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Cheapest Engineering Technologies/Technicians Colleges

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

College of Staten Island CUNY delivers the nation's lowest net cost for engineering technology programs at just $5,115 annually, nearly half the price of most alternatives in this field. This significant savings comes at a time when manufacturing and technical industries across the Northeast are experiencing rapid growth, creating strong demand for graduates who can bridge the gap between engineering theory and practical application. The 20 most affordable programs show a notable earnings spread, with North Carolina A&T graduates earning $54,035 compared to Daytona State's $37,568, demonstrating how program reputation and regional job markets impact career outcomes. Public institutions dominate this list entirely, with net costs ranging from Staten Island's bargain rate to Indiana State's $12,188. Students pursuing these specialized technology degrees often find faster pathways to employment than traditional four-year engineering programs, making affordability particularly important for career-focused learners.
48
Programs
$5,115 – $50,404
Net Price Range
$54,976
Avg. Program Earnings
49.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
2 $5,243 $5,350 24.9%
3 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
4 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
5 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
6 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
8 $9,421 $3,284 27.3%
9 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
10 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
11 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
12 $11,359 $6,728 17.5%
13 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
14 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
15 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
16 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
17 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
18 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
19 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
20 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
21 $13,953 $7,392 25.4%
22 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
23 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
24 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
25 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
26 $15,044 $6,706 28.2%
27 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
28 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
29 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
30 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
31 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
32 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
33 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
34 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
35 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
36 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
37 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
38 $17,555 $7,672 66.8% 95.5%
39 $17,791 $6,206 10.2%
40 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
41 $19,164 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%
42 $20,709 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
43 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
44 $21,185 $14,746 61.4% 57.7%
45 $24,678 $27,318 46.7% 64.3%
46 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
47 $29,558 $47,647 58.3% 82.8%
48 $50,404 $50,270 66.3% 54.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of Staten Island CUNY's engineering technology program so affordable?

As part of the City University of New York system, College of Staten Island benefits from substantial state funding that keeps costs low. The school's net price of $5,115 represents the actual amount students pay after financial aid, making it nearly $2,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. The campus serves a commuter population in New York City, where students can often live at home and avoid housing costs. Staten Island's location also provides access to manufacturing and technical jobs throughout the metropolitan area.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable engineering technology programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range, from Cameron University's 21.5% to Florida International University's impressive 73.9%. Schools like North Carolina A&T (55.3%) and Farmingdale State (57.1%) maintain solid completion rates while keeping costs reasonable. The variation often reflects differences in student preparation, support services, and program structure. Schools with higher graduation rates typically offer more hands-on learning opportunities and stronger industry partnerships.

Does geographic location affect earning potential for engineering technology graduates?

Regional job markets significantly impact graduate earnings in this field. North Carolina A&T graduates earn $54,035 annually, benefiting from the state's growing manufacturing sector and proximity to major employers. In contrast, Daytona State graduates start at $37,568, reflecting Florida's different industrial market. Farmingdale State graduates earn $47,520, positioning them well for New York's technical job market. These earnings differences often offset variations in living costs between regions.

What student debt levels can graduates expect from these affordable programs?

Available debt data shows relatively manageable borrowing levels for most graduates. North Carolina A&T students graduate with an average debt of $30,433, while Daytona State keeps student debt at just $12,725. These figures remain well below national averages for four-year degrees. The lower debt burden allows graduates to accept entry-level positions without excessive financial pressure. Most students at these schools receive significant financial aid that reduces their need to borrow.

Where do most engineering technology job opportunities exist for these graduates?

Manufacturing hubs across the Midwest and Southeast offer the strongest job markets for engineering technology graduates. States like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Indiana host major automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing facilities that actively recruit from these programs. Coastal areas provide opportunities in shipbuilding, energy production, and infrastructure maintenance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in engineering technician roles through 2031, faster than average for all occupations.

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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.