The Most Affordable Online Engineering Master’s Universities

The Top 20 Most Affordable Online Engineering Master's Universities
RankSchoolLocationCost
#1University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, North Carolina$4,337
#2West Texas A&M UniversityCanyon, Texas$4,823
#3Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, Arkansas$4,986
#4University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, New Mexico$5,156
#5Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, Georgia$5,328
#6The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, Texas$5,497
#7Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater, Oklahoma$5,531
#8Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, Texas$5,958
#9University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, Texas$5,959
#10Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, Ohio$6,058
#11University of New OrleansNew Orleans, Louisiana$6,090
#12Lamar UniversityBeaumont, Texas$6,324
#13Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston, Louisiana$6,592
#14University of North AlabamaFlorence, Alabama$6,660
#15Texas A & M UniversityCollege Station, Texas$6,677
#16University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical CampusDenver, Colorado$6,786
#17University of Central FloridaOrlando, Florida$6,916
#18University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie, Wisconsin$7,155
#19New Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorro, New Mexico$7,160
#20University of IdahoMoscow, Idaho$7,754

The most affordable online master’s in engineering degree can provide you with a cost-effective path to a wide range of leadership positions and specialized roles in high-growth areas like engineering, architecture, and computer technology. Because engineering is a highly competitive profession with numerous opportunities for advancement, many engineering students and professional engineers will pursue a master’s degree in engineering. Choosing an affordable online engineering masters program can provide great return on your investment as you work to enhance your skill sets, update your technical knowledge, or improve your qualifications for well-paying specialized and leadership roles in the industry.

The Best Online Engineering Master’s Degrees Ranking

#1

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The William States Lee College Of Engineering

Charlotte, North Carolina

Score 71
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
#2

West Texas A&M University

College of Engineering

Canyon, Texas

Score 62
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) charges in-state engineering graduate students tuition fees as low as $50 per credit, and $80 per credit for non-resident students, making WTAMU one of the most affordable online universities for earning an engineering master’s degree. This school offers a fully online Master of Science in Engineering, which allows students to choose from three specializations:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Environmental engineering

Online students will be required to earn a total of 36 credits. This is a non-thesis degree, but it does require students to complete a three-credit final project, which consists of a written report and an oral presentation. In addition, to help foster a well-rounded education, students will complete 15 credits within their specialization; 12 credits within one of three sub-specializations; and six credits of elective courses. Courses cover topics such as combustion theory, advanced hydrology, and engineering statistics.

#3

Arkansas State University

College of Engineering & Computer Science

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Arkansas State University's School Logo
Score 66
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

There’s a reason Arkansas State University (ASU) ranks as one of the most affordable colleges to earn your master’s in engineering degree online. Students can earn this one-year degree for under $10,000, including all related fees. Master of Engineering Management students will need to take 10 fully online classes, each of which runs about seven weeks long, for a total of 30 credits. The course load is made up of five required courses and five elective courses. Students can choose from 12 different elective courses, including classes such as:

  • Entrepreneurship for Engineers
  • Operations Research
  • Finance and Budgeting for Engineers
  • Industrial Materials Handling

Students in ASU’s master’s in engineering program also do not have to complete a thesis, making it easy for them to complete this degree in one year. This degree program is designed for engineers from any field who are working toward management positions. However, it is also applicable to those who currently manage technology in manufacturing, engineering, and high-tech organizations. Learn more, and find out how you can earn your Master of Engineering Management degree at Arkansas State University.

#4

University of New Mexico

School of Engineering

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Score 69
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving

With accelerated online master’s degrees and low tuition costs, University of New Mexico (UNM) is ranked one of the best value and most affordable online universities for earning an engineering master’s degree. Since UNM offers multiple start dates for online classes and the courses only run for eight weeks, students can earn their advanced engineering degree in as little as 18 months. Students can choose from the following online engineering degrees at UNM:

  • Master of Science in Computer Engineering – Internet of Things
  • Master of Construction Management
  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering – Space Systems Engineering
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Space Systems Engineering

While most of these degrees require completion of 30-31 credits, the mechanical engineering degree is 34 credits. Programs consist of required classes and elective or specialization classes. While most of the courses for these degrees can be taken in any order, the two space systems engineering degrees recommend a sequential order to help students successfully navigate these specialized programs. Students can expect to pay about $394 per credit.

