Prospective students can use this article to find the cheapest online electrical engineering degree.
Electrical engineering jobs pay good wages. They also offer security. But to qualify, you need the right schooling.
Featured Programs
The Occupational Outlook Handbook by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is a must for entry-level careers. With a high school diploma, you can pursue an online engineering degree from anywhere. However, you need to meet other admission requirements.
In this article, you’ll find the 20 most affordable online bachelor’s in electrical engineering degree programs. You will also learn:
- how much money you can make
- the common classes you take
- the cost of an electrical engineering degree
- what you can do with your degree
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First, we reviewed 134 colleges listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). We selected schools that offered online bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering or related programs.
We then chose schools that were:
- accredited
- ranked with U.S. News & World Report
Lastly, we narrowed our selection by tuition, choosing schools with undergraduate tuition less than $17,000.
We then listed schools by cost. The #1 school offers the most affordable electrical engineer degree online program.
#20 – East Coast Polytechnic Institute
Online Bachelor’s in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,639
ECPI is an affordable school for an online electrical engineering degree. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology with a concentration in electronic systems.
This program takes two to three years to finish. Further, it offers online courses for busy students.
Since online engineering programs are rare, finding one that takes less than four years is especially great for working students. Thus, the average completion time for this program is 2.5 years.
Additionally, you graduate ready for the workforce. Not only do you learn how to design and install electrical systems, but also learn how to keep these systems safe and functioning.
Then, after graduation, you can take a job as an:
- Engineering consultant
- Electrical engineering technologist
- Product engineer
Lastly, ECPI ranks #103 by U.S. News and World Report in best regional Southern schools.
#19 – Clemson University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Clemson, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558
Clemson University is a cost-effective school for online electrical engineering degrees. It offers a BS in Electrical Engineering program with an energy certificate option.
This program teaches you how to run electrical systems. It also prepares you with the skills needed to work in the field.
The online program is not intended for recent high school students. Rather, it’s for people who do engineering work.
You complete 126 credit hours online, though transfer credits are accepted. But to get transfer credit you must earn a B grade in the course.
Finally, Clemson ranks on 15 U.S. News and World Report lists. In fact, these rankings include:
- #42 in most innovative schools
- #29 in top public schools
#18 – Southern Illinois University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Technology
Carbondale, Illinois
Undergraduate Tuition: $15,104
Southern Illinois University (SIU) is an affordable school for an electrical engineering degree. It offers an online bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology with career-focused classes.
When you enroll in this program, you complete 56 semester hours of credits. You also earn your degree in 2-3 years. If you earned an AAS degree, then you finish sooner.
Additionally, you take classes on a part-time basis, however, you attend school in the summer. While courses run 16 weeks in fall and spring, they are 12 weeks during the summer.
Graduates of this program work as:
- application engineers
- electronic design engineers
- field service engineers
Finally, SIU ranks #126 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#17 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,320
National University offers an affordable online electrical engineering degree. You can earn, for example, a BS in electrical and computer engineering.
This program helps you understand skills used this field of engineering. You also learn how to design and maintain digital hardware.
Classes cover topics like:
- Computer architecture
- Computer ethics
- Control systems
- Embedded systems
Additionally, classes run for four weeks. As a result, you take many classes each semester, but never more than one at a time.
While National University is a large school, classes are kept small. However, the size of its online degree programs make it a popular school for working students.
#16 – The University of Arizona
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computing Engineering
Tucson, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,716
The University of Arizona is an affordable school for an engineering degree. It offers an online BS in electrical and computer engineering program.
In this program, you learn how to apply engineering principles to real-world problems. You also learn about computer design. For example, you learn how computers work with robotics and power systems.
Additionally, courses cover topics like:
- Computer programming for engineering applications
- Device electronics
- Principles of AI
Graduates land jobs at Intel, Microsoft, and even Pixar. But to get into the program, you’ll need strong math skills. You should also have a computer background. For instance, you should take many math and computer science courses in high school.
Finally, the school ranks #40 in top public school by U.S. News & World Report.
#15 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,573
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a cost-effective school for an engineering degree. It offers a bachelor’s in electrical engineering online program.
This program teaches you how to work with electronic components. It also prepares you for work in electrical engineering fields, such as power systems and circuits.
Students complete 190.5 credit hours, however transfer credits are accepted. If you want to shorten time spent in the program, then you transfer credits from an AAS degree.
