Most Affordable Online Bachelor's In Engineering Degrees

A ranking of the cheapest online engineering degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated January 9, 2023

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If you are at all inclined towards a career in engineering, now is a good time to pursue it. STEM careers have been getting a lot of attention lately with the growth of our economy being more dependent than ever on the expertise of STEM practitioners.

And in this age of high- tech innovation, engineers are reaping the rewards.  The Bureau of Labour Statistics lists the median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations at $76,870 - higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy.

And while it is true that engineering is an extremely broad field with many branches, the good news is that most engineering degrees do not pigeon-hole you to a set career path for the rest of your life. Lastly, there are more and more affordable online options to help you as well!

A bachelor’s degree in engineering develops a range of practical skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, and numeracy which employers value highly across many sectors.

So if subjects like Math and Science come naturally to you and if you love to take things apart and figure out how they work, a bachelor’s degree in engineering may be the path for you.

Of course, this may be easier said than done since university education is both time-consuming and costly. Enter the online bachelor’s in engineering, designed for those who cannot attend a traditional college because of financial or other constraints.

Recommended Online Programs

The days when an online degree meant dubious respectability are well in the past, and an online degree can provide a path to a high quality, affordable education that will be taken seriously by employers.

But there are a lot of options out there for online engineering degrees and finding the right program at the right price can be rather mind-numbingly tedious. So we at College Choice have done the leg-work for you. Our ranking features 20 of the cheapest online engineering programs available.

These cover a broad range of engineering specializations—from Mechanical to Software Engineering. And because it is difficult to over-emphasize the importance of proper accreditation, we have made sure that all the schools on this list have regional accreditation, and many programs have further accreditation from some of the main STEM Accreditation bodies:

It is important to note that the tuition rates we’ve listed are based on out-of-state per-credit tuition. Before you apply to a program be sure to look carefully at any additional fees the school may charge—these vary widely from school to school (and even program to program). There may also be face-to-face or lab requirements that necessitate travel, so be sure to look into that before applying.

We hope this ranking helps you find the online bachelor’s in engineering program that is right for you!

Most Affordable Online Engineering Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

American Public University

  • Charles Town, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online

A West Virginia school, American Public University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program from its campus in Charles Town. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the BE in electrical engineering appeals to degree-seekers interested in electrical engineering careers.

Connecting with colleagues and faculty in an online learning environment helps participants in the program get the full benefits from the supportive remote community. Enrollees learn relevant knowledge for their future careers in classes covering the foundational and advanced topics of the field. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in electrical engineering. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.

Financial aid officers can alert learners to funding opportunities that may help defray the costs of a degree. The university's students have many funding opportunities available to them, including fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid. The institution provides some type of financial assistance to 100% of its enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,804
Out-of-state
$6,804
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,615
Out-of-state
$6,615
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,249
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Kennesaw State University

  • Kennesaw, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students looking for a competitive program should consider the premier online degrees at Kennesaw State University, located in Kennesaw, Georgia. The public institution's 18,360 online learners choose from 14 virtual bachelor's programs. The rigorous education with industry relevance provided by the BS in industrial engineering technology appeals to degree-seekers interested in engineering careers.

Industrial engineering technology program participants benefit from a supportive online community, connecting with peers and professors in a remote classroom space. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to the field in classes that cover foundational and advanced topics from the industry. Learners strengthen their competency for a future job through the hands-on practice of experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers to degree-seekers during the program.

Funding opportunities found by working with a financial aid officer can lower the costs of a degree. The university offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities. At the institution, 92% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,450
Out-of-state
$15,704
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,328
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
37,807
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A Hattiesburg, Mississippi, school, the University of Southern Mississippi offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. A total of 9,842 distance learners attend the public institution, which offers 22 online bachelor's programs. Degree-seekers interested in industrial engineering get a rigorous, industry-relevant education through the BS in industrial engineering technology.

Participants in the program take advantage of its supportive virtual learning community by connecting with peers and faculty in a remote classroom environment. Enrollees take classes on foundational and advanced topics to gain relevant knowledge for a future career in engineering. Learners also can pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to advance their competency for a career in the field. During the program, degree-seekers get access to career counseling, academic advising, and other institution resources focused on student success.

Funding opportunities found by working with a financial aid officer can lower the cost of a degree. The school's funding opportunities include numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid options. At the institution, 93% of all enrollees get some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
14,133
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Bemidji State University

  • Bemidji, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Bemidji, Minnesota, Bemidji State University provides premier online degree programs for students seeking competitive study. The public institution's 2,213 online learners choose from 11 virtual bachelor's programs. Degree-seekers interested in engineering get a rigorous education with industry relevance through the BAS in applied engineering program.