#5

Kennesaw State University

Southern Polytechnic College Of Engineering And Engineering Technology

Kennesaw, Georgia

Students looking to earn an advanced degree can attend Kennesaw State University, one of the most affordable online engineering master’s universities, for just $383.00 per credit hour. Designed for the working professional, this institution allows students to study full-time or part-time. The Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology addresses multiple fields of engineering, and students can strengthen their knowledge with the following degrees:

  • Master of Science in Applied Engineering – Electrical
  • Master of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Master of Science in Engineering Management
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Science in Quality Assurance
  • Master of Science in Systems Engineering

All programs are 30 credits and have the same start dates for the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Students of the applied engineering – electrical program can choose either the project option or coursework option in order to fulfill the required 30 credits. Students in the civil engineering program can select from one of the following concentrations:

  • Structural
  • Geotechnical
  • Transportation and Pavement
  • Environmental
  • Water Resources

With an affordable cost and flexible scheduling, Kennesaw State University has plenty to offer for those looking to earn their online master’s in engineering. Discover the program that best fits your career goals.

#6

The University of Texas at El Paso

College of Engineering

El Paso, Texas

Score 60
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving

Those looking to accelerate their career and expand their knowledge can earn their master’s in engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, ranked as one of the most affordable online engineering master’s universities.Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $782 per credit hour for this 30-credit degree. The school’s Master of Science in Systems Engineering can be earned fully online, and prospective students can choose from the following concentrations:

  • Systems Architecture and Design
  • Systems Engineering Process
  • Systems Modeling and Simulation

Upon completion of the program, students will be better prepared to earn their Associate/Certification Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP/CSEP) certification. The degree program also includes a practicum. Graduates often go on to hold positions as:

  • Mission systems engineers
  • Product architects
  • Systems architects
  • Technical directors

It’s also worth noting that after earning their master’s in engineering online, AT&T employees have the opportunity to receive tuition reimbursement through AT&T.

Find out how you can earn an online master’s degree in engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso.

#7

Oklahoma State University

College Of Engineering, Architecture And Technology

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University's School Logo
Score 70
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

Oklahoma State University Online, ranked as one of the most affordable and best value online master’s in engineering universities, offers five master’s degrees:

  • Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management
  • Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Fire Safety and Explosion Protection
  • Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management

The Master of Science in Electrical Engineering is a research-based program that culminates with a thesis. The Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Fire Safety and Explosion Protection and the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management offer a non-thesis or thesis option. The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management degree requires students to select from one of the following specialties:

  • General Industrial Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Operations Research
  • Supply Chain and Logistics

Required credit hours range from 30 to 33, and all degrees utilize the Canvas learning platform. Total program cost for in-state students ranges from just under $16,000 to a little above $17,000, depending on the program. Active-duty military can receive in-state tuition no matter their state of residency.

Find out how you can earn an online master’s degree in engineering at Oklahoma State University Online.

#8

Texas Tech University

Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering

Lubbock, Texas

#9

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Edinburg, Texas

Score 54
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Military Friendly
Hispanic Serving

Ranked one of the most affordable online colleges for earning an engineering master’s degree, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers students an advanced degree with a minimal commitment of time. Students can earn their Master of Science in Engineering Management online and at an accelerated pace with UTRGV’s seven-week classes. This 36-credit degree is aimed at helping students develop leadership, negotiation, marketing, decision-making, and risk assessment skills all while exploring best practices, theories, and current research in the industry. Students will need to complete five required courses as well as several elective courses. Required courses include:

  • Industrial Cost Analysis
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Operations Research and Analysis
  • Engineering Management
  • Engineering Project Management

While tuition rates can vary based on residency and when students begin their classes, in-state residents who take six credits per term will pay a total cost of between $14,800-$17,200 for their entire program. Out-of-state residents will pay about twice the cost of in-state students. However, UTRGV strives to make education affordable for students, so scholarships are available to eligible candidates to help cover costs.

Find out how to earn your engineering management degree online at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

#10

Youngstown State University

College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Youngstown, Ohio

Score 61
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
#11

University of New Orleans

College of Engineering

New Orleans, Louisiana

Score 64
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

The University of New Orleans is ranked as one of the most affordable online engineering master’s universities. Students looking to advance their knowledge in today’s technology-oriented society can earn a Master of Science in Engineering Management 100% online through either the College of Engineering or the College of Business Administration.