During your time in the program, you’ll take courses that cover topics like:
- Advanced circuit analysis
- Advanced engineering math
- Impact of global issues on design
In addition to the above courses, you’ll take several math classes, such as college algebra and calculus.
Lastly, CTU ranks #298 in best national schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#14 – Northern Arizona University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Technology
Flagstaff, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,896
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an affordable electrical engineering degree online program. In fact, can earn a BS in electrical engineering technology.
The program teaches you skills you the basic skills needed to work as an engineer. You also learn advanced techniques in engineering.
Due to its online classes, you can work while earning your degree. In fact, many students work for an engineering organization while earning their degree.
In this program, you take courses that cover topics like:
- Intro to digital logic
- Intro to electronics
- Microprocessors
You also complete 120 credit hours. However, if you have credits from another school, then you can transfer them But you will need an associate degree for transfer credits to apply.
Finally, NAU ranks #284 in best national schools by U.S. News & World Report. It also offers financial aid awards to those in need.
#13 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
Arizona State University (ASU) is known for offering the first online bachelor’s in electrical engineering degree. The program is ABET-accredited and open to full-time students with no prior college credits.
Since you don’t need college credits to apply, the degree takes four years to earn. However, if you want to shorten the time it takes to earn your EE degree, then transfer credits are needed.
You start the program by taking math and science courses. Additionally, you complete courses like:
- Digital design
- Intro to engineering
- Random signal analysis
In addition to the ABET recognition, ASU ranks #103 in best national schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#12 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
Klamath, Oregon
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,269
Oregon Institute of Technology is an affordable school for an electrical degree online. It offers a BS in electronics engineering technology program that is ABET-accredited.
In this program, you take a mix of math and engineering classes. You also learn skills needed to work as an electrical engineer.
Courses cover topics like:
- Digital system design
- Electronics
While the program takes about four years to complete, you can shorten it transferring credits. If you have an associate’s degree in a related field from an Oregon community college, you can transfer credits.
Additionally, financial aid awards are offered to qualifying students.
Finally, OIT ranks #5 in best regional schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#11 – Old Dominion University
Online Bachelor’s in Embedded Systems Technology
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,800
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers one of the cheapest online electrical engineering degree programs. The schools also offers a BS in Engineering Technology degree with a concentration in embedded systems technology.
It is for transfer students with existing college credits. However, students must complete at least 30 of the 120 credits at ODU.
The program prepares you for careers in different engineering fields, such as:
- electronic and electrical design
- manufacturing
- software design
Lastly, ODU ranks #258 in best national schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#10 – University of North Dakota
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,276
University of North Dakota (UND) is an affordable choice for engineering degrees. It offers a BS in electrical engineering degree.
This program helps you understand principles of circuits as well as signals and systems. You also learn how to apply these principles to a job in engineering.
Plan on taking courses like:
- Circuits lab
- Linear electric circuits
Students complete a minimum of 125 credits over four to five years. However, you can shorten this time by transferring credits.
In addition, you should have a strong math and science background when applying to the program.
Finally, UND ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 258th best national school.
#9 – Stony Brook University
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
Stony Brook, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,091
Stony Brook University is a cost-effective school for an electrical engineer degree online. The school offers an online bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering that’s ABET-accredited.
The program helps you gain skills needed to work as an engineer. It also teaches you how electrical engineering fits with related fields.
You can transfer credits to shorten the length of time it takes to earn your degree. However, since the program is online, you will save time through distance learning. In fact, you don’t have to visit campus unless you want.
Finally, the school ranks #69 in undergraduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report.
#8 – Indiana State University
Online Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering
Terre Haute, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,466
Indiana State University (ISU) is an affordable school for an engineering degree. It offers a BS in Electronics Engineering program intended for transfer students.
If you have previous college credits, the program will consider them. In fact, you can transfer up to 90 of the 120 credits required by the program. But you don’t need them to apply. The program also accepts students without a prior college experience.
Graduates of the EE degree program pursue jobs in:
- electrical engineering
- technical and sales professions
Lastly, ISU ranks #298 in best national school by U.S. News & World Report.
#7 – The University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,896
Southern Mississippi is a good school for an affordable engineering degree. It offers a BS in Industrial Engineering Technology that’s ABET-accredited.
This program prepares you to work in the field. It also offers students the flexibility of learning online.
In fact, you can log in at set times or plan your own class schedule. But, above all, your classes are completed online. Additionally, there are no campus visits required.