Students in the BAS program benefit from a supportive learning remote community, connecting with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom environment. The foundational and advanced topics covered in classes provide enrollees with knowledge relevant to the field. Learners' competency for a future profession in is strengthened through hands-on practice during experiential learning opportunities like research projects and internships. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.

Learners should seek funding opportunities with the help of a financial aid officer before budgeting for the cost of a degree. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid are some of the numerous funding opportunities available to the school's students. At the institution, 90% of all enrollees get some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,858
Out-of-state
$7,858
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,779
Out-of-state
$7,779
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
4,897
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Southern Illinois University

  • Carbondale, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students looking for a competitive program should consider the premier online degrees at Southern Illinois University, located in Carbondale, Illinois. With 20 bachelor's programs available online, the public institution supports 4,417 virtual learners. Degree-seekers interested in electrical engineering get a rigorous education with industry relevance through the BS in electrical engineering technology.

The program's distance learning community supports participants, connecting them with faculty and peers in an online classroom environment. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the field. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in electrical engineering. Degree-seekers get access to academic advising, career counseling, and other institutional resources focused on student success during the course of the program.

Learners should meet with a financial aid officer to discuss funding opportunities to help with the costs of a degree. The school features many different scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid opportunities. The institution provides some type of financial assistance to 95% of its enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,456
Out-of-state
$23,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,268
Out-of-state
$28,170
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
11,695
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Alabama's BS in mechanical engineering suits individuals seeking a flexible remote education in the field. The public institution's 5,041 virtual degree-seekers choose from 11 remote bachelor's programs with industry relevance. Institutional resources, such as a supportive online community, benefit the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, university's distance learners.

Students in the mechanical engineering program learn industry knowledge in engaging classes. Within the curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Hands-on learning opportunities let enrollees supplement their academic experience. Degree-seekers gain firsthand experience of what it's like working in the field by completing research, internships, and externships.

Prospective applicants can contact the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Financial aid is awarded to 79% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they qualify. Scholarship, fellowships, and other aid opportunities let eligible learners bring down the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
38,100
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

National University

  • La Jolla, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the field should check out the BS in electrical and computer engineering at National University. The private school provides a premier education to 8,769 remote learners and offers 40 bachelor's programs virtually.

The bachelor's in electrical and computer engineering provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in engineering. Enrollees learn about both foundational concepts and advanced topics in through a variety of classes. Experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge to advance their career goals. Industry-specific research projects, internships, and externships impart valuable knowledge to learners. Learners can speak with their academic advisor and career services to receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies.

Scholarships, fellowships, and other internal and external funding opportunities let applicants decrease their educational expenses. Degree-seekers get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the university awarding financial aid to 33% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
16,670
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#8 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Old Dominion University features a bachelor's degree in engineering that is a great choice for people wanting a flexible online education in engineering. The public institution's 12,854 virtual degree-seekers choose from 20 remote bachelor's programs with industry relevance. The Virginia school offers institutional resources from its Norfolk campus that benefit its online learners, including the supportive remote learning community.

Students in the engineering program learn industry knowledge in engaging classes. Within the engineering curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Experiential learning opportunities supplement enrollees' academic experiences. Research, internships, and externships help provide a firsthand experience of working in the engineering field.

Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Students should meet with the financial aid office to check whether they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 94% of all enrollees received some kind of financial aid. Qualified learners can offset the cost of their degree through aid opportunities like internships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • Daytona Beach, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

A private institution, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers flexible education opportunities for degree-seekers of all kinds. From its main campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, the school supports 16 online bachelor’s degree programs, reaching 12,828 distance learners across the country. Many people interested in an engineering-related career find that the highly rated bachelor of science in engineering meets their needs.

Students enrolled in the engineering program connect with supportive peers and distinguished faculty members. Degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals by completing coursework and projects in a remote learning space. Many learners get involved with internships, externships, or research projects led by faculty members. Choosing electives and customizing classes with the help of an advisor allows enrollees to tailor their academic experience to their needs and interests.