This 30-credit program is composed of both asynchronous and synchronous courses. Students can also choose either a non-thesis or thesis track. In the non-thesis track, students complete all required coursework and also a capstone project. In the thesis track, students complete all required coursework, a capstone project, and a hands-on research-based project. Basic requirements for applicants include,

  • A bachelor’s in engineering, mathematics, or applied science from an accredited institution
  • An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • A minimum 300 GRE score for the verbal and quantitative sections

After completing the program, graduates go on to acquire leadership positions as biomedical engineering managers, design engineering managers, process engineering managers, architectural managers, and logistics managers.


Find out how you can earn an online master’s degree in engineering at the University of New Orleans.

#12

Lamar University

College of Engineering

Beaumont, Texas

Score 62
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

With a special tuition lock program, it is clear why Lamar University (LU) was ranked one of the most affordable online engineering schools for earning a master’s degree. Tuition lock ensures fees will stay the same for students for up to four years while they earn their degree. Additionally, students who pursue their Master of Engineering Management degree at LU can choose from a wide variety of specializations, including,

  • Automation and Robotics
  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Management Information Systems (ERPs-SAP)
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Web-Mobile-Analytics Development

The 30-credit degree also allows students to tailor their course load, ensuring students receive a customized and personally relevant education. Most degree paths consist of: one-third technical management courses; one-third business administration courses; and one-third technical discipline courses. Classes are available both online and on campus.

Find out which specialization fits your career goals and find out how to earn your Master of Engineering Management at Lamar University.

#13

Louisiana Tech University

College of Engineering & Science

Ruston, Louisiana

Score 71
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
#14

University of North Alabama

Department of Engineering and Technology

Florence, Alabama

Score 61
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
#15

Texas A & M University

College of Engineering

College Station, Texas

Texas A & M University stands out as one of the best value, most affordable, and best colleges for pursuing a master’s degree online in engineering. Students looking to earn an advanced degree in engineering will have 12 options to choose from at Texas A & M:

  • Master of Engineering in Aerospace
  • Master of Engineering in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering Technical Management
  • Master of Industrial Distribution
  • Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Engineering (Subsea Engineering)
  • Master of Science in Safety Engineering
  • Master of Science in Engineering Management

Each of these degrees requires a minimum of 30 credits to graduate, and some offer both a thesis and non-thesis option. Remote student tuition is determined based on each course, with fees ranging from $40 to $550 per credit.

#16

University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

College of Engineering, Design and Computing

Denver, Colorado

Score 54
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
#17

University of Central Florida

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Orlando, Florida

Score 80
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving

Ranked as one of the best value, most affordable, and best online engineering master’s universities, the University of Central Florida offers multiple advanced engineering degrees. Working professionals can choose one of the following Master of Science degrees from the College of Engineering and Computer Science:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Smart Cities
  • Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Transportation
  • Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural
  • Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources
  • Engineering Management
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Healthcare Systems Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Engineering

Students in the aerospace engineering program can choose guidance control and dynamics, space systems design, or thermofluid aerodynamic systems design and engineering as their focused track. Those in the industrial engineering program can choose from six concentrations:

  • Human systems engineering/ergonomics
  • Interactive simulation and training systems
  • Operations research
  • Quality systems engineering
  • Simulation modeling and analysis
  • Systems engineering

Though tuition for both resident and non-resident graduate students is the same, $288.16 per credit hour, non-resident students also have a fee of a little over $780 that is applied to each credit.

#18

University of Wisconsin-Stout

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Score 63
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

The University of Wisconsin – Stout (UW-Stout) has customized its online advanced degrees to cater to working individuals who need affordability, flexibility, and career-ready skills. At UW-Stout, one of the most affordable colleges for earning an engineering master’s degree, engineering students can choose from three master’s options:

  • Master of Science in Construction Management
  • Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering
  • Master of Science in Operations and Supply Chain Management – Engineering Technology Management

Each of these degrees is available fully online and requires the completion of about 30-32 credits. Some of these degree programs also allow students to choose whether they would like to complete a thesis or final project for graduation. Additionally, UW-Stout does not base tuition rates on residency, meaning online students pay the same program fees, regardless of whether they live in state or out of state. However, rates may vary depending on the degree program in which the student is enrolled. Construction management students pay $590 per credit, manufacturing engineering students pay $614 per credit, and operations and supply chain management students pay $644 per credit.

