30 Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering Online Degree Programs

The University of Alabama offers an online MS in aerospace engineering and mechanics program that is designed for working students who want to earn a graduate level degree in engineering. Established in 1837, the UA College of Engineering was one of the first engineering schools in the country. The online MS in aerospace engineering degree program may be completed with a thesis or non-thesis option. Required courses include advanced dynamics of flight, continuum mechanics, intermediate dynamics, orbital mechanics, and space systems. The University of Alabama is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 149th best national university and the 79th top public school in the country. The online graduate engineering programs rank #33 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 61%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Birmingham, AL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

North Carolina State University's College of Engineering offers accredited online master's degrees in engineering programs in various disciplines. There are approximately 16 master's degree programs in engineering available to online students. Some of the available degrees include MS in aerospace engineering, master's in civil engineering, MS in computer engineering, master of engineering, master's in environmental engineering, and master's in nuclear engineering. Online programs are designed for professional engineers who desire to advance their skill set and enhance their career trajectory. NCSU is ranked #89 among the best national universities, according to major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The graduate school is ranked #27 and the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #12 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 84%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Raleigh, NC
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University offers graduate online engineering programs designed for busy students. Available online master's in engineering degree programs include aerospace, chemical, civil, computer science and software, electrical, industrial and systems, materials, and mechanical engineering. Auburn is a nationally ranked school by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 102nd best national university and the 46th top public school in the country. The graduate engineering school ranks #62 and the online graduate engineering programs rank #27 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 79%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$
• City location: Auburn, AL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

University of South Florida's College of Engineering offers two online master's degree programs in engineering Engineering Management (MSEM) and the MS in Electrical Engineering. Both programs are administered entirely online and designed for highly motivated professional students who want to advance their engineering careers. Students may earn their master's degree in as little as two years. MSEM degree requirements include engineering analytics, principles of engineering management, operations research for engineering managers, and technology and finance. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks University of South Florida as the 156th best national university. Additional rankings include #100 for best graduate engineering school and #20 out of 1,200 for best online graduate engineering programs.

• Graduation rate: 74%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Tampa, FL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE required (Verbal - 145 / Quantitative - 155 / Analytical Writing 3.0)
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Missouri University of Science and Technology's Distance and Continuing Education department offers several online master's degrees in engineering that do not have residency requirements. Graduate curriculum is taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Students may earn online master's degrees in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, environmental engineering, explosives engineering, manufacturing engineering, mining, and systems engineering. Programs are designed to prepare students for career advancement or entry into a doctorate degree program. The university is ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report as the 147th best national university in the country. The online graduate engineering programs are ranked #9 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 67%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Rolla, MO
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Florida International University offers three online master's degree programs in engineering. Students may live anywhere in the country to take advantage of online video-based courses offered. Available online engineering degrees include computer engineering, construction management, and engineering management. The school prides itself in offering affordable tuition and, according to the program website, offers up to $3,500 in scholarship money for some engineering programs. Florida International is a nationally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report the school is ranked #389 for best global universities. FIU's online graduate engineering programs are ranked #41 out of 1,200 in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.

• Graduation rate: 67%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Miami, FL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Arizona State University (ASU) offers various online master's in engineering degree programs that are designed for practicing engineers and those interested in advanced engineering careers. Students may earn master's degrees in electrical engineering, embedded systems, engineering management, industrial engineering, or systems engineering. Engineering courses vary depending on the area of specialty. ASU is ranked as the 129th best national university in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Additional rankings include #62 for top public schools and #1 for most innovative schools. The graduate engineering school ranks #43 and the online graduate engineering programs rank #12 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 66%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Phoenix, AZ
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

University of Wisconsin offers ten online master's degrees in engineering. The award-winning engineering program provides graduate degrees in applied computing, electrical engineering, engineering management, manufacturing systems, and sustainable systems. All engineering degree programs are designed to provide work-friendly flexibility with 24/7-technology. This means students may access lectures and class materials at any hour of the day. The institution is ranked as the 41st best national university in the country by U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News lists UW's graduate engineering school as #14 and the online graduate engineering programs as #6 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 88%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Madison, WI
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The Ohio State University offers two online graduate engineering programs master's in global engineering leadership and welding engineering. The master's in global engineering is a professional program designed for practicing engineers who want to increase their technical skills and management acumen. The online master's in welding engineering is for students who want to develop their welding knowledge and advanced engineering skills. Both programs may be completed entirely online. Ohio State is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 52nd best national university in the country. Additional rankings include #31 for best graduate engineering schools and #25 out of 1,200 for best online graduate engineering programs.

• Graduation rate: 87%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Columbus, OH
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required for most engineering degree programs
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at University of California (UCLA) offers an online master's in engineering degree program with the same courses, instructors, and grading standards as found on campus. The online MS in Engineering degree is designed for working or busy students who require flexibility while attending school. Students may take classes in computer sciences, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering, depending on interest areas. UCLA is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. U.S. News ranks the school as the 23rd best national university and the 2nd top public school. Other rankings include #14 for best graduate engineering schools. UCLA is ranked as having the #1 best online graduate engineering programs in the nation.

