In this article, we profile the top-ranked and most affordable online master's in engineering degree programs.
Is a master's in engineering worth the price tag? It depends on your career objectives. If you see yourself managing a team, taking on a leadership role, or moving into administration, earning a master's in engineering could open doors of opportunity. An advanced engineering degree offers financial rewards, too. In fact, U.S. News and World Report believes that graduate degree holders between the ages of 21 and 64 earn an average of 30 percent more than the average bachelor's degree holder.
Today, online master's in engineering programs are available from some of the top-ranked schools. You won't need to take time off from your current career to go back to school. Earning an online master's from the comfort of your own home is the new normal.
Ranking Methodology
We reviewed 83 accredited colleges and universities offering at least one online master's in engineering degree. We examined school rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We then selected the top 30 most affordable schools based on recent in-state graduate tuition rates and fees published by NCES College Navigator. The institution with the most affordable tuition earned the #1 spot on our list.
Below are the 30 most affordable top online master's in engineering degree programs for 2016.
#30 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Master's in Engineering – Systems Engineering
University Park, Pennsylvania
The systems engineering degree through Penn State is a top-ranked online master's in engineering program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832
Penn State University's online master's in engineering degree program focuses on the ability to manage complex engineering systems. The program takes two years to complete with classes delivered entirely online. Required courses include creativity and problem solving, deterministic models and simulation, engineering analysis, probability models and simulation, and systems verification validation and testing. A research project or master's paper is required to graduate. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Penn State as the 47th best national university. The graduate engineering school ranks #27 among the best engineering schools in the nation. Globally, the engineering school ranks #55.
#29 – Norwich University
Online Master of Civil Engineering
Northfield, Vermont
Norwich was one of the first online engineering master's degree programs to emphasize civil engineering.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,675
Norwich University offers one of the first online engineering master's programs designed to teach the application of civil engineering. All courses are administered entirely online with classes capped at 15 students to allow for interaction with professors and peers. According to the program website, the program may be completed in 18 months. Four technical tracks are offered and include construction management, environmental/water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering. Norwich is a regionally ranked university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 76th best regional university in the north. The online graduate engineering program ranks #49 out of approximately 1,200.
#28 – Villanova University
Online Master's in Engineering
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Nine specialties are offered through Villanova's online master's in engineering program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,219
Villanova University offers online engineering degree programs in nine specialty areas. Online master's degrees include biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, sustainable engineering, and water resources and environmental engineering. Courses vary depending on the degree program, but all classes are delivered online, with materials available to students 24/7. Villanova University is ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report as the best regional university in the North. Additional rankings include #2 for best value school and #1 among best colleges for veterans. The online graduate engineering programs rank #27 out of 1,200.
#27 – University of Virginia
Online Master's in Engineering
Charlottesville, Virginia
Six types of online master's in engineering degrees are offered at the University of Virginia.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,094
The University of Virginia offers online professional master's degrees in six areas of engineering. Online engineering degree programs include chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, materials science, mechanical and aerospace, and systems engineering. Online classes are delivered in real time, with coursework materials available at all hours. The University of Virginia is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report rank the school in various areas. According to the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report lists the school as the 26th best national university, the 3rd top public school, and the 33rd best value school. The online graduate engineering programs rank #22 out of 1,200.
#26 – University of Illinois
Online Master's in Engineering
Chicago, Illinois
The online master's in engineering degree program at University of Illinois is nationally accredited.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,527
The University of Illinois offers online engineering master's programs through the school's College of Engineering. This professional degree is designed for students wanting advanced skills in engineering, along with management and leadership exposure. The program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and nationally accredited. Courses cover a spectrum of engineering requirements, including bioinformatics, chemical engineering, electromagnetics, engineering law, engineering management, and wireless communications and signal processing. University of Illinois is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university in the country. The online graduate engineering programs rank #21 out of 1,200.