Though an online program, you can still transfer credits as a first-year student. In fact, the school accepts prerequisites in math, science, and engineering.
Lastly, the school ranks on several U.S. News & World Report lists. For example, it ranks #174 in social mobility and #154 in top public schools.
#6 – American Public University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,360
American Public University (APU) is an affordable school for an electrical engineering degree. It offers a BS in Electrical Engineering with focus areas in communications and mechatronic systems.
This bachelor of electrical engineering online program develops your critical thinking skills as related to engineering. It also provides the skills needed to work as an electrical engineer.
Students earn 128 credit hours, however, 90 credits may be transferred. You also complete courses like:
- Continuous and discrete signals systems
- Energy conversion processes and power systems
- Stats for engineers and scientists
The same faculty who teach on campus also instruct online courses. In fact, you earn the same degree as your on-campus peers.
#5 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor’s in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,182
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is an ABET-accredited school for electrical engineering degrees. It offers a BS in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology program.
This program prepares you for work in the field. It also prepares a foundation for your to build on as you grow in your career.
Students complete a minimum of 127 credit hours. However, you may transfer credits from another college. If you transfer credit, then you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree. On the contrary, if you don’t have transfer credits, then expect the program to take four years.
Some of the courses you take include:
- Advanced microprocessors
- Electronic communications systems
- Solid-state devices and circuits with lab
#4 – University of North Carolina
Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Technology
Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,096
UNC Charlotte is an affordable schools for online electrical engineering degrees. It offers a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology program.
If you have an AAS degree, then you can transfer credits toward your bachelor’s degree. You can also shorten your time in the program by transferring credit.
In this program, you take courses like:
- AC and DC circuits
- electronic devices and microprocessors
- instrumentation or programmable logic controllers
Above all, you graduate prepared for work in many different engineering fields. You can work in fields like:
- IT
- manufacturing
- renewable energy
- telecommunications
Lastly, the school ranks #227 in best national colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
#3 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,648
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) has one of the cheapest electrical engineering degree programs on our list. It offers a BS in Electronics Engineering Technology program.
This program prepares you for careers in the field. It also provides internship and career opportunities with well-known engineering companies.
In fact, program grads have landed jobs at:
- Lockheed Martin
- Raytheon
- ONCOR
Online courses cover theories in engineering. They also focus on new advances. While classes are online, you also get plenty of laboratory experience. In fact, many labs are designed to do at home.
Lastly, ENMU ranks #95 in best schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
#2 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University (FIU) is a good choice for electrical engineering online degrees. It offers a BS in Electrical Engineering with several concentrations.
You can follow a general education path toward your degree or you can earn a concentration in one of the following:
- bioengineering
- communications
- control systems
- integrated nano-technology
- power and energy
You take general courses, as well as several electives. If you pursue a concentration, then you take more courses in that subfield.
Common courses cover topics like:
- Intro to linear systems
- Signals and systems
In conclusion, FIU ranks #95 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#1 – University of the Virgin Islands
Online Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering Technology
Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,235
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) offers the cheapest online engineering degree on our list. The BS in electronics engineering technology takes 38 months to earn online.
During this time, you complete 120 credit hours. However, transfer credits cut your time shorter.
Classes start every eight weeks. As a result, there are no long wait times once you’re accepted to the program. You just jump in and get started.
Additionally, you take all classes online, so there are no campus visits.
Finally, UVI ranks #36 in best Southern schools by U.S. News & World Report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an online bachelor’s in electrical engineering degree?
In short, many different jobs.
Depending on your career goals, your online bachelor’s in electrical engineering can lead you down different paths.
Read on to find out more about the most popular electrical engineering fields and what you can do on the job.
- Biomedical Engineering
Interested in how artificial body parts are made?
Biomedical engineers apply electrical engineering principles to design products that help people. You use your knowledge to advance the medical field. You also research equipment for healthcare uses.
Above all, your goal is to use your skills to improve human health.
- Computer Engineering
As a computer engineer, you spend your time researching and designing computer systems. You also test them.
This job is found in the auto industry and consumer electronics.
- Energy Resource Engineering
In this role, you find ways to conserve energy and resources.
You work with sustainable energy solutions, such as solar power, and wind energy. You also work with fossil fuel extraction systems to make them safe.
- Sales Engineering
As a sales engineer, you use your knowledge to sell complex products and systems to businesses. You apply what you learned in school to deliver technical presentations and sales reports.
