If you want to work in a high-paying profession while creating infrastructure, developing software, designing medical devices, or many other innovative options, engineering may be right for you. With one of the cheapest online engineering degree programs, you’ll have the chance to take your career in any direction you choose in this exciting, fast-paced field.
You can select from a wide variety of concentrations with these online engineering degrees. Options include civil engineering, computer engineering, nuclear engineering, and aerospace engineering. So whether you want to build microchips, construct bridges, or create spacecraft, there is a degree that will fit your needs.
Engineers earn an excellent salary and have strong job stability. With a BS in engineering online, you can join the ranks of these important professionals. And with online learning, you can complete an engineering degree at an excellent price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$52,200
Least Expensive In-State: Daytona State College ~$15,025
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$22,688
Want to learn more about the top online engineering programs? Want to discover what it’s like to work as an engineer? Then keep reading for more information on these important degrees!
19 Cheapest Online Engineering Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Daytona State College | (FL) | $15,025.00 $52,947.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $15,690.00 $52,952.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $22,688.00 | All Students |
4 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $26,850.00 $34,690.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
5 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $27,195.00 | All Students |
6 | Western Governors University | (UT) | $28,945.00 | All Students |
7 | Florida International University | (FL) | $30,153.00 $83,055.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $33,120.00 | All Students |
9 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $35,730.00 $45,632.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $39,555.00 | All Students |
11 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $40,050.00 $36,640.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $40,392.00 | All Students |
13 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | (MN) | $45,912.00 | All Students |
14 | North Dakota State University | (ND) | $47,165.00 | All Students |
15 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $48,125.00 | All Students |
16 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $48,510.00 | All Students |
17 | Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $32,492.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
18 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $50,940.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
19 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $51,120.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty University | (VA) | $53,491.00 $35,291.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Old Dominion University | (VA) | $54,248.00 $58,472.00 $35,944.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Mississippi State University | (MS) | $54,752.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $55,370.00 | All Students | |
University of Maine | (ME) | $57,680.00 $70,180.00 $57,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $59,370.00 $30,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $59,855.00 $30,950.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $69,473.00 $35,417.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $72,000.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $74,029.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $76,800.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $83,326.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $85,161.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $85,773.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $86,385.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online engineering bachelor’s 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 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 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 bachelor’s in engineering online 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.
ABET ABET accrediting organization
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Engineering Degree Programs?
Engineering is one of the most interesting and high-demand fields in the country. The degrees, however, can be challenging. Here are some of the top reasons people choose an online bachelor’s in engineering:
- Outstanding salaries: With only a bachelor’s degree, you can enter engineering professions that have median salaries above $100,000. Chemical engineers, as one example, have a median salary of $106,260.
- A concentration to match your interests: Engineering is a diverse field, so you can select a specialization to match your interests, such as aerospace, nuclear, computer, or mechanical engineering.
- Make a difference in the world: Engineers build the world in which we live. Thanks to engineers, we have the products and infrastructure that we largely take for granted. With an online BS engineering degree, you can contribute to people’s lives.
- Bridge to leadership: Engineering is one of the most popular undergrad majors for CEOs and business leaders. In fact, in a ranking of 100 top-performing CEOs, more had engineering degrees than MBAs, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Program Cost: Cheapest Online Engineering Degree Programs
This database includes 49 degrees from 28 schools. With such a large selection also comes a wide range of prices. In this case, the degrees vary from about $15,000 to over $86,000, a range of roughly $71,000. With such a vast difference between the most affordable and most expensive, it is vital to research the total cost before enrolling.
The average cost for a bachelor’s in engineering online is $52,200. This is a large sum, but remember that these degrees usually take four years to complete (assuming a full-time class load), and are usually paid for by the semester. The typical per-year cost, therefore, is roughly $13,050.
There are 26 programs priced below this average, including 12 programs priced below $31,000 for in-state students.
The cheapest online engineering degree comes from Daytona State College in Florida. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, which has an optional specialization in Electrical Engineering, has an estimated in-state cost of $15,025. Non-Florida residents, however, pay an estimated cost of nearly $53,000, so there is a major difference depending on where you live.
For all students, regardless of location, the most affordable BS in engineering online comes from Kennesaw State University. This degree has an estimated cost of $22,688, making it the most affordable program for people in all locations.
The most expensive program is this database comes from the University of North Dakota. This school features seven online engineering degrees, with specializations in biomedical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, just to name a few. Tuition for all is over $83,000, including the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, which has an estimated cost of $86,385.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Engineering Degrees?
Many schools offer affordable tuition for a bachelor of science in engineering online. These, however, are the three most affordable options:
#1. Daytona State College
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, optional Electrical Engineering concentration
Cost: $15,025 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you live in the state of Florida, you can take advantage of the most affordable tuition in the nation. The online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, which comes with an optional concentration in electrical engineering, has an estimated cost of $15,025. However, out-of-state students pay $52,947, a price that is higher than the average.
Regardless of your location and cost, this degree will prepare you for technical positions in industrial operations, mechanical design, and construction. You’ll gain broad career skills while learning specialized topics in industrial technology.
Daytona State College online students have access to resources that include career services, counseling, tutoring, and more.
#2. Seminole State College of Florida
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
Cost: $15,690 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Another low-cost option for Florida residents, this degree gives students an education in the planning, design, and usage of engineering systems and their supportive technologies. Students learn principles of the engineering field, as well as foundational subjects like computer-aided design, statistics, and management.
Seminole Online, the school’s online platform, provides a flexible and engaging way to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college provides challenging yet rewarding degrees in a variety of subjects, with virtual classrooms and online support that create a high-quality learning experience.