#25 – Montana Tech of the University of Montana
Online Master's in Project Engineering & Management
Butte, Montana
Montana Tech's online engineering programs are well-suited for veterans.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,830
Montana Tech of the University of Montana offers one of the best online master's in engineering and management programs for students looking to expand their engineering skills. The program is designed for working professionals who need to balance personal demands and life obligations with graduate school. Coursework is delivered entirely online, with classes covering such topics as advanced management, financial management of tech enterprises, legal issues related to project engineering, and project and engineering management. Montana Tech is ranked #5 among the best regional colleges in the West by U.S. News and World Report. Additional rankings include #1 for top public schools, #3 among best colleges for veterans, and #49 for best online graduate engineering programs.
#24 – University of Toledo
Master's in Practice Oriented Engineering Online
Toledo, Ohio
University of Toledo offers one of the best online master's in engineering degree programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,721
The University of Toledo offers an online engineering degree program that focuses on technical innovation. Successful completion of the program yields a master's in practice-oriented engineering. The program requires 30 semester hours, completed entirely online, of core and elective coursework. Core classes include applied engineering statistics, management of projects and technological innovation, and methods of engineering analysis. A six-credit business core is required for graduate students enrolled in the program. Classes may include analysis of manufacturing and service systems, financial and managerial accounting, or government and society business. The University of Toledo's online graduate engineering program ranks #62 out of 1,200, according to U.S. News and World Report's most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#23 – Virginia Polytechnic University (Virginia Tech)
Online Master's in Engineering
Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech offers 7 different affordable master's in engineering degrees online.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,116
Students searching for an affordable master's in engineering online degree find Virginia Tech to offer seven different programs. Choices include master's degrees in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental sciences and engineering, ocean engineering, and systems engineering. All coursework is delivered entirely online and varies depending on the specific program. Virginia Tech is ranked nationally by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 70th best national university and the 26th top public school. The graduate engineering school ranks #21, and the online graduate engineering program ranks #9 out of 1,200.
#22 – University of Maryland
Online Master's in Engineering
College Park, Maryland
From bioengineering to sustainable energy, University of Maryland offers 7 online master's in engineering degrees.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,896
Seven online master's in engineering degree programs are available from the University of Maryland. Online options include master's degrees in bioengineering, cybersecurity, energetic concepts, fire protection engineering, project management, reliability engineering, and sustainable energy engineering. Depending on the program, classes may include chemistry of energetic materials, introduction to project management, risk assessment for engineers, and wind energy engineering. University of Maryland is a nationally ranked institution according to major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #57 among the best national universities and is the 19th top public school. The online graduate engineering programs rank #16 out of approximately 1,200.
#21 – Washington State University
Online Master's in Engineering and Technology Management
Pullman, Washington
WSU offers one of the most affordable master's in engineering online programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,745
One of the most affordable online engineering master's programs is found at Washington State University. Courses are designed for working engineers who want to advance their careers while continuing to work full time. Required courses include contract project management, finance for technical systems, operations research for managers, performance management in technical organizations, and quality control and reliability. Washington State University is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report list it as the 140th best national university. The school's online graduate engineering programs rank #37 out of approximately 1,200.
#20 – University of California (UCLA)
Online Master's in Engineering
Los Angeles, California
UCLA offers the #1 ranked online graduate engineering program in the U.S.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,629
UCLA offers an affordable master's in engineering online degree program through the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. Students receive the same program of study with the same courses, professors, and same grading standards as on campus. Required courses include digital communication systems, dynamics and structures, fracture of engineering materials, and systems engineering. Students complete courses in various areas of engineering, including computer sciences, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, and system engineering. UCLA is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 23rd best national university. UCLA offers the #1 ranked online graduate engineering program in the country.
