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Cheapest Electrical Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses deliver the state's most affordable electrical engineering education, with net costs as low as $4,503 at the Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville. This represents a dramatic contrast to private options that can exceed $35,000 annually, creating accessibility gaps that define Ohio's engineering market. The state's manufacturing backbone, anchored by employers like Honda and Cleveland Clinic's medical technology divisions, creates steady demand for electrical and electronics engineers. Most Ohio University regional programs maintain identical $23,125 average debt loads despite varying graduation rates from 12% to 20%. Meanwhile, full universities like Ohio State and University of Toledo offer stronger career outcomes, with Toledo graduates earning $75,623 annually compared to Wright State's $62,260. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional support for in-state students, though the $70,000+ earning potential across most programs justifies the investment. Regional campuses serve rural communities where electrical infrastructure and manufacturing create local engineering opportunities.
20
Programs
$4,503 – $38,909
Net Price Range
$69,100
Avg. Program Earnings
51.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
7 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
9 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
10 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
11 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
12 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
13 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
14 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
15 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
16 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
17 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
18 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
19 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
20 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $34,000 cost difference between Ohio's cheapest and most expensive electrical engineering programs?

Ohio University's Eastern Campus charges just $4,503 net cost while private Mount Vernon Nazarene reaches $35,524, reflecting the public-private divide. Regional Ohio University campuses offer identical curricula at significantly lower costs than the main Athens campus at $20,413. Public funding subsidizes these programs, making electrical engineering accessible in underserved rural areas. Private institutions typically offer smaller class sizes but struggle to justify the premium for this technical field.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs across Ohio's electrical engineering schools?

Ohio State achieves an 87.7% graduation rate despite charging $18,292 net cost, while Ohio University-Chillicothe graduates just 12.1% of students at $6,483. The most affordable regional campuses consistently show graduation rates below 21%, suggesting cost savings come with academic support trade-offs. Mid-tier options like University of Toledo balance affordability at $17,460 with solid 55.6% graduation rates. Students should weigh immediate savings against completion likelihood when choosing programs.

Does attending a more expensive Ohio electrical engineering program guarantee higher earnings?

University of Toledo graduates earn $75,623 annually despite moderate $17,460 costs, outperforming Ohio State's $74,576 earnings from an $18,292 program. Wright State shows the lowest earnings at $62,260 with middle-tier $15,216 costs, proving expensive doesn't always mean lucrative. Regional factors like proximity to manufacturing centers and co-op opportunities often matter more than program prestige. The $13,000 earnings gap between highest and lowest programs can justify modest cost increases over time.

Where should budget-conscious students focus their electrical engineering applications in Ohio?

Youngstown State offers strong value at $11,877 net cost with $70,596 graduate earnings and 52.9% completion rates. Ohio University's regional campuses provide rock-bottom costs under $7,000 but require careful consideration of 12-20% graduation rates. Wright State and University of Akron occupy a middle ground around $15,000 with acceptable outcomes for students needing moderate affordability. Regional campuses work best for local students with strong self-direction and family support systems.

Is the debt burden manageable for Ohio electrical engineering graduates given their earning potential?

Average debt loads range from $19,000 at Youngstown State to $27,000 at University of Cincinnati, representing 25-40% of typical first-year electrical engineering salaries. Ohio University campuses maintain consistent $23,125 debt levels regardless of location, suggesting standardized financial aid approaches. With starting salaries exceeding $62,000 across all reporting programs, debt-to-income ratios remain favorable compared to other majors. Cleveland State and Ohio State graduates face slightly higher debt but benefit from stronger alumni networks in Ohio's tech corridors.

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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.