#3. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Cost: $22,688 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you do not live in Florida, this is the cheapest online engineering degree. Kennesaw State University is in Georgia, but you don’t have to live in the Peach State to take advantage of the low cost, estimated at $22,688 for all students.
This program focuses on software engineering, which means graduates are ready for positions in software creation, network engineering, and other IT-related positions. Coursework includes the engineering of software systems and computing networks. Graduates can make careers out of testing or developing software or work as software consultants.
Students in this online program can take advantage of a flexible schedule while still gaining real-world experience. KSU online students have access to online learning support, academic advising, and an online library. The school also provides career and job-search assistance through apps that connect students and employers.
Online Engineering Degree Program Types
Engineering is one of the most diverse and wide-sweeping academic subjects. Software engineering, for instance, is different from civil engineering, which is different from industrial engineering. With so many types, you need to think about the various subjects and choose an option that fits your specific interests and talents.
All the degrees in this database of the cheapest online engineering degree programs are “bachelor of science” programs, which is unique from a “bachelor of arts,” the other main form of college degree. A bachelor of science (BS) focuses on the hard science and job skills needed in engineering. While a bachelor of arts may explore the literature, philosophy, and history surrounding a subject, a BS stays focused on the science and mathematics of the field.
It’s more important to consider the specialization or concentration. In engineering, perhaps more than any other academic field, specialization is critical. These degrees include software engineering, which teaches coding and application development, as well as mechanical engineering, which teaches you to design mechanical products. There is civil, which includes infrastructure, as well as petroleum, which involves the extraction and usage of fuel.
Possible concentrations within this database include:
- Aerospace
- Biomedical
- Chemical
- Civil
- Computer
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Industrial
- Mechanical
- Network
- Nuclear
- Petroleum
- Software
- Surveying
Accreditation for these Programs
Accreditation acts like quality control for academia. Essentially, independent bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education review and approve colleges, granting them accreditation.
The most common type of accreditation is institutional. This is most often granted by regional groups working in specific sections of the country, leading to regional accreditation. Regional accrediting bodies include the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. All the programs in this database come from accredited schools.
Another form of accreditation is programmatic. As the name suggests, this type only covers an individual program. It’s granted by groups that focus on a specific subject. For example, a degree in respiratory health may have accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
In engineering, the most important accrediting body is called ABET. This group accredits various engineering and tech degrees, including a handful of programs in this database.
ABET-accredited programs in this database include:
- University of Central Missouri – Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology / Management
- North Dakota State University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- University of Maine – Bachelor of Science in Surveying Engineering Technology
- University of North Dakota – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Daytona State College – Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
- Thomas Edison State University – Bachelor of Science in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology
Not all degrees have programmatic accreditation. As long as they come from accredited schools they will deliver a high-quality education. However, always review licensing requirements for your desired career before enrolling in a program; some licenses require an ABET-accredited degree.
Typical Admission Requirements for Engineering Degrees
Each school sets its own standards for admissions. To enroll, however, you’ll first need a high school diploma. Students nearing completion of a diploma or equivalency, however, can begin the application process.
Some schools will require a specific GPA. A 2.5 or 3.0 are typical requirements, although many schools do not have GPA requirements for undergraduate programs.
SAT and ACT exams are the traditional tests for college enrollment. However, fewer schools require these exams than in the past.
In addition to transcripts and test scores, you may also need a letter of recommendation and a personal essay, which describes your story, demonstrates your writing skills, and describes your career goals.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Most engineers do not need licenses or certifications. While there are a few exceptions, graduates of bachelor’s of engineering online programs can move directly from the classroom to the workforce.
For example, a health and safety engineer will not need a license. However, once this professional moves into leadership or management roles, a Professional Engineering (PE) license could be useful.
Each engineering type also has various certification options. A materials engineer, for instance, could become certified through ASM International or other organizations involved with materials science.
Engineering Salary and Career Information
Engineers of nearly all types enjoy a stable, high-paying career. Much depends on the specific career, experience, education, and skills, but engineers can expect one of the most lucrative jobs in the market.
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Managers | 4% | $159,920 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 5% | $132,360 |
| Petroleum Engineers | 2% | $131,800 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 6% | $126,880 |
| Nuclear Engineers | 1% | $122,480 |
| Electronics Engineers | 7% | $108,170 |
| Chemical Engineers | 8% | $106,260 |
| Electrical Engineers | 4% | $103,320 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 4% | $100,660 |
| Materials Engineers | 5% | $100,140 |
| All Engineers | 7% | $100,030 |
| Bioengineers | 5% | $99,550 |
| Industrial Engineers | 12% | $96,350 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 10% | $96,310 |
| Civil Engineers | 5% | $89,940 |
| Agricultural Engineers | 6% | $83,260 |
| National Job Market | 3% | $46,310 |
As you can see, many careers in engineering are not only lucrative, but stable as well. As a whole, engineers have a median salary of $100,030 and an expected growth of 7%. They will be well paid and in high demand throughout their careers.
According to the BLS, there will be roughly 188,000 job openings every year between 2022 and 2032, so graduates of BS in engineering online programs should have little trouble finding a high-quality position.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Engineering Program?
With information and resources from GetEducated.com, you can find the perfect degree for your future. No matter whether money is no issue, or if you need the cheapest online engineering degree, we are here to assist in your search.
To find the perfect degree, research the overall costs and make sure all potential programs come from accredited schools. Start with this database. All the schools listed are regionally accredited, and we’ve researched and ranked the total costs for you! Now, find a few programs that interest you, and review the courses and delivery method (online or hybrid) to find a program that aligns with your needs.
Engineering is a wonderful career choice, and this database can help you find the perfect bachelor of science in engineering online!