Technology is constantly changing. With one of the cheapest online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree options listed below, you can meet the challenges of the future. Graduates of these programs will be able to design and build physical technology components, the electrical systems that make technology possible, and the software programs that allow for greater convenience and functionality.
These bachelor’s degrees come in many forms. For example, you can complete an online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree and become an expert in electrical science and installation. Or you can complete a bachelor of software engineering online and position yourself at the forefront of technology.
There are many options to fit your needs. We have found 28 degrees from 21 accredited schools. With so many options, there is also a wide range of prices to match any budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$46,100
Least Expensive In-state: Daytona State College ~$15,025
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$22,688
If you want to become an expert in electrical, computer, or software engineering, then keep reading to learn about the best bachelor’s degrees in these high-paying, high-demand fields.
10 Cheapest Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Daytona State College | (FL) | $15,025.00 $52,947.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Seminole State College of Florida | (FL) | $15,690.00 $52,952.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $22,688.00 | All Students |
4 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $26,850.00 $34,690.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
5 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $27,195.00 | All Students |
6 | Western Governors University | (UT) | $28,945.00 | All Students |
7 | Florida International University | (FL) | $30,153.00 $83,055.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $35,730.00 $45,632.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $39,555.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | (MN) | $45,912.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
North Dakota State University | (ND) | $47,165.00 | All Students | |
Saint Leo University | (FL) | $50,940.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $51,120.00 | All Students | |
Old Dominion University | (VA) | $54,248.00 $58,472.00 $35,944.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Mississippi State University | (MS) | $54,752.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $55,370.00 | All Students | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $59,370.00 $30,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior College | (NY) | $69,473.00 $35,417.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $72,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $76,800.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $83,326.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online engineering bachelor’s programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of online electrical, software, and computer engineering degrees.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online engineering degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the bachelor of software engineering online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
ABET ABET accrediting organization
Why Choose an Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
To succeed in electrical, software, or computer engineering, you need a passion for technology and an interest in how these systems can be used to improve people’s lives. People enter these fields because they find the subject fascinating, and there are clear advantages to developing these types of engineering skills.
Reasons to enroll in one of the best online software engineering degree programs include:
- Incredible salaries: Computer hardware engineers and electrical engineers only need a bachelor’s degree, but both of these occupations have median annual salaries over $100,000.
- High demand: There is an increasing need for computer and electrical engineering skills in the job market, so specialists with the right education are in high demand.
- Engineering the future: These degrees place graduates at the cutting edge of technology. Graduates can build innovative products while finding new uses for computers and software.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering: Program Cost
A bachelor of science in electrical engineering online can be incredibly affordable or shockingly expensive. Factors like previous college credits and total course load can impact the costs, but each school has a different base rate. For public schools, this price often changes depending on where you live. In-state is typically more affordable than out-of-state.
The average cost for a bachelor of science in electrical engineering online is $46,100. This is a large number, but most of these degrees take four years to complete, which means the average student pays about $11,525 a year for their degree.
This database includes 28 degrees from 21 schools. Of these, 13 degrees are below the average cost. This includes eight degrees below $30,000.
The cheapest online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree comes from Daytona State College in Florida. This program costs $15,025 for in-state students, although out-of-state students will pay over $52,000 for the same degree.
For students in any location, the cheapest online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Kennesaw State University. This program costs $22,688 for all students regardless of state residency.
The least affordable program is the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Dakota. This degree costs $83,326, which means students pay nearly $21,000 a year for the program.
The Most Affordable Electrical and Computer Engineering Degrees
Aspiring engineers looking for an affordable degree have plenty of options. But these three schools offer the cheapest online electrical engineering bachelor’s degrees:
#1. Daytona State College
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, optional concentration in Electrical Engineering Technology
Cost: $15,025 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With an in-state cost of only $15,025, Daytona State College’s BS in Engineering Technology is the cheapest online electrical engineering bachelor’s degree you can find, as long as you reside in the state of Florida. At this price, students pay roughly $3,750 a year for this program, which requires four years of full-time study.
The program prepares graduates for technical positions in industrial operations, mechanical design, and construction. It will develop written and oral communication skills while helping students design and implement a variety of technology systems. Coursework includes electronics, engineering economics, project management, and more.
Daytona State College has a variety of resources for online students. The school hosts a virtual help desk, library, tutoring, counseling, and career services. The school also has a 20-question Online Readiness Survey that helps gauge your ability to succeed in an online learning format.
#2. Seminole State College of Florida
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
Cost: $15,690 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students interested in technology, infrastructure, and the systems that create our world should consider the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Seminole State College of Florida. Like the previous school, this program has a low cost for Florida residents, but the price is higher for out-of-state students.
The program covers a wide range of engineering topics, preparing students for careers in a variety of sectors. Graduates can become engineering technicians who design and build structures and machines. Courses combine creativity and technical skills while covering topics like electricity, computer programming, engineering as a profession, management, and architecture.
The college uses a platform called Seminole Online, which provides a flexible and rewarding path to education. It includes virtual classrooms and various study options so that students can complete their degree with greater convenience.
