditional electrical systems and renewable energy projects common in the Southwest.

How do California State University campuses compare for electrical engineering affordability?

Four California State campuses rank among the most affordable options, with net costs ranging from $4,113 at Los Angeles to $6,480 at Fresno. Cal State Fullerton offers the best combination of affordability and outcomes, with a $5,646 net cost leading to $65,610 in graduate earnings. Los Angeles shows strong value at $4,113 net cost with graduates earning $59,124 annually. All four campuses maintain high acceptance rates above 66%, making admission accessible for most qualified students.

Is University of Florida worth the higher cost compared to other affordable options?

University of Florida costs $6,351 annually but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $75,405, creating strong return on investment. The 91.5% graduation rate far exceeds other programs on this list, most of which fall below 55%. With only 23.35% acceptance rate, admission remains competitive but the outcomes justify the selectivity. Florida graduates earn approximately $15,000 more annually than the next highest-earning program.

What explains the low graduation rates at Ohio University satellite campuses?

Ohio University's four satellite campuses show graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, significantly below the national average for engineering programs. These regional campuses serve students who often work while attending school or face other completion challenges. All Ohio locations carry $23,125 median debt levels, which may pressure students to leave before graduating. Despite low completion rates, the campuses provide local access to engineering education in underserved Ohio communities.

Where do electrical engineering graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Graduate earnings range from $55,693 to $75,405, reflecting varied regional job markets and specializations. California graduates often enter aerospace, semiconductor, and renewable energy sectors concentrated along the coast. Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates earning $55,693 typically work in border manufacturing and energy distribution. Florida's $75,405 average reflects opportunities in defense contracting, space technology, and growing tech industries. Regional utility companies and manufacturing firms provide steady employment across all locations.

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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.