#19

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, New Mexico

Score 53
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Hispanic Serving

Working professionals looking to earn their advanced degree in engineering at an affordable price can attend New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Often referred to as New Mexico Tech, this institution ranks as one of the most affordable online engineering master’s universities. Students enrolled for six credit hours or fewer have a low tuition rate of just under $400 per credit hour. New Mexico Tech offers the following master’s degrees in engineering:

  • Master of Engineering Management
  • Master of Engineering in Materials Engineering
  • Master of Science in Materials Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The Master of Engineering Management, Master of Engineering in Materials Engineering, and Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering all require 30 credit hours and are delivered synchronously. The Master of Science in Materials Engineering and the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering also require 30 credits, but six of those must be thesis credits. Students in the mechanical engineering program can choose from the following four specializations:

  • Explosives Engineering
  • Fluid and Thermal Sciences
  • Mechatronics and Robotics
  • Solid Mechanics

Find out how you can earn an online master’s degree in engineering at New Mexico Tech.

#20

University of Idaho

College of Engineering

Moscow, Idaho

Score 67
Relative Cost
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly

The University of Idaho (UI) is ranked as having one of the best value online engineering master’s degrees. One reason for this ranking is the variety of options available to its graduate students. UI offers several online engineering master’s degrees, some of which allow students to choose between a Master of Science or Master of Engineering. Most also offer additional focus areas. Full-time online students, those completing between 9-20 credits in a school year, will pay about $4,938. The following 30-credit degrees are available online at UI:

  • Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering
  • Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics
  • Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Computer Engineering
  • Digital Hardware Design
  • Digital Systems Design
  • Computer Systems
  • Master of Science in Computer Science
  • Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits
  • Supercomputing
  • Microwaves
  • Communication Systems
  • Integrated Circuit Design
  • Electromagnetics
  • Control Systems
  • Signal Analysis
  • Network Synthesis
  • Digital Systems Design
  • Electric Power Systems
  • Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
  • Master of Science in Geological Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Science in Technology Management

Find out how to get your online master’s degree in engineering at University of Idaho.

The Most Affordable Online Engineering Master's Universities FAQ

What Is an Online Master’s in Engineering Degree?
An Online Master’s Degree in Engineering is a two-year degree that you’ll earn either partially or entirely through web-mediated online courses. A growing number of highly reputable, ABET-accredited colleges and universities are making affordable advanced online engineering degrees available to qualified students, and in a wide range of specializations, including civil engineering, software engineer, systems engineering, and more.

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What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Engineering Degree?
Though the bachelor’s degree is the basic academic threshold for earning your license to practice as a Professional Engineer (PE), leadership and management roles are often reserved for those with a master’s degree, especially candidates who are interested in engineering management. Engineering and architecture leaders enjoy a great return on their investment in an affordable online master’s degree, pulling in a median wage of $81,440 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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How Much Does an Online Master’s in Engineering Cost?
According to Money.com, the cost can vary significantly for an engineering master’s degree, ranging from as low as $317 per credit hour up to $16,000 per credit hour. Completing some or all of your advanced engineering degree courses online can lower tuition and reduce associated costs including housing, transportation, and campus fees.

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How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Engineering?
The typical online master’s degree in engineering will require you to earn between 30 and 50 credits, depending on the nature of your program. For full-time students, this can generally be completed over the course of two to three years.

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What Is the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Engineering Degree?
If you’re seeking an affordable way to advance your career as an engineering manager, architect, or a project leader in a specialized engineering sub-discipline, choose from our ranking of The Most Affordable Online Engineering Master’s Universities.

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Career Information

Engineer Career Information

Engineer Hourly Wages by Percentile
PercentileHourly Wage
Mean$48 per hour
Tenth Percentile$28 per hour
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$35 per hour
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$45 per hour
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$59 per hour
Ninetieth Percentile$74 per hour
Engineer Annual Wages by Percentile
PercentileAnnual Wage
Mean$100,770
Tenth Percentile$58,210
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$72,940
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$94,500
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$122,420
Ninetieth Percentile$154,870
Engineer Employment Outlook 2019-2029
MeasurementEmployment
2019 Employment1,810,100 people
2029 Employment1,879,100 people
Employment Percent Change from 2019 to 20294%

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