On-campus learning has become very expensive. As a result, many have switched to online learning to save transportation and printed textbooks. According to the Education Data Initiative, online programs are $31,000 cheaper than on-campus ones.

Engineering has seen significant growth in online education. According to the Learning House and Aslanian Market Research, it’s now one of the top five online majors tied to sociology.

Engineers obtain the competencies for utilizing and applying mathematical and scientific principles that enable them to analyze, design, code, invent, create, and build. They are professionals who are also well-versed in technology. They must also demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness. As a result, they meet specific objectives and find solutions to problems.

With many options, choosing which schools to pursue online engineering degrees has become a challenge. In this post, we will explore the top five affordable online engineering programs.

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What Makes an Online Engineering Degree Valuable?

It’s easy for an online school to claim that they are among the top schools for online engineering degrees. However, the true worth of an online engineering degree depends on several important factors beyond just what the school advertises.

Here are some factors we’ve considered when ranking the best-value engineering degrees online:

Accreditation and program reputation.

Ensures that the degree is respected and recognized in the job market.

Affordability and financial aid options.

Helps you manage costs and avoid excessive student debt.

Flexibility and accessibility of online learning.

This will help you effectively balance work or other commitments with your studies.

Strong job placement rates and career support services.

Ensures you have the resources and connections needed to secure employment after graduation.

Top Online Engineering Degrees Offering Great Value

Today, reputable colleges and universities campuses deliver top-caliber online engineering programs. Well-equipped with the latest technologies for effective distance learning, online programs these days are as engaging as their on-campus counterparts. Proving this point are 83% of employers who, according to a CareerBuilder Survey, find that web-based degrees can be on par with traditional programs in terms of quality and, therefore, accept candidates who hold online degrees.

Here are some of today’s leading engineering schools that deliver high-quality, top-value engineering programs in various fields and specializations:

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a wide field that covers many topics, from how structures hold up under pressure to how fluids like air and water move. According to the US BLS, mechanical engineers earn an average of $99,510 annually. Possible career opportunities include:

• Design Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer

The top accredited online engineering programs in mechanical engineering are offered by:

• University of North Dakota
• ECPI University
• University of Central Florida

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering deals with electricity technology. It is one of the best yet cheap engineering degrees online. Graduates can work on several projects, from tiny microchips to huge power station generators.

With an expected 9 percent growth rate and average salaries of $106,950, careers in electrical engineering are on the rise. The top online engineering schools for electrical engineering are:

• Arizona State University
• University of Arizona
• Engineering Institute of Technology

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering might be the right field for you if you’re interested in designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure like bridges, roads, and buildings. The field has an estimated 6 percent from 2023 to 2033 with average annual salaries of $95,890. Here are the top high ROI online engineering degrees for aspiring civil engineers:

• University of North Dakota
• Johns Hopkins University
• Columbia University in the City of New York

Software Engineering

Software engineering is the intersection between engineering and computer science principles. It’s a very competitive field demanding expertise in coding, strong analytical abilities, and creativity. The average annual salary is $130,160, with an expected growth rate of 17 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Among the top value online engineering degrees for this field include:

• Arizona State University
• Champlain College
• Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Environmental Engineering

As the world faces more severe environmental issues, the need for ecological engineers grows increasingly urgent. Environmental engineers strike a balance between technical solutions and ecological responsibility. The field’s growth rate is 7 percent, and the average annual salary is $100,090.

Among the most affordable online environmental engineering schools are:

• University of Florida
• University of Central Florida
• University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign

Tips for Choosing the Right Online Engineering Program

With many options out there, it’s important to carefully consider which online engineering best fits your needs, goals, and aptitude. Here are some tips to land the best option based on your circumstances:

Evaluate your goals.

This is the first step to make the search easier. Ask yourself about your ideal career path and what you hope to achieve with an online engineering degree.

For instance, do you want to work with machinery? Then, consider an online mechanical engineering degree. Or perhaps you’re interested in developing advanced electronics? In that case, an electrical engineering online degree might be a better fit.

Research and compare.

We cannot stress this enough: Choose an accredited school. This will ensure that your degree is valuable whether in the job market or if you decide to pursue further education.

Another important consideration is the cost. Tuition is not the only factor affecting the total cost of education. Ask the school about additional fees and financial aid availability, such as scholarships and grants, to offset some costs.

Flexibility and support services.

If you have a part-time or full-time job, pursue flexible online engineering programs with asynchronous courses. On the other hand, if you prefer a structured schedule, look for programs with live online classes.

Whichever path you prefer, ensure the school offers key support services like academic and career advising. Support services enhance student performance, boost success rates, and improve the likelihood of completing a degree.

Benefits of Earning an Engineering Degree Online

Engineering is truly one of the most hands-on degree programs. It requires practical skills and real-world experience. So, why opt for an online engineering degree if the field is about hands-on learning?

Well, online programs have some big perks:

• With flexible learning schedules, you can easily balance work, life, and education.
• With a pool of school options, you can easily search and compare schools with diverse learning resources.
• You get to interact with students in remote locations all over the world. This opportunity allows for better and wider networking and collaboration.
• You no longer need to uproot your life and relocate. Mind you, campus housing is often more expensive than renting. Plus, you won’t have to travel to campus daily, saving you over $1,000 for transportation costs.

Conclusion

Engineering matters because it impacts many facets of society and improves people’s lives. Whether you’re drawn to the energy, infrastructure, healthcare, security, economy, or transportation industry, an Engineering degree equips you with the skills and resources that you can put to good use.

If you aspire to be an engineer, pay attention to your academic program. To ensure high ROI, you should consider pursuing affordable, accredited, and reputable online engineering degrees. This strategy helps you earn more in the future without taking out student loans today.