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Cheapest Engineering Colleges

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

Stanford University charges $62,484 in sticker price but delivers an average net cost of just $12,136 for Engineering, Other students, placing it among the most affordable options despite its elite status. This dramatic gap reflects the university's substantial financial aid resources, creating unexpected value for qualified students. The field encompasses specialized engineering disciplines like biomedical, environmental, and materials engineering, areas where Silicon Valley companies increasingly compete for talent. Ohio University's regional campuses dominate the lowest-cost tier, with Eastern Campus offering net costs as low as $4,503, though graduation rates hover around 20 percent. The earnings potential ranges from $52,107 to $68,379 for graduates, with programs spanning from $4,503 to $13,945 in net costs. Public universities in states like Florida and California provide strong middle-ground options, balancing affordability with solid graduation rates above 60 percent.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $23,261
Net Price Range
$61,561
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering, Other 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 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
7 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
9 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
10 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
11 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
12 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
13 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
14 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
15 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
16 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
17 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
18 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
19 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
20 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
21 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
22 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
23 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
24 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
25 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
26 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
27 $16,391 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
28 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
29 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
30 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
31 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
32 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
33 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
34 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
35 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
36 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
37 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
38 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
39 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
40 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
41 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
42 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
43 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
44 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
45 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
46 $20,566 $36,030 64.1% 45.5%
47 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
48 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
49 $22,701 $39,530 55.5% 50.6%
50 $23,261 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Stanford's surprisingly low net cost for Engineering, Other students?

Stanford's generous financial aid reduces the $62,484 sticker price to an average net cost of $12,136, making it competitive with public universities. The university's massive endowment funds need-based aid that can eliminate tuition entirely for families earning under certain thresholds. Despite the 3.68 percent acceptance rate, admitted students often find Stanford more affordable than state schools. The 92.8 percent graduation rate and $57,995 median earnings justify the investment for those who gain admission.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare in value and outcomes?

Ohio University's five regional campuses offer the lowest net costs, ranging from $4,503 to $6,483, but struggle with graduation rates between 12.1 and 20 percent. Eastern Campus provides the best value at $4,503 net cost with a 20 percent graduation rate. Southern Campus follows at $5,328 with 19.3 percent graduating within six years. These campuses serve as affordable entry points for engineering education, though students may need additional support to complete their degrees.

Where do graduates earn the highest salaries relative to program costs?

Indiana University-Indianapolis delivers the strongest earning potential at $68,379 median salary for a net cost of $11,408, creating excellent return on investment. University of California-San Diego graduates earn $52,107 with manageable debt loads of $18,954 despite the higher net cost of $11,750. Stanford produces $57,995 earners with minimal debt of just $7,500, though admission remains highly competitive. The 53.9 percent graduation rate at Indiana University-Indianapolis reflects solid completion rates for the investment level.

Does geographic location affect both costs and career prospects significantly?

California and Florida schools command higher costs but connect students to major engineering employers and research facilities. University of South Florida offers strong value at $10,043 net cost with 74.6 percent graduation rates in the Tampa Bay tech corridor. Florida Atlantic University provides even lower costs at $8,001 net with 64.3 percent completion rates near major aerospace and technology companies. Regional Ohio campuses serve local manufacturing and energy sectors at much lower price points but with limited mobility.

What graduation rate patterns emerge across different price ranges?

Schools with net costs below $7,000 show graduation rates under 21 percent, suggesting affordability alone doesn't guarantee completion. Mid-range programs from $8,000 to $12,000 demonstrate much stronger outcomes, with rates between 47 and 87 percent. University of California-San Diego achieves 87.6 percent graduation rates despite higher costs, while Morehead State reaches 47.7 percent at $10,089 net cost. The correlation between investment level and completion rates becomes clear above the $8,000 threshold.

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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.