• Graduation rate: 92%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Berkeley, CA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Washington State University offers an online master's in engineering and technology management degree tailored for working professionals who desire career advancement. Online lectures are available from anywhere and anytime. Degree requirements include courses in financial resource management, project management, and quality control and reliability. Electives may include classes such as applications of constraints management, legal concepts for engineering and technology managers, program and facilities management, or system engineering analysis and practice. WSU is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News ranks WSU as the 140th best national university, the 80th best graduate engineering school, and the 37th best online graduate engineering school in the country.

• Graduation rate: 59%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Pullman, WA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required (no minimum scores)
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The University of Maryland's Office of Advanced Engineering Education and A. James Clark School of Engineering offers online master's in engineering degrees in a variety of programs. Available online master's degree programs include bioengineering, cybersecurity, energetic concepts, fire protection, project management engineering, sustainable energy, and transportation systems. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 57th best national university in the country. Additional rankings include #24 for best graduate engineering schools and #16 for best online graduate engineering programs. University of Maryland is also recognized as having the 69th best engineering school in the world.

• Graduation rate: 41%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Princess Anne, MD
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Av. grad salary: Not available
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Virginia Tech University offers several online master's degrees in engineering. Master's degrees are available in aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, environmental science, and systems engineering. Most of the online graduate engineering programs require a thesis and/or special project. Course requirements vary depending on the degree program. For example, an online master's in electrical engineering requires courses in advanced fiber optics, electromagnetic waves, and power management circuits. U.S. News lists the school as the 70th best national university and the 26th top public school. The graduate engineering school is ranked #21 and the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #9.

• Graduation rate: 86%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Blacksburg, VA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required for some engineering degree programs
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The University of Illinois has a 19-year history of offering online education. Today, four master's degree programs and 18 specialized certificates are available entirely online. Students may earn online master's degrees in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering. Online courses are taught by the same distinguished professors who teach on campus so that students gain a similar educational experience in the virtual classroom as they would on school grounds. The University of Illinois at Urbana is ranked #41 for best national universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Other rankings include #11 for top public schools, #33 for best colleges for veterans, and #7 for best engineering schools.

• Graduation rate: 63%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Chicago, IL
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

The University of Virginia (UVa) offers online professional masters degrees in engineering in six areas of discipline. Students may earn graduate degrees in chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, materials science, mechanical and aerospace, or systems engineering. Students may sign up for the entire program, or take individual classes. Courses are taught by the same faculty members that teach on campus. UVa is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 26th best national university in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges. Additional rankings include #39 for best graduate engineering schools and #22 out of 1,200 for best online graduate engineering programs.

• Graduation rate: 94%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$
• City location: Charlottesville, VA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Nine online master's in engineering degree programs are available at Villanova University, including biochemical, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Villanova's College of Engineering is recognized as one of the top schools in the United States. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the #1 best regional university in the North, and the online graduate engineering programs as #27 in the nation. The online engineering master's degree programs are designed to provide flexible learning to students working in the field of engineering. Students have access to a virtual reference library.

• Graduation rate: 92%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• City location: Villanova, PA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required 
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Rutgers State University of New Jersey offers two online master's degrees in engineering chemical and biochemical engineering and biomedical engineering. Both programs are designed to offer flexible learning through distance education with courses taught by the same professors that teach on campus. Engineering programs are offered on a part-time or full-time basis, with classes taking place year round. Rutgers is a nationally ranked institution. Major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report have ranked the school. In fact, U.S. News lists Rutgers as the 72nd best national university and the 28th top public school in the country. Other rankings include #57 for best graduate engineering schools.

• Graduation rate: 65%
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• City location: Camden, NJ
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required (Verbal 159 / Quantitative 159 / Analytical Writing 3.5)
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Pennsylvania State University's World Campus offers an accredited online master's in engineering management degree program that is designed to blend business, management, and engineering curriculum. Engineering management courses include economics and financial studies for engineers, engineering management science, ethics and values in sciences and technology, organizational behavior, and technical project management. The average completion time for the degree is two years. Penn State is nationally-ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the college as the 47th best national university and the 14th top public school in the country. The institution's graduate engineering school is ranked #27.

• Graduation rate: N/A
• School status: Public
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• City location: University Park, PA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is not required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's offers eight online graduate degrees in engineering through the school's WPI corporate and professional education programs. Engineering programs include electrical and computer engineering, environmental engineering, fire protection, mechanical, power systems, robotics, system dynamics, and systems engineering. Online education has been active at WPI for approximately 40 years and offers the same rigorous curriculum as found on campus. Worcester Polytechnic is ranked as among the best national universities in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks WPI as the 57th best national university. Additional rankings include #46 for best value schools, #87 for best graduate engineering schools, and #36 for best online graduate engineering schools.

• Graduation rate: 89%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• City location: Worcester, MA
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website

Cornell University offers an online master's in systems engineering through their distance-learning program. Core courses include model-based systems engineering, principles of project leadership, and systems analysis behavior and optimization. Cornell is highly ranked with major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks Cornell as the 15th best national university and the 17th best value school in the country. Cornell's graduate engineering school ranks #12, and the online graduate engineering programs rank #8 out of 1,200.

• Graduation rate: 95%
• School status: Private
• Tuition cost: $$$$
• City location: Ithaca, NY
• Standardized test scores/requirements: GRE is required
• Contact: [email protected]
• Website