25 Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering (M.E., M. Eng.) Online Grad School Degrees
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Entry-level engineering occupations may only require a master’s degree. However, higher-level positions with larger responsibilities will require a Master’s in Engineering.
Traditional on-campus master’s degrees are time-consuming and expensive, and they may often require you to put your current career on hold to study full-time. Fortunately, many colleges and universities are now offering online programs designed for working professionals.
Moreover, this type of learning format often allows students to choose courses that are in sync with or relevant and applicable to their careers. Not all Engineering majors are knee-deep in student loan debt; many turn to affordable online programs!
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Graduate students in the field of Engineering seek advanced study to, among other things, match specific requirements for career advancement. An increasing number of colleges and universities today address this demand by creating degree programs with working professionals in mind.
Graduate students are allowed to choose courses that are in sync with or are relevant and applicable to their careers. This arrangement allows them to pay only for courses that align with their professional objectives.
A master’s degree is required in candidates for careers with responsibilities of a bigger scale. In some occupations, a master’s degree may not be a requirement, but career advancement or higher pay favors those who have reached a master’s level of education in their field of study.
But a Master’s in Engineering degree isn’t exactly cheap! During the academic year 2017-2018, the average in-state graduate tuition and required fees in for-profit and non-profit degree-granting private postsecondary institutions—engineering schools included—was $25,442.
The massive educational expense is off-putting to most students. Thankfully, an increasing number of schools now offer online Master’s in Engineering programs that, under specific terms and conditions, students can complete for a fraction of the cost.
By enrolling in an affordable online master’s program in Engineering, students can upskill and find their footing in a skills-focused field while saving money in the process. This, however, is easier said than done!
Methodology
GradSchoolCenter.com has compiled a list of the 25 Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering Online Grad School Degrees, highlighting the importance of getting quality graduate education without the ridiculously high price tag.
The list is made up of graduate schools with these standout features:
- 100% online or hybrid format for convenience and schedule flexibility,
- Stellar reviews from accredited academic resources and excellent student satisfaction rates,
- Offers various financial assistance programs specific to the Master’s in Engineering program or the graduate school,
- Emphasis on the core foundations of Engineering at the master’s level, promoting theoretical and experiential learning as a gateway to career advancement,
- Student support and readily available online resources,
- For some, credit transfer policies are in place to encourage accelerated completion,
- Fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and other academic agencies.
Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering (M.E., M. Eng.) Online Grad School Degrees
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
| Tuition: | $440 per hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
U.A.’s M.S. in Mechanical Engineering is a progressive non-thesis program offered on flexible schedules and managed on a modern learning management platform. Its faculty consists of former employees of Lockheed Martin and NASA.
Although the program’s coursework can be completed fully online, students will be required to complete a comprehensive exam via live, in-person proctoring.
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, Maryland
| Tuition: | $1,449 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
Through its Global Campus, UMD offers several online MEng degree programs with affordable tuition rates. Some specializations offered include Bioengineering, Project Management, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Engineering. The engineering-related graduate programs establish relevant professional connections with government sectors around Washington, DC.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management
| Tuition: | $489 per credit hour (resident) $530 per credit hour (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 32 |
OSU’s MSE in Technology Management is an affordable program hailed for its top-notch curriculum that can be completed entirely online. In addition to its low per credit hours cost, the program also provides its students with personalized attention through a small 20:1 faculty-to-student ratio.
The program’s core topics include Project Management, Strategy Development and Implementation, Financial Management and Cost Control, and more.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering
| Tuition: | $1,067 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
Engineering professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and career opportunities in Electrical Engineering can opt for ASU’s Online MSE-EE program. Open to applicants with diverse engineering backgrounds, this online master’s degree will prepare students for careers designing complex devices and systems.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $633 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 45 |
OSU’s MEng is designed for students who want to pursue high-level positions in managing and designing engineering projects. This program is designed to avoid work disruption among graduate students.
This graduate engineering program at Oregon State University is delivered entirely online and has flexible schedules. Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis. Operations Management, Project Management in Engineering, and Introduction to Management for Engineers and Scientists are some of the core required courses to be completed within the program.
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $25,000 |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
FIU’s M.S. in Engineering Management can be completed fully online in part-time and full-time formats. Despite being affordable, students gain vast knowledge of engineering tools, managerial theories, and best practices for industrial system design and operation, preparing them for various engineering fields and a solid technical foundation. Students are exposed to opportunities of stimulating real-world business environments.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Online Master of Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $840.84 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
The online MEM program at KSU offers several specialization options that equip graduate students with the skills and knowledge that are needed to excel in their respective professions. Advanced Engineering Economy, Industrial Logistics Engineering, Advanced Industrial Management, Engineering Project Management, and Advanced Production and Inventory Control are some of the core courses to be completed by graduate students. Students will acquire the necessary management skills intended for engineers.
