If you’re looking for a career change in a high-demand profession, consider engineering. About 195,000 openings, on average, are projected every year for architecture and engineering occupations (BLS, 2023-2033).

Engineers are also among the highest-paid professionals. Their median salaries range between $88,750 and $135,690 per year. Indeed, it’s a great time to become an engineer.

The cost of earning an engineering degree isn’t for the faint of heart. You can spend between $14,000 and $50,000 per academic year. The cost of attendance depends on the school (public or private) and your residency (in-state or out-of-state), among other factors. Financial aid will decrease your cost of attendance but it won’t cover everything.

Better yet, start on the right foot by considering top value engineering programs. You’ll enjoy their main benefits – affordability, flexibility, and quality. With your engineering degree, you’re one step closer to a rewarding career.

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• Best Value Online Bachelors Engineering Degrees

What Are Value Engineering Programs?

There are three main characteristics of top value engineering programs.

Affordable tuition and financial aid

The term “value” usually refers to the monetary aspect. In the case of top value engineering programs, it means affordable tuition and fees. These programs also offer generous financial aid, including scholarships and grants. You can earn an engineering degree without crippling student loan debt.

Flexible schedules

Non-traditional students juggle personal and professional obligations. Flexible schedules make it easier to add studies to the mix. Online classes, evening and weekend options, and part-time enrollment are available.

Good return on investment (ROI)

Non-traditional students consider ROI as a major concern. You want to recoup your investment in earning an engineering degree ASAP. Extensive industry connections, robust career services, and a high job placement rate are a must.

The bottom line: You’re getting quality education at an affordable cost. After graduation, you’re more competitive for engineering jobs. You can earn back, so to speak, what you spent within a few years. Now, that’s what we call getting excellent value.

Top 5 Value Engineering Programs for Non-Traditional Students

These programs offering the best engineering degrees for non-traditional students are all ABET-accredited.

University of Florida (UF) – Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering

UF offers among the nation’s most affordable engineering degrees. In-state tuition is $10,770 per year, and financial aid is available. Flexible online engineering programs make it ideal for non-traditional students.

Students choose from 15 engineering disciplines, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Popular programs include computer Engineering and nuclear engineering, too. Degree programs are at the BS, MS, ME, and Ph.D. levels.

UF emphasizes research, innovation, and practical application in its engineering programs. Student support services include robust career services, mental health counseling, and technology support. Career services include resume workshops, job search support, and professional development workshops. Graduates report high placement rates, too.

Arizona State University (ASU) – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

ASU’s online engineering programs for working adults offer affordable tuition and financial aid options. Tuition is about $12,500 per year (in-state). Financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and employer reimbursement, is available.

With graduates getting well-paying jobs soon after graduation, ASU offers excellent ROI. ASU has strong partnerships with major industries that contribute to high placement rates. Students also expand their network through 60+ engineering student organizations.

ASU offers many online engineering degree programs, too. Students choose from seven engineering disciplines, including software, electrical, and environmental engineering. There are accelerated programs in the 72 undergraduate and graduate programs, too. Flexible start dates allow non-traditional students to enroll at their convenience.

Purdue University – College of Engineering

Purdue is among the top engineering schools for non-traditional students because of its emphasis on academic excellence. Engineering students also pay affordable tuition (about $10,900 per year for in-state students). Financial aid options decrease the cost of attendance.

Online engineering programs attract non-traditional students. Part-time students thrive thanks to flexible course formats. Check out the MS in Engineering degree programs. Students must prepare for challenging courses and cutting-edge research.

Nine engineering disciplines are available. These include aeronautics, industrial, and electrical engineering. Purdue adopts an interdisciplinary approach where students learn from many engineering disciplines.

Texas A&M University – College of Engineering

TAMU is known for its programs offering flexible engineering degrees. Students choose from online programs in many engineering disciplines. Civil and mechanical engineering are popular options.