An education at the university is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. Qualified students benefit from scholarships, fellowship, and other types of financial assistance. At the school, 49% of enrollees receive some form of aid to help bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,912
Out-of-state
$9,912
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,268
Out-of-state
$8,268
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
13,773
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

University of Massachusetts Lowell

  • Lowell, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For competitive study, students need look no further than the premier online programs offered by University of Massachusetts Lowell, located in Lowell, Massachusetts. The 5,831 learners enrolled remotely at the public institution choose from 11 bachelor's programs available online. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the BS in mechanical engineering technology appeals to degree-seekers interested in engineering careers.

Connecting with classmates and instructors in the virtual classroom space helps participants gain the full benefits of the program's supportive online learning community. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to the field in classes that cover foundational and advanced topics from the industry. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in mechanical engineering. Throughout the program, degree-seekers can access institutional resources geared toward student success, such as career and academic advising.

Financial aid officers can alert learners to funding opportunities that may help defray the cost of a degree. The school's funding opportunities include numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid options. Some kind of financial aid is provided to 90% of enrollees at the institution.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,078
Out-of-state
$33,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,590
Out-of-state
$26,370
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
18,352
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#11 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Indiana State University offers educational opportunities with great flexibility to suit degree-seekers from all walks of life. From its main campus in Terre Haute, Indiana, the school supports 23 online bachelor’s degree programs, reaching 5,748 distance learners across the country. Of these, the BS in engineering technology is a top-ranking degree attracting students interested in an engineering-adjacent career.

Upon enrolling, students connect with premier faculty members and a supportive student body. Through a virtual learning environment, degree-seekers complete coursework and pursue projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Enrollees can work with their faculty advisor to customize their coursework, select electives, and fit their program to their interests.

An education at the university is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. If they qualify, students benefit from different types of financial assistance, such as fellowships and scholarships. Receiving some form of aid helps 92% of enrollees at the school lower their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,036
Out-of-state
$19,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,542
Out-of-state
$14,814
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
12,144
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#12 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Richmond, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Eastern Kentucky University's BS in fire protection and safety engineering technology offers a flexible education for people interested in the field. The public school connects 6,661 distance learners with a premier education and offers 17 bachelor's programs remotely.

The fire protection program prepares students for a fulfilling career by giving them the tools needed for success. Both foundational concepts and advanced topics in fire protection and safety engineering are covered by the various classes in the broad curriculum. Depending on their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to increase their industry knowledge. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. Academic advising and career services provide guidance to learners throughout the course of their studies.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. At the university, 98% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,266
Out-of-state
$19,338
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,900
Out-of-state
$13,950
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
14,980
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#13 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Trine University

  • Angola, IN
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Many people looking for a flexible virtual education in find the BS in industrial engineering technology at Trine University to be a great option. The Angola, Indiana, school supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.

Students gain knowledge needed for the industry in interactive classes. The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Research, internships, and externships help provide a firsthand experience of working in the field.

The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Of all enrollees, 99% are awarded some form of financial aid, so students should meet with the financial aid office to discuss whether they qualify for any funding opportunities. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities to offset the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,330
Out-of-state
$32,330
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$39,450
Out-of-state
$39,450
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
3,970
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#14 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Eastern New Mexico University

  • Portales, NM
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Its flexibility makes the BS in electronics engineering technology at Eastern New Mexico University a good choice for many people seeking an online education in the field. The public institution features an online enrollment of 3,946 online degree-seekers and 18 industry-relevant virtual bachelor's programs. The Portales, New Mexico, school supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.

Interactive classes provide students with industry knowledge. The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Enrollees supplement their education with hands-on learning experiences. Degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships get firsthand experience of working in the field.

Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Financial aid is awarded to 97% of all enrollees, so students should meet with the financial aid office to see if they are eligible. Qualified learners can offset the cost of their degree through aid opportunities like internships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$5,994
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,044
Out-of-state
$9,342
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
5,685
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Engineering Degrees

Western Carolina University

  • Cullowhee, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The BS in engineering technology at Western Carolina University suits people looking for an online education in with extra flexibility. The public institution's 5,000 virtual degree-seekers choose from eight remote bachelor's programs with industry relevance. A supportive virtual community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners at the Cullowhee, North Carolina, university.

Students in the engineering technology program gain knowledge relevant to the industry from immersive classes. Classes on general education and advanced topics comprise the curriculum, which also allows for customization courses and picking electives. Enrollees can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities. Getting firsthand knowledge of what it's like to work in the field is possible for degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects.

The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Learners can also meet with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities, as 85% of all students receive some form of financial aid. Eligible learners can decrease their educational expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
12,167
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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