What do you learn in an electrical engineering program?
Electrical engineering degree programs vary by school. However, at their core, the best online electrical engineering degree offers similar coursework.
For example, in most EE programs, you cover topics like:
- computer science
- electronics and electronic engineering
- mathematics
- physics
Computer science courses cover the basics. You start by taking computer science 101 and 102. But you spend your second year in college digging deeper into computer studies.
Some students minor in computer science after they finish entry-level courses. While others earn a concentration or a second degree in electrical and computer engineering.
If you’re good at math and enjoy computer science, then you might choose to pursue this study area more.
Additionally, electrical engineers have strong math skills. As a matter of fact, most electrical engineering degree program require math classes.
Common math courses include:
- calculus
- differential equations
- linear algebra
Programs also require physics coursework. Physics prepares prospective students with additional math skills needed to work as engineers.
But before you take advanced physics courses, you will complete basic classes. Physics 101 and 102 are common foundation courses.
Next, plan to take more advanced courses like:
- cover circuitry
- electric power engineering
- electrical machines
- electrical systems
- electronic systems
- energy systems
- power systems
In addition to the above courses, plan to develop different different skills. For example, interpersonal and communication skills are needed on the job. As a result, some programs require communication courses.
Additionally, you should have strong writing skills. For this reason, programs require English 101 or other writing classes.
Interdisciplinary programs also require courses in humanities.
Finally, some programs want you to expand your focus in engineering. They know you’ll take classes related to your major, but they want you to learn about other engineering fields. For this reason, some programs require you take courses in bioengineering or mechanical engineering, for example.
What will you do on the job?
With an electrical engineering degree, you’re ready for an entry-level job. But what will you do on the job?
The answer depends on where you work and what role you take.
But most electrical engineers do the same tasks.
The most common tasks include:
- Design new ways to advance electric power.
- Direct equipment manufacturing.
- Evaluate problems in design.
- Evaluate problems in manufacturing.
- Investigate customer complaints.
- Perform calculations to ensure standards are met.
- Work with supervisors to improve production.
Additionally, you write reports and give presentations. You work in teams and meet tough deadlines. Above all, you complete projects and make sure clients are happy.
Are concentrations offered in electrical engineering degree programs?
Yes. There are many concentrations in electrical engineering degree programs.
While earning a concentration, you take classes in an area that interests you. As a result, you gain more skills. You also graduate career-ready for more than one field.
Popular concentrations include:
- Communications
- Computer engineering
- Data science
- Robotics
- And more
Read on to find out more about the most common electrical engineering degree concentrations and what skills they offer.
Communications and Signal Processing
This area of study prepares you to work as a specialized electrical engineer.
You take courses in control systems and learn how to process signals. You also learn about radar and sonar, as well as other wireless technologies. Above all, you graduate ready to work in fields like:
- audio
- image processing
- video processing
Computer Engineering
This focus area increases your knowledge of computer systems. You also learn how engineering works with control and power systems.
You graduate with both engineering and computer science skills. As a result, you can find work in both electrical engineering and computer technology fields.
Computer engineers work fields like:
- automobile industry
- biomedicine
- electrical engineering
- mechanical engineering
Since this concentration applies to many different fields, it’s popular with engineering students.
Microelectronics
Want to learn about the design and use of circuits? This focus area teaches you how and why small components are important in engineering.
You study micro-systems, as well as control systems. You also work with the tiniest electrical parts which can present big challenges for engineers.
You also learn how to work as a member of a team, troubleshooting and testing.
How much do electrical engineering majors make?
Electrical engineers earn $103,390 on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This wage exceeds the median salary for other engineering jobs by about $7,000.
But where you work matters. Certain areas offer higher wages than others.
Top-paying metro areas include:
- San Jose/Santa Clara – $150,480
- Washington D.C./Arlington – $130,150
- San Francisco/Oakland – $122,690
- Los Angeles/Long Beach – $122,470
Top-paying small metro areas include:
- Idaho Falls – $125,700
- Yuba City – $124,370
- Stockton/Lodi – $123,888
Wages also vary by experience. In fact, the more experience you have, the higher your wages.
But employers also consider education when determining experience level. A person with a master’s degree, for instance, will show two years of experience beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Finally, industry type can impact earnings. Certain industries pay more than others. For example, electrical engineers in research and development firms earn $116,050. Those in engineering services earn $99,480, on average.