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $830 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
The MEng in Engineering Management at Louisville features a rigorous curriculum designed to help engineering professionals take on complex engineering projects. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as three semesters. Some of the core courses include Building Information Modeling, Airport Planning and Design, and GPS Theory and Application.
In addition to the master’s degree, students will also earn a Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma for the Black Belt Certification from the IISE.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online Master of Science in Engineering
| Tuition: | $733 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
KSU’s M.S. in Engineering provides students with a fully online learning and customizable learning experience with six concentration options.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Intelligent Robotic Systems
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Each concentration will have its required courses that are specifically designed for the field.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
| Tuition: | $27,220 per academic year (resident) $34,928 per term (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 36 |
Texas Tech’s online MEng program features a curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of engineering, enabling them to apply engineering across various technologies and methodologies. However, this program may not be suitable for students who want to have a research-based learning experience. The advantage though is that it can combine credits from other engineering programs.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Online Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering
| Tuition: | $543.17 per credit (resident) $1,046.61 per credit (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
The online M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering at UW Stout is a specialized program offered via a 100% distance learning format. Students can complete the degree with coursework only, a field project, or a thesis. Regardless of which the student chooses, they may be able to obtain a Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate.
The program is co-educational. However, the curriculum is designed mainly to empower women in engineering.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Online Master of Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $700 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
UNL’s online MEM degree is a non-thesis, 100% online graduate program that provides a concrete understanding of technical-based education. The curriculum is a merge of business and technical courses. Interested students may choose the Construction Engineering and Management specialization; however, this specialization requires on-campus courses.
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, California
Online Master of Science in Software Engineering
| Tuition: | $14,076.81 (program cost – resident) $25,956.81 (program cost – non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
CSU Fullerton offers an online M.S. in Software Engineering identical to its on-campus program; the only difference is their delivery formats. The program prepares students for software engineering roles, focusing on software standards, process implementation, legal and ethical management, collaboration, critical thinking, research, and communication.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Online Master’s in Engineering
| Tuition: | $558.50 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
In addition to offering an affordable per credit hour tuition, MS-State’s online MEng program offers a $1,000 scholarship opportunity for eligible students. MS-State’s graduate program doesn’t require students to complete core courses. Instead, they can choose courses from the major concentrations.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Engineering – Engineering Management and Leadership
| Tuition: | $1,000 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
In collaboration with IU Kelley School of Business, Purdue offers a 100% online MSE in Engineering Management and Leadership. The program seeks to improve leadership in the global marketplace, strategic management, and engineering and technical abilities at the systems level.
On-campus Purdue and I.U. faculty members teach the program. Graduates will also receive a Business Management certificate from I.U.
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Online Master of Science in Welding Engineering
| Tuition: | $7,050.04 |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
OSU’s online M.S. in Welding Engineering offers synchronous or asynchronous classes for a flexible learning experience. Moreover, students can complete the degree with two options: MS Non-Thesis based on Candidacy Exam and MS Non-Thesis as Final Degree.
Students can attend part-time or full-time graduate programs, with part-time programs lasting six to eight semesters and full-time commitments requiring a critical literature review and technical report.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $340 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
ASU’s affordable online M.S. in Engineering Management program emphasizes interdisciplinary strategies, leadership, and engineering skills for management roles. This is a non-thesis program, which means that it may not fill the needs of students who are planning to pursue a Ph.D. in the future.
The program equips graduates with skills for managing teams or business environments, including Advanced Engineering Economy, Quality Control, Project Management, and Engineering Statistics, culminating in an Engineering Capstone.
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
| Tuition: | $31,520 total cost |
| Credit Hours: | 32 |
O.U.’s M.S. in Civil Engineering emphasizes the complexities involved in civil engineering and the technical skills of students required to advance in their professions. The program offers an accelerated program for prospective students, focusing on the practical application of engineering tools in business settings, completing their degree within 21 months.
The University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $487 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
The online M.S. in Engineering Management at UNO offers a non-thesis and thesis track to allow students to tailor their academic experience according to their career goals and interests. The non-thesis track is suitable for students who want a more practical approach to their education. The thesis track provides hands-on research-based projects for doctoral studies.
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana
Online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology
| Tuition: | $475 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 33 |
Louisiana Tech’s online M.S. in Engineering and Technology focuses on management skills and technical knowledge in technology and engineering settings. It provides graduate students with a concrete foundation in mathematics, statistics, and analysis.