Online programs are offered at both the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Both on-campus and online programs feature rigorous academics and hands-on learning. Graduates have practical skills, a sign of career readiness. TAMU has among the best job placement rates for this reason.

Engineering students can also apply for financial aid. Scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available. Check out the Hazlewood Act for state aid. Tuition is about $287 per credit for in-state students, among the lowest.

University of Southern California – Viterbi School of Engineering

USC’s engineering programs are known for their innovation and interdisciplinary learning. With its strategic location in the heart of major industries, students learn to apply their knowledge and turn it into practical skills. There’s an abundance of internship and job opportunities, too.

While it’s a private college, USC makes it possible for students to earn their degrees. Competitive financial aid packages are available. USC’s graduates find lucrative work within six months after graduation, too. This means a high ROI that makes USC education valuable.

Online master’s degree programs appeal to non-traditional students. Popular options are engineering management, computer science, and environmental engineering.

Why Non-Traditional Students Benefit from Value Programs

Of course, you can enroll in a traditional engineering program. However, engineering programs for adult learners and other non-traditional students are more suitable. Here are the reasons why you, a non-traditional student, will appreciate these valuable programs.

Flexibility

Being an engineering student while working can be overwhelming. Add your family obligations, and it seems impossible. With online learning, part-time options, and evening and weekend classes, it’s possible. Time management, strong support from family, and communication with your employer are a must, however.

Affordability

Programs offering non-traditional student engineering degrees offer affordable tuition and fees. With financial aid, it’s possible to graduate with low student loan debt. You can enjoy good ROI with the combination.

Accelerated learning options

If you have the drive and determination, go for accelerated programs. You can earn your engineering degree in less time. This means lower college costs and faster ROI, too. Ask about transfer credits, such as credit for prior learning and military training.

How to Choose the Best Value Engineering Program

Here are the basic factors to consider when choosing from among top value engineering programs.

• Always consider the regional and programmatic accreditations. Look for ABET accreditation because it’s a guarantee of academic quality and industry recognition.
• Consider the ROI. Programs offering the best ROI engineering degrees have high job placement rates and starting salaries. TAMU, for example, has a six-month 90% job placement rate.
• Look at the program’s level of flexibility offered. Consider online classes, part-time enrollment, and other special accommodations. Low-residency programs are great choices, too.
• Make engineering programs with financial aid options your priority. Federal student aid, scholarships, and grants are common. Ask about employer tuition assistance, military discounts, and fee waivers, too.
• Look for programs with robust student support services. Academic advising, tutoring, math and writing centers, and career services are a must. Your engineering journey will be more manageable with these services.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Engineering Programs

The engineering profession offers extensive career advancement opportunities, steady demand, and high salaries. Here are the median annual salaries for high-demand engineers. Note that average starting salaries differ depending on location, experience, and industry.

Furthermore, the median wage for engineers was $91,420 per year (BLS, May 2023). Even new graduates earn at least $65,000 per year in their first jobs.

• Aerospace Engineers: $130,720
• Agricultural Engineers: $88,750
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers: $100,730
• Chemical Engineers: $112,100
• Civil Engineers: $95,890
• Computer Hardware Engineers: $138,080
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers: $109,010
• Environmental Engineers: $100,090
• Health and Safety Engineers: $103,690
• Industrial Engineers: $99,380
• Materials Engineers: $104,100
• Mechanical Engineers: $99,510
• Mining and Geological Engineers: $100,640
• Nuclear Engineers: $125,460
• Petroleum Engineers: $135,690
• Software Engineers: $130,160

Yet another beauty of being an engineer is the diverse workplaces. You can work in government agencies, private companies, and nonprofits, among others.

Conclusion

UF, ASU, Purdue, TAMU, and USC are the best top value engineering programs for non-traditional students. Their programs feature affordability, flexibility, and quality that appeal to aspiring engineers.

Choose from one of these prestigious universities to earn your engineering degree. Don’t let your age and circumstances deter you from achieving it. Yes, the road ahead is challenging, but the reward of a fulfilling engineering career is worth it.