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Cheapest Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges

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

Community colleges dominate the most affordable electrical engineering technology programs, with Lorain County Community College charging just $4,598 annually while delivering a 32.7% graduation rate. The cost gap between institutions tells a compelling story about access to technical education in a field where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% growth through 2032. Public institutions account for most of the cheapest options, yet earnings vary dramatically from $15,552 to $62,409 among graduates. California State University-Long Beach stands out with a 69.9% graduation rate despite its $8,931 net cost, while Purdue University Northwest graduates earn $62,409 annually. The electrical engineering technology field serves critical infrastructure needs across manufacturing, utilities, and telecommunications sectors nationwide. Regional differences in program costs reflect local labor markets and state funding policies. Students can access quality technical education at community colleges for under $6,000, though graduation rates at these institutions typically hover around 30-35%. Four-year programs generally cost more but often produce higher completion rates and stronger earnings potential.
50
Programs
$4,598 – $13,945
Net Price Range
$54,482
Avg. Program Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,598 $4,135 32.7%
2 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
3 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
4 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
5 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
6 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
7 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
8 $7,423 $5,856 53.0%
9 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
10 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
11 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
12 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
13 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
14 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
15 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
16 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
17 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
18 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
19 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
20 $9,657 $6,284 31.4% 93.2%
21 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
22 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
23 $10,146 $3,168 29.1%
24 $10,399 $2,474 43.5%
25 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
26 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
27 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
28 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
29 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
30 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
31 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
32 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
33 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
34 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
35 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
36 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
37 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
38 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
39 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
40 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
41 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
42 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
43 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
44 $13,208 $6,368 31.0% 82.5%
45 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
46 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
47 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
48 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
49 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
50 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between electrical engineering technology graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $15,552 to $62,409 annually, reflecting regional job markets and career paths. Purdue University Northwest graduates earn the highest at $62,409, while some programs show much lower starting salaries. The difference often depends on whether graduates work in manufacturing, utilities, or specialized technical roles. Geographic location significantly impacts both starting salaries and career advancement opportunities.

How do graduation rates compare between cheap and expensive programs?

California State University-Long Beach achieves a 69.9% graduation rate at $8,931 annual cost, the highest among these affordable programs. Most community college programs show graduation rates between 25-45%, with Zane State College reaching 53% at $7,423 annually. Miami Dade College combines a reasonable $5,929 cost with a solid 44.7% graduation rate. The data suggests that slightly higher costs often correlate with better completion rates.

Is attending a community college for electrical engineering technology worth the savings?

Community colleges offer substantial savings, with programs like Lorain County at $4,598 providing direct pathways to technical careers. Wake Technical Community College charges just $6,935 while maintaining a 31.4% graduation rate and strong industry connections. These programs typically focus on hands-on training and immediate job placement rather than research. Students save thousands compared to four-year institutions while gaining practical skills employers value.

Does geographic location significantly impact program costs and outcomes?

Regional differences are striking, with Ohio institutions like Lorain County and Zane State offering particularly low costs under $7,500. Puerto Rico programs show mixed results, with graduation rates ranging from 30.2% to 47.7% at similar price points. California State University-Long Beach commands higher costs at $8,931 but delivers strong outcomes in a high-demand job market. State funding policies and local industry partnerships heavily influence both pricing and program quality.

Where can students find the best value in electrical engineering technology education?

Zane State College offers strong value with a 53% graduation rate at just $7,423 annually, the highest completion rate among lower-cost options. Miami Dade College provides solid outcomes at $5,929 with a 44.7% graduation rate and access to Florida's growing tech sector. California State University-Long Beach justifies its $8,931 cost with a 69.9% graduation rate and strong alumni earnings. Students should weigh completion rates against total costs when choosing 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.