Skip to main content

Cheapest Engineering-Related Technologies Colleges

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

Engineering-Related Technologies programs span an enormous cost spectrum, with some students paying just $6,351 annually while others face bills exceeding $13,000. The University of Florida claims the top spot for affordability at $6,351 net cost, though graduates from this field typically enter a job market where manufacturing technology roles have grown 23% faster than average across the Southeast region. California State University-Fresno offers another budget-friendly option at $6,480 while delivering impressive earning potential of $67,101 for graduates. The data reveals stark regional differences, particularly in states like New Mexico and Puerto Rico where in-state tuition remains under $8,200. Community colleges like Wake Technical charge just $2,336 for residents, though their 31.4% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies in technical fields. Nicholls State University graduates command the highest salaries at $73,446, more than double what University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez alumni earn at $33,987, highlighting how geographic location significantly impacts career earnings in engineering technology roles.
33
Programs
$6,351 – $27,704
Net Price Range
$55,051
Avg. Program Earnings
48.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Engineering-Related Technologies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
4 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
5 $7,113 $5,400 20.4%
6 $7,455 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
7 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
8 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
9 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
10 $12,091 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
11 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
12 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
13 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
14 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
15 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
16 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
17 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
18 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
19 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
20 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
21 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
22 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
23 $16,338 $9,810 23.6%
24 $16,391 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
25 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
26 $16,972 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
27 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
28 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
29 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
30 $18,268 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
31 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
32 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
33 $27,704 $20,768 57.8% 70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive salary gap between the highest and lowest earning programs?

Graduates from Nicholls State University earn $73,446 annually compared to just $33,987 from University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, creating a $39,459 difference. Geographic location plays the primary role, as Louisiana's petrochemical industry and offshore energy sector typically offer higher compensation than Puerto Rico's more limited industrial base. Regional cost of living and local demand for technical specialists also contribute significantly to this earnings disparity.

How do community colleges compare to universities for engineering technology training?

Wake Technical Community College charges residents only $2,336 annually but maintains a 31.4% graduation rate, while universities like University of Florida cost $6,381 in-state with a 91.5% completion rate. Community colleges often serve working adults and part-time students who face greater completion challenges. However, the lower costs can make technical training accessible to students who might otherwise skip higher education entirely.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in engineering technology fields?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically, from University of Florida's selective 23.35% to Troy University's open-access 94.84% admission policy. Higher selectivity often correlates with better resources and outcomes, as Florida's 91.5% graduation rate demonstrates compared to more accessible programs. However, schools like California State University-Fresno combine high acceptance at 95.43% with strong graduate earnings of $67,101, proving that accessibility and quality can coexist.

Where do students find the best value when comparing costs to career outcomes?

California State University-Fresno delivers strong value with $6,480 net costs producing graduates who earn $67,101 annually. University of Alaska Anchorage also performs well, charging $13,780 for education that leads to $65,332 salaries. Students should calculate the debt-to-income ratio, as some expensive programs may justify higher costs through substantially better career prospects.

What role does state residency play in engineering technology program affordability?

In-state students at Wake Technical pay just $2,336 compared to the $6,935 net cost for all students, representing a $4,599 annual savings. Great Basin College shows similar patterns with $3,855 resident tuition versus $7,523 average net cost. State residency can reduce total program costs by 30-60%, making local public institutions the most economical choice for most students.

More Engineering-Related Technologies Rankings

Best Value Engineering-Related Technologies Engineering-Related Technologies Under $20,000

Related

All Engineering-Related Technologies Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.