The MSET offers four concentrations for students to choose from, namely Construction, Management of Technology, Engineering Management, and Data Science.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online Master’s in Engineering
| Tuition: | $600-800+ per credit |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
UND has one of the most comprehensive online master’s in engineering degrees, spanning from Master of Science (M.S.) to Master of Engineering (MEng) programs. Some of its more popular engineering graduate programs include Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Cyber Security.
Graduate students can take advantage of UND’s reputation as a frontrunner in the field of autonomous aircraft systems, engineering, and aviation. As a result, they guarantee a top-quality engineering program in a reputable institution.
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Online Master of Science in Engineering
| Tuition: | $745 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
UNH has a wide variety of M.S. degrees in Engineering. This includes majors in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Subsea Engineering, and more.
Regardless of which major students pursue, they will be required to conclude their master’s degree with a thesis research or a final project.
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Online Professional Science Masters in Engineering and Business
| Tuition: | $732 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
UMaine’s online PSM in Engineering and Business is suitable for students who want to pursue career advancement in management roles. The program combines business courses with applied field experience as well as advanced engineering studies.
In addition to required courses, students can customize their master’s degree experience and choose between a Surveying Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology concentration.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Online Master’s of Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $620 per credit (in-state) $642 per credit (out-of-state) |
| Credit Hours: | 31 |
Students who want to engage with faculty members on active research projects should consider pursuing ODU’s online MEM program. Professors often incorporate their own research into course instruction, focusing on various engineering-related areas, such as cost analysis, engineering analytics, project management, and more.
University of Illinois-Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
| Tuition: | $896 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 36 |
The online MEng program offered by UIC is a non-thesis program focused on exploring trending topics like A.I. and Machine Learning. It focuses on problem-solving and real-world application development while promoting leadership skills and ethics. The courses are conducted in accelerated 8-week terms, allowing flexibility for full-time and part-time students, with full-time completion in as few as 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Master’s in Engineering program generally cost?
Various factors affect the general cost of a master’s degree in engineering, regardless of whether it’s through traditional or online learning. However, online learning is generally cheaper because it eliminates costs like transportation, housing, and, in some cases, campus fees.
In terms of per credit hour cost, online master’s degrees in engineering may have similar on-campus and online rates. However, some online grad schools will charge more for non-residents/out-of-state students. However, private schools generally offer flat-rate tuition fees, which means that all online students pay the same amount of tuition and fees.
What are the career options for Master’s in Engineering program graduates?
Completing a master’s degree in engineering program opens up numerous career opportunities and possibilities. In fact, because of their specific skill sets, engineers are among the most sought-after professionals.
While electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering are among the most popular specialized degrees in engineering, graduate students may also pursue more concentrated fields based on interest and career goals.
Here are some of the common professions in engineering fields:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Marine Engineer and Naval Architect
How long does it take to earn a Master’s in Engineering?
The majority of engineering graduate programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours and approximately two years of full-time commitment. Depending on the coursework delivery and concentration, some programs may take anywhere between 12 and 36 months to complete. In some instances, part-time graduate students are given six years to complete their engineering program.
What are the benefits of getting a Master’s degree in Engineering?
While there are many, here are just a few benefits to consider:
- Develop specialized skills: A master’s in engineering provides an opportunity to develop expertise in a particular engineering discipline. Students learning mechanical, civil, electronics, and computer engineering can take classes that cover advanced topics like design, industry standards, and software development.
- Improve job security: With a master’s degree, engineers have an edge when competing for jobs. The combination of in-depth knowledge and practical experience that can be obtained during a master’s program can give job seekers an advantage when searching for positions.
- Increase salary potential: Earning an advanced degree in engineering often leads to higher salaries for graduates. As engineering projects become more complex and require greater specialization, employers seek higher-level professionals to handle these roles.
- Help advance your career: Engineers with a master’s degree can gain access to higher-level engineering research, mentoring, and networking opportunities. With the added knowledge and experience, engineers with a master’s degree in engineering can open up new paths for career advancement.
- Stay up to date: A master’s in engineering helps to keep engineers abreast of the latest technologies and advancements in their field. They learn the latest emerging trends and best practices within their discipline.
Can I earn a Master’s in Engineering entirely online?
Yes, it is possible to earn a Master’s in Engineering entirely online. Many universities offer online Master’s degree programs in engineering, allowing students to complete the program from the comfort of their own homes. As a Master’s in Engineering program does not typically require hands-on training, it adds to the convenience of learning while working a regular job.
In addition, most Master’s in Engineering programs do not require an internship. However, some programs may require a thesis or research project that could involve an internship or related fieldwork.
