Cheapest Electrical Colleges in Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University stands as an outlier among Pennsylvania's 19 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering programs, commanding a $31,671 net price while delivering $114,223 median earnings that dwarf the field. This earnings premium reflects the strong demand for electrical engineers in Pennsylvania's tech corridor, where companies like Comcast and major pharmaceutical firms actively recruit talent. The state's affordability spectrum spans dramatically from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's $18,952 net cost to private institutions exceeding $30,000. Public options like Temple University at $29,219 and Pitt's main campus at $30,074 offer middle-ground pricing with solid career outcomes. Pennsylvania's mix of healthcare giants like UPMC, telecommunications leaders, and growing tech sector creates multiple pathways for electrical engineering graduates. State grant programs help bridge the cost gap for residents, making quality programs more accessible across different price points.

Programs

$18,952 – $44,876

Net Price Range

$75,030

Avg. Program Earnings

75.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, Pennsylvania	$18,952	$14,646	53.4%	97.4%
2	York College of Pennsylvania York, Pennsylvania	$19,685	$24,606	59.7%	95.6%
3	Westminster College New Wilmington, Pennsylvania	$20,800	$39,470	65.9%	75.3%
4	Gannon University Erie, Pennsylvania	$23,206	$37,951	69.5%	80.9%
5	Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg, Pennsylvania	$23,553	$13,544	51.6%	87.8%
6	Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$24,791	$38,160	59.6%	82.1%
7	Messiah University Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania	$27,686	$40,640	78.5%	79.4%
8	Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania	$27,700	$42,286	60.3%	94.1%
9	Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,219	$22,082	74.7%	79.7%
10	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074	$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
11	Widener University Chester, Pennsylvania	$30,470	$53,638	63.5%	87.7%
12	University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania	$30,528	$52,309	80.8%	84.4%
13	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$31,229	$66,104	96.8%	6.5%
14	Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$31,671	$63,829	92.5%	11.3%
15	Lafayette College Easton, Pennsylvania	$32,496	$62,574	88.1%	33.6%
16	Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	$33,549	$62,180	89.2%	37.0%
17	Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$38,428	$60,663	77.1%	79.6%
18	Bucknell University Lewisburg, Pennsylvania	$40,429	$64,772	86.2%	32.6%
19	Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania	$44,876	$64,701	92.4%	23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Carnegie Mellon's electrical engineering program worth its $31,671 cost?

Carnegie Mellon graduates earn a median $114,223, which is $45,305 more than the next highest program in the state. The university maintains a 92.5% graduation rate and accepts just 11.3% of applicants, creating a highly selective environment. This combination of academic rigor and industry connections in Pittsburgh's tech scene justifies the investment for many students.

How much can students save by choosing public over private programs?

The cost difference varies significantly by school choice. University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown costs $18,952 compared to private alternatives like University of Scranton at $30,528, saving students $11,576 annually. However, Pennsylvania residents benefit from in-state tuition rates as low as $13,544 at Shippensburg University. Private schools often provide substantial financial aid that can narrow these gaps considerably.

Is there a correlation between program cost and graduate earnings?

The data reveals mixed patterns between cost and earnings outcomes. Carnegie Mellon justifies its premium pricing with $114,223 median earnings, while University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown produces $68,918 earners at less than $19,000 net cost. Temple University graduates earn $68,592 at a $29,219 price point. This suggests that career outcomes depend more on individual performance and job market timing than program cost alone.

Where do Pennsylvania electrical engineering graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's electrical engineers benefit from the state's varied industrial base spanning healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Major employers include UPMC's healthcare technology divisions, Comcast's engineering teams, and pharmaceutical companies requiring process automation expertise. The state's position in the Northeast corridor provides access to both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh job markets. Many graduates also find opportunities with defense contractors and emerging renewable energy companies throughout the region.

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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.