What is the job outlook for those with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering online degree?
The BLS projects the need for electrical engineers to grow 7% through 2030.
Graduates with an electrical engineering degree will find jobs in many industries.
However, two industries show a slight decline in hiring. These include:
- manufacturing
- utilities
But more jobs will be found in areas like:
- alternative energy
- renewable energy
- other conservation industries
Your location matters when looking for an engineering job. In fact, areas with larger populations hire more engineers, while rural locations do not.
If you want to live in an urban area, you will see job growth. As a result, there will also be more job openings for electrical engineers.
But as more people opt to work from home, location is becoming less important. In fact, new data reports a higher number of engineers are working from home.
What does an electrical engineering degree online cost?
Tuition varies by college. However, the cheapest online electrical engineering degree programs are out there if you know where to look.
Students at in-state, public schools pay the most affordable tuition. They also get financial aid awards. But private schools also offer tuition discounts to online students. STEM scholarships are also available at any school.
Additionally, if you qualify, then you can get:
- grants
- work study
- other forms of financial aid
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports the average undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board at public schools is $18,383.
At private, nonprofit colleges, tuition is $47,419. And at private, for-profit schools, tuition is $27,040.
However, the most attractive financial aid packages are found at private nonprofit schools.
The reason? These schools have big endowments that provide financial aid to qualifying students.
No matter which school you attend as an online student, you will save on room and board costs.
But online students should budget for other things.
- computer
- graduation fee
- reliable internet connection
- technology fee
- textbooks and course materials
You also want to plan for certification fees. Many electrical engineering careers require professional certification.
How long does it take to earn a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering?
Most students earn a BS in electrical engineering in four years. But time varies by school and program requirements.
Student with an associate degree can finish faster.
Transfer credits shorten time. If you have an AAS degree, you can shorten your time by up to two years. In fact, some programs accept up to 90 credits toward the Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.
Good classes to take for transfer credit benefits include:
- calculus
- computer science
- physics
General studies courses are also accepted by some programs.
Some online electrical engineering degree programs offer fast-track paths. These are quick-moving, full-time programs that offer full-time study. You often take more than one class at a time. You also complete summer studies. However, you can shorten your program by 12-24 months.
To summarize, online programs can take less time than traditional programs. Online engineering programs provide a faster path toward your degree.
What associations can you join while getting your online bachelor’s in electrical engineering degree?
- Audio Engineering Society
AES is dedicated to audio technology. Its 12,000 members include audio engineers and students. In fact, it operates 75 chapters and 100 student organizations.
Benefits AES offers include access to conferences and networking. It also offers professional advocacy. Students enjoy career services and job announcements.
- IEEE
The largest association for engineers is the IEEE. It represents 200 countries and has over 400,000 members.
IEEE is dedicated to the advancement of technology to benefit humanity.
Students benefit from joining by taking part in member-only conferences and online training. You also get access to job openings and career resources.
- National Society of Professional Engineers
NSPE started in 1934 as a small group of engineers concerned with non-technical aspects of the profession. But since then, it’s grown to 26,000 engineering students and licensed engineers.
NSPE works to build public trust. It also recognizes engineers in different practice areas. Above all, it fights against unethical practices in the field.
Students benefit from advocacy and networking.
What other skills do you need to work as an electrical engineer?
Successful engineers have certain qualities that aren’t taught. Sure, some skills improve in the classroom, however, other skills develop over time.
Read on to find out which skills are needed for electrical engineering jobs.
- Analytical Thinking
Are you able to reason through problems? Do you enjoy the challenge of following complex directions?
If so, you’d make a good engineer.
Since engineers work with complex machines and look for problems, you must be able to reason and think.
- Concentration
Can you stay focused for long periods of time?
Engineers focus on tasks. They also complete hard tasks.
You must be able to concentrate to get the job done.
- Problem-solving
Electrical engineers solve problems. They also develop safe solutions.
To do the job, you should be able to apply the principles you learned in school to real-world problems.
- Technical Writing
You must write papers and proposals that are technical in nature. You also draft manuals and design documents.
To do the job, you should have strong technical writing skills.
- Time Management
While tasked with solving problems, engineers work under tight deadlines. They keep clients happy by staying on schedule. But since some projects are complex and challenging, having strong time management skills helps. Successful engineers know how to manage their time and work under pressure.
BDP Staff
July 2021
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