How Much Does an Engineering Degree Cost in the U.S.?

How much does an engineering degree cost when you’re looking at master’s programs? That depends on many factors, including your education format, the school you choose, your payment options and more.

Whether you're looking to understand the cost of a master's degree or exploring the full spectrum of engineering education possibilities, this article breaks down what you can expect tuition to look like and how an engineering degree can enrich your career.

Average Engineering Degree Cost in the U.S.

For bachelor's programs specifically, the average cost is $80,000 for in-state students at public universities and over $200,000 at private universities, with significant variation by degree level:¹

• Bachelor's: In-state students will pay an average of $40,000, but for out-of-state students, costs can exceed $100,000, especially in private programs² 
• Master's: In-state public schools charge around $12,600, and out-of-state or private institutions charge around $28,000³
• Doctorate: The cost can vary widely, but the average loan debt for professional doctorate programs exceeds $200,000⁴

Engineering degrees do tend to cost more than degrees in other STEM fields. But with financial aid, scholarships, online programs and in-state tuition discounts, earning your engineering degree doesn’t have to mean taking on overwhelming debt.³

What Factors Impact the Cost of an Engineering Degree?

How much would engineering school cost for you? It depends on several factors, including the school you select, the program's level and length, the program format and your chosen discipline.

School Type and Prestige

Generally, private institutions have the highest engineering tuition, followed by out-of-state public institutions and then in-state public schools.⁵ Online degrees tend to be the most affordable, making them a practical and accessible option for professionals mindful of cost.³

For bachelor's degrees, the average annual cost at the end of 2023 was $38,421 for private nonprofit schools and $9,750 for in-state public schools.⁵ Public schools can charge lower tuition, and in-state students can pay less because tuition is subsidized by state funding.⁶

A school's reputation is based on factors such as accreditation, graduate employment and salary, graduation rates, amenities and other program resources.³ One critical accreditation for engineering programs is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).⁷

Institutions with distinguished faculty and impressive amenities do cost more. The tradeoff is access to resources that can meaningfully enhance your experience and better prepare you for the next stage of your engineering career. The cost difference can be daunting, but access to distinguished faculty, cutting-edge resources and a respected credential can mean higher salaries, faster promotions and greater control over where your career goes.

Program Level and Length

Your program level and its length will affect the cost of your degree.⁸

• Bachelor's: 4-5 years
• Master's: 1-2 years
• Doctorate: 3-6 years

Part-time students can take twice as long to earn their engineering degrees, and part-time enrollment can end up costing more. Full-time students often pay a flat rate for credits, while part-time students pay per credit hour.⁹ Going back to school full-time is a significant commitment when you're already working as an engineer, but doing so can accelerate your advancement once you return your full focus to building your career.

The more credits your degree requires, the longer it will take and the more it will cost. Most undergraduate degrees require 12 to 18 credits per semester, though some schools require more.¹⁰

Engineering Discipline and Program Format

Mechanical and electrical engineering programs can cost more than other engineering disciplines due to their rigorous curricula and the resources required, but they also offer the most room for career advancement. For bachelor's programs, typical costs by discipline are:

• Mechanical engineering: $80,000 to $160,000¹¹
• Electrical engineering: $70,000 to $160,000¹²
• Civil engineering: $44,000 to $132,000¹³
• Biomedical engineering: $40,000-$150,000¹⁴

The cost picture shifts considerably at the graduate level, where program format plays an especially significant role.

Earning your degree online is one of the best ways to save on engineering tuition. Tuition for online programs is 25–60% less than for on-campus programs.¹⁵ In addition, the flexibility and convenience that online programs provide let you continue working while earning your degree.

On-campus programs offer valuable in-person interactions and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The programs, however, have much less flexibility and can be more demanding because they require on-campus attendance according to a set class schedule.

Hybrid programs blend online and in-person learning, offering more flexibility than a traditional on-campus program while still requiring some scheduled campus attendance.¹⁵

Completing a master’s program when you work full-time can be challenging, but these format options help you earn your degree in a way that makes sense for you. You don’t need to put your life on hold; you just need a program that understands your needs.

How to Pay for an Engineering Degree

The online engineering degree cost is usually the lowest, so choosing this accessible format can result in significant savings. You can also reduce the cost by choosing an in-state school, enrolling full-time, graduating early or completing credits at a community college before you enroll.

Financial aid can come in many forms. Scholarships, grants and employer reimbursement can bring you one step closer to advancing your engineering career. Consider these additional strategies for lowering costs:¹⁶

Local and National Scholarships

Universities, nonprofits and community organizations often offer aspiring engineers scholarships that don’t require repayment, which makes them distinct from loans. Local scholarships are worth pursuing even when the individual funding amounts are small. Every reduction in out-of-pocket expenses helps.

Grants

Similarly, grants don’t require repayment. They’re awarded by state governments, the federal government, universities or independent grant programs. Recipients are usually chosen based on financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Employer Tuition Assistance

It’s worth exploring any tuition assistance that your employer may offer. Many companies, especially larger ones, are willing to invest in their employees' education, recognizing that a more skilled workforce benefits the organization. If you work for an engineering-related employer, ask about full or partial tuition assistance.

Is an Engineering Degree Worth the Cost?

The career opportunities that an engineering degree makes accessible are worth the commitment. Degree-holders earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $155,000; in related occupations, that number is around $100,000—nearly double the median salary for all jobs.¹⁷ Those are only the midpoints. Depending on your role and level of education, your earnings can be substantially higher: The top 10% of electrical and electronics engineers, for example, make nearly $200,000.¹⁸ A projected average growth rate of 7% between 2024 and 2034 adds job stability to an already compelling picture.¹⁹

For engineers who are passionate about their work and envision themselves taking on greater responsibility and influence, a master's degree is a powerful next step that can open doors to higher salaries, leadership roles and a more expansive career.

Invest in Your Future as an Engineer

The cost of an engineering degree is only part of the equation. The more important question is what that degree makes possible. For engineers with the drive to lead, the answer can be life-changing.

At Case Western Reserve University, the online engineering master's programs are built on decades of research excellence and led by faculty experts who are active contributors to the innovations shaping the profession. That combination of academic rigor and real-world relevance sets a CWRU degree apart.

The online MS in Biomedical Engineering, the online Master of Engineering and the online MS in Mechanical Engineering equip you with hands-on skills, business strategies and technical proficiency. They connect you with a powerful network of peers, distinguished faculty and industry partners who can open doors throughout your career.

To learn more, review the admissions details and schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today.