#3. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Cost: $22,688 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you need an affordable degree and live outside of Florida, this is the best option. The estimated cost of $22,688, which translates to roughly $5,700 a year, is available to students from any state. (Kennesaw State is based in Georgia.)
This is a software engineering degree that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineers and Technology, making it a reliable option for students who may need licensing or certification during their careers. With this degree, students can go into cybersecurity, software development, IT consulting, data science, multimedia programming, and more.
Students can develop their skills with an online program that offers flexible learning and support. There are daytime and evening classes, allowing students to design a schedule that fits a busy lifestyle. Online students have access to online learning support, academic advising, and a complete library of online resources.
Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering: Program Types
When searching for an online bachelor’s in electrical engineering or computer engineering, you’ll need to decide on the type of degree as well as the area of focus.
The Type: Bachelor of Science
All the degrees listed in this database are bachelor of science programs. These degrees, compared to a bachelor of arts (the other common type), focus more on the technical science of a specific subject. While a traditional bachelor of arts program will dive into theory, history, literature, and other classical liberal arts topics, a bachelor of science stays mostly with the science of the subject. Students learn physics, chemistry, computer logic, electrical systems, and other important information.
The Concentration or Specialization
What exactly what you learn to engineer within your degree program depends on the specific curriculum. Degrees focus on engineering computer hardware, software, electrical systems, electronic products, and more.
Concentrations within this database include:
- Engineering technology
- Software engineering
- Network engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Electrical engineering technology
Choosing the right concentration can be difficult, but you must consider the issue thoroughly. The area of focus will impact future career opportunities, as well as education options if you should choose to pursue a master’s degree. You need a program that fits your interests and aligns with your personal career goals.
Accreditation for Online Engineering Degree Programs
Accreditation is a quality review process for the academic system. Colleges and universities receive accreditation from regional bodies that grant institutional accreditation, which covers the entire school. Groups like the Higher Learning Commission and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities grant this type of accreditation.
There is also programmatic accreditation, which covers the specific program. For example, a construction degree may have accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education. In engineering, one of the most important accrediting groups is ABET. This organization accredits 13 programs listed in our rankings.
ABET-accredited degrees include:
- Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- National University – Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- North Dakota State University – Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Florida International University – Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Accreditation is important in all fields, but for computer and electrical engineering it’s critical, as it impacts licensing standards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statists, to perform certain tasks as an electrical engineer you need a Professional Engineering (PE) license. An ABET-accredited degree or coursework is part of the licensing requirement.
Typical Admission Requirements
If you want to enroll in an electrical, software, or computer engineering bachelor degree online, you must meet a variety of requirements, including academic standards and submitting documents.
The most important factor is a high school diploma. If you have graduated, or expect to graduate soon, you can begin the enrollment process. Some schools require a certain GPA, such as a 2.5, although this requirement is fairly light, especially compared to graduate degrees like a master’s program. If you have a decent academic background, you are almost guaranteed to find a program that accepts your application.
In addition to a high school diploma and transcripts, you’ll need to submit various documents that may include letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. You may also need to demonstrate your basic understanding of science or engineering principles, which can be done through testing or transcripts.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Many careers in engineering require a license or certification. Civil engineers, who design, oversee, and guide the building of public infrastructure, for example, must hold certain licenses. This is a clear, consistent requirement for the profession.
In electrical, computer, and software engineering, licensing requirements are less clear. Most computer hardware engineers, for example, will not need a license. However, network architects may need certification to land certain positions.
Electrical engineers may need a license for advanced roles and leadership positions. Electrical engineers can earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows them to oversee engineering teams and provide services to the public. Immediate licensing after graduation is rarely needed. If an electrical or computer engineer becomes licensed or certified, it’s usually later in their careers.
Salary and Career Information with an Online Electrical Engineering Degree
Engineering is one of the most lucrative and desirable fields you can choose. These careers, while challenging, bring some of the best salaries in the entire job market.
Occupation | Minimum Education | Median Salary (BLS, May 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s | $132,360 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s | $126,900 |
| Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s | $108,170 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s | $103,320 |
Computer hardware engineers have truly impressive incomes. The median pay is $132,360, meaning half of all people in this occupation earn more than $132,000 annually. The top 10% in this profession earn over $208,000 a year.
The careers can also bring stability and job security. The BLS says that employment of engineers (all, not just computer and electrical) will “grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.” While the overall job market will grow by 3%, computer hardware engineers are expected to grow by 5%, while electronics engineers will grow by 7%.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Electrical Engineering Program?
Choosing the best online software engineering degree for your needs can be difficult, but by following a strategic process you can make the search surprisingly easy.
Start by researching accreditation. If any degree does not come from an accredited institution, strike it from your list.
Next, research the total cost of attendance and make sure the program will fit your total or annual budget. Once you find accredited programs that fit your budget, research the structure and delivery method. Make sure the course plan will work with your already busy schedule.
To help the search, use our rankings. All programs come from accredited institutions and are at least 80% online. With cost statistics clearly described in the database, making the best decision is even easier.
Enrolling in an electrical, software, or computer engineering bachelor degree online is a big decision, but you can make the process easier by using resources and information from GetEducated.com. Visit our site for the support and information you deserve!