#19 – Ohio State University
Online Master of Global Engineering Leadership, Master's in Welding Engineering Online
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University offers two online master's in engineering programs – global engineering leadership and welding engineering.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,425
Ohio State University offers two of the best online master's in engineering programs in the state – the online master's in global engineering leadership and the master's in welding engineering. Both programs are delivered entirely online and designed to equip students with advanced skills in engineering. The welding master's is a non-thesis required program, with courses in corrosion and failure analysis, diffusion and interface kinetics, mechanical behavior of materials, welding design, and welding metallurgy. The global engineering leadership degree program offers an optional certification in the practice of data analytics. Ohio State is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 52nd best national university. The online graduate engineering programs rank #25 out of approximately 1,200.
#18 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master's in Engineering
Madison, Wisconsin
One of the best online master's in engineering programs in the state is at University of Wisconsin.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,870
One of the most affordable online engineering degree programs for professionals and adult students is located at the University of Wisconsin. The school offers eight specialty master's in engineering degrees, including engineering management, environmental engineering, manufacturing systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and sustainable systems engineering. Classes are delivered entirely online with technology available 24/7. The institution is ranked nationally by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 41st best national university in the country. The school's online graduate engineering programs rank #6 out of approximately 1,200 similar programs.
#17 – University of Louisville
Online Master's in Engineering Management
Louisville, Kentucky
Affordable and accredited! University of Louisville offers a top-ranked online master's in engineering program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,866
The University of Louisville offers an online master's in engineering management degree program that delivers all courses via distance learning. The J.B. Speed School of Engineering at University of Louisville offers a conveniently formatted program that is designed for working engineers who desire advanced management and leadership skills. The program requires no thesis or campus visits, and classes are delivered asynchronous, which means there is no set time for class meetings. Required courses include decision and risk analysis, engineering statistics, operations management, safety management, and supply chain management. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university as among the best national institutions in the country. The online graduate engineering programs rank #61 out of approximately 1,200.
#16 – Arizona State University
Online Master's in Systems Engineering
Tempe, Arizona
ASU's online master's in engineering programs are ranked with U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,304
Arizona State University offers an affordable master's in engineering online that is designed to equip engineers with advanced systems engineering skills. The Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering offers this flexible degree that allows students to learn in the comfort of their own home, while receiving the same quality curriculum delivered on campus. Several other engineering master's degrees are available for online study, including engineering management, modeling and simulation, and software engineering. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank ASU as among the best national universities. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 129th best national university. The online graduate engineering programs rank #12 out of 1,200.
#15 – Florida International University
Online MS in Engineering Management
Miami, Florida
Florida International University's inexpensive online engineering master's degree program is perfect for those pursuing management engineering careers.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,097
Florida International University offers one of the most affordable online engineering master's programs in the country. The program is designed for students interested in management engineering careers, concentrating studies in quality management or systems engineering, or earning a Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Required courses include advanced engineering economy, advanced engineering project management, logistics engineering, quality engineering, and total quality management. Florida International is a nationally ranked institution, according to major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate engineering programs rank #41 out of approximately 1,200, and the school ranks globally as the 389th best global university in the world.
#14 – Missouri University of Science and Technology
Online Master's in Engineering
Rolla, Missouri
Missouri S&T offers one of the largest online engineering master's degree programs in the country.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,537
One of the best online master's in engineering degree programs is located at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). The school offers one of the largest menus of distance education engineering degrees in the United States. Students may choose from 14 engineering master's degrees, including aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, engineering management, environmental, geotechnics, manufacturing, mechanical, mining, systems, or technical communication. Most of the online graduate programs are nationally ranked, and doctorate degrees are available on a case-by-case basis. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 146th best national university, and the online graduate engineering programs rank #9 out of 1,200.
#13 – University of South Florida
Online Master's in Engineering Management (MSEM)
Tampa, Florida
An online master's in engineering management (MSEM) is available at University of South Florida.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
The University of South Florida offers an online engineering degree in engineering management (MSEM) that may be completed entirely through distance learning. The program is designed for those with technical backgrounds, or working engineers, who want to advance their careers in management and executive roles. Required courses include engineering management policy and strategies, management of technological change, principles of engineering management, and technology and finance. Electives may include courses such as computer simulation, linear programming, lean Six Sigma, occupational safety engineering, or strