Manufacturing engineers design and implement production processes and systems. Their specialty combines industrial, systems, and mechanical engineering to create more cost-effective manufacturing processes. After completing one of the cheapest online master’s in manufacturing engineering listed below, you’ll be in a great position to work with industrial firms and government bodies.
Graduates can even use the degree to launch a private firm in manufacturing engineering consultation and support. These degrees deliver practical, real-world knowledge with courses that cover machinery, powertrains, economic assessment, and more.
We have found 15 online manufacturing engineering degree programs from 14 accredited institutions. These programs come with various specializations and also come in a wide range of prices.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$31,200
Least Expensive In-state: Tarleton State University ~$12,502
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ~$18,600
When you enroll in an online manufacturing engineering degree, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding, lucrative, high-demand career!
7 Cheapest Online Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $12,502.00 $25,102.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | (IL) | $18,600.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | (WI) | $19,680.00 | All Students |
4 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $21,008.00 $57,628.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Kentucky | (KY) | $22,455.00 | All Students |
6 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $23,587.00 $36,187.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Colorado State University | (CO) | $29,048.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $34,070.00 $56,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Purdue University | (IN) | $34,170.00 $43,770.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of California-Los Angeles | (CA) | $37,800.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | (WI) | $39,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | (MI) | $45,751.00 $50,131.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $48,300.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online manufacturing programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online manufacturing engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online manufacturing engineering degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online manufacturing engineering degree must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Get One of the cheapest online master’s in manufacturing engineering?
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining manufacturing systems. This form of engineering has more to do with systems and planning than building a physical object. The subject focuses on creating efficiencies and effectiveness in processes (usually a manufacturing process) and overseeing production from start to finish.
It’s complex and requires experience and advanced skills. So why complete an online master’s in manufacturing engineering, which requires a large commitment of time and hard work?
Here are some of the top reasons people choose these fascinating programs:
- Career advancement: Many entry-level engineering positions only require a bachelor’s degree. But leadership and management roles often require a master’s degree or higher.
- High salaries: Engineering professionals and industry managers often earn over $100,000. For example, the median salary for an engineering manager is nearly $160,000, while the top 10% earn over $221,550.
- Become a respected industry expert: With one of these degrees, you can become a well-informed, respected, in-demand expert.
Program Cost: Completing a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering
This database includes 15 degrees from 14 schools, with programs ranging from roughly $12,500 to over $48,000. As a prospective student, you need to research programs to determine whether they fit your budget.
The average cost for these degrees is $31,200, but there are many programs priced below this rate. Seven of the manufacturing degrees online are below $30,000 for in-state tuition, while four are below $23,000 for all students.
The cheapest online master’s in manufacturing engineering comes from Tarleton State University in Texas. This school offers the Master of Science in Quality & Engineering Management, which has an estimated cost of $12,502. This program, however, has an out-of-state cost of over $25,102, more than twice the in-state price.
For students from all across the country, the most affordable program is the Master of Science in Quality Engineering & Management from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Regardless of what state you live in, this program only costs $18,600.
The most expensive school in this database is the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The institute’s MS degree costs $48,300. However, the out-of-state price for a Master of Engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is $50,313, which is the highest overall price in this database.
While prices can vary, if you research the programs and use data from our website, you can find a degree that fits your needs.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Manufacturing Engineering Degrees?
This database is one of the smaller groups of rankings on our website. However, there are a handful of affordable options. These three degrees are the cheapest online master’s in manufacturing engineering programs in our database:
#1. Tarleton State University
Degree: Master of Science in Quality & Engineering Management
Cost: $12,502 (In-state, Texas)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The cheapest online master’s in manufacturing engineering in this database, at least for students in Texas, is the Master of Science in Quality & Engineering Management from Tarleton State University. This program emphasizes leadership skills for students looking to expand their knowledge of management in manufacturing. The curriculum can apply to a variety of careers, including education and industry.
Tarleton State University offers a comprehensive online school that was first launched in 2003. The university has programs that are completely online, including a variety of master’s degrees. With Tarleton Online, students can gain a quality education without compromising their other commitments.
#2. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Degree: Master of Science in Quality Engineering & Management
Cost: $18,600 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
This is the most affordable online master’s in manufacturing engineering for any student outside of the state of Texas. The degree develops quality and management experts who plan, design, and execute processes in manufacturing and industry. They are trained to use resources in the most efficient manner while also planning large-scale projects.
SIU-Carbondale has a full list of degree programs that are convenient and flexible. They are designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers, as well as parents and non-traditional students who can’t attend a typical in-person master’s degree.
#3. University of Wisconsin-Stout
Degree: Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering
Cost: $19,680 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers current systems, manufacturing, and industrial engineers the chance to advance their expertise through an MS in Manufacturing Engineering. Through this program, workers can gain a higher level of knowledge in process improvement, lean manufacturing, project management, and engineering processes. The degree is available with flexible options, including coursework, field projects, and a thesis option.
UW-Stout, located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, has become a leader in online learning. With a variety of degrees offered at affordable prices, the small school has grown into a nationally-respected online institution. This program costs less than $20,000, and the price is available to students from all areas of the country, not just Wisconsin residents.
Manufacturing Engineering: Degree Program Types
Finding an affordable degree is important, but you must ensure the coursework and degree will meet your career goals. Although these degrees are similar in many regards, there is some variation, including different types and concentrations.
These degrees have two basic types: master of science or master of engineering. The differences may seem small, but each type develops different skills and can lead to different careers.
A master of science is typically broader in scope. These programs focus on skills that apply to many careers, including project management, sustainability, cost analysis, and quality engineering. These degrees can lead to research or academic pursuits as well as a career in industry.
A master of engineering, on the other hand, is more focused on specific career skills in engineering management and leadership. Coursework may include material design, testing, simulation modeling, and advanced manufacturing. They are more common for private-industry careers and less for academic pursuits.
While all of these programs, regardless of type, can apply to an engineering career, these are a few of the specializations you may consider:
- Systems engineering
- Quality engineering
- Advanced manufacturing
- Design
Accreditation for these Programs
Accreditation is an important part of the academic process. For students, whether attending an associate’s program, gaining a doctorate, or pursuing an online manufacturing engineering master’s degree, accreditation helps ensure a high-quality education. It brings legitimacy to the degree and helps employers see that graduates completed a quality education.
In the United States, accreditation is granted by regional bodies that cover large sections of the country. Groups like, for example, the Higher Learning Commission and New England Commission of Higher Education review and approve colleges and universities in their respective territories, leading to regional accreditation status.
All the programs in this database come from accredited institutions. This is one of the basic requirements for entry into our system.
There is also a form of accreditation known as programmatic, which covers only a specific degree. While the options in this database do not have programmatic accreditation, they all come from accredited schools, giving greater authority to the degrees.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering
The universal requirement for a master’s program is a bachelor’s degree, so if you are applying to one of these programs you likely understand the basic enrollment process. However, a master’s will require more documents and there will be a higher standard for past academic performance.
While you will certainly need a bachelor’s degree, you may also need a specific GPA from past studies. A 3.0 out of 4.0, for instance, is a common requirement. Your degree must apply to manufacturing engineering, such as a major in a technical, engineering, or scientific subject.
You must also submit a variety of documents, including a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation from previous instructors and supervisors.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Unlike doctors, lawyers, and teachers, most manufacturing engineers do not need a license or certification. (Civil engineers are the only engineering category that typically needs a license.)
However, there are a few situations when graduates with online manufacturing engineer degrees need or could benefit from certification. For example, an industrial production manager could seek credentialing through the American Society of Quality, which offers Sigma Six and other certifications. For management analysts, certification through the Institute of Management Consultants could enhance their careers.
Experience is often more important than credentials or licenses. Engineering managers and industrial production managers, which are two common careers after these programs, need roughly five years of professional experience. For instance, industrial production managers typically work in industrial processes and administrative roles before entering a leadership position. Advanced degrees, such as an online master’s in manufacturing engineering, could reduce this requirement.
Salary and Career Information for Manufacturing Engineers
Manufacturing and industrial engineers, as well as managers in a variety of industries, earn lucrative salaries. They also enjoy high-demand careers that are, in many cases, expected to grow faster than the overall job market.
Here are the career statistics for a handful of careers related to manufacturing engineering:
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager | 4% | $159,920 |
| Industrial Production Manager | 2% | $107,560 |
| Health and Safety Manager | 4% | $100,660 |
| All Engineers | 7% | $100,030 |
| Industrial Engineers | 12% | $96,350 |
| Project Management Specialist | 6% | $95,370 |
| Management Analyst | 10% | $95,290 |
| Logistician | 18% | $77,520 |
| National Job Market | 3% | $46,310 |
As you can see from the stats above, knowledge of engineering, management, and industrial efficiency can lead to strong careers. Engineering managers, for instance, are expected to grow by 4%, which is just slightly higher than the total job market. However, the median salary is nearly $160,000, while the top 10% earn over $221,550.
Job growth, total opportunities, and available positions depend on the occupation, but most are expected to have above-average growth, while some are expected to see rapid growth. In some cases growth will be more than quadruple the rate of the total job market. Industrial engineers, for instance, are expected to grow by 12%, resulting in over 365,000 positions by 2032.
With an online master’s in manufacturing, you can confidently expect a strong income supported by a stable, high-demand industry.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Manufacturing Engineering Degree Program?
With so many degree options, choosing the right program can seem tough. But with a simple plan, the process is easier than you might think.
Start by looking for accredited programs in your desired field. All the programs in this database come from accredited schools, so this is a great place to start your search for an online school.
Review the total cost to find programs that fit your budget. Once you have found a handful of programs, review the courses and delivery methods to ensure they fit your busy schedule. Using this plan and all the helpful resources on GetEducated.com, you can quickly and easily find a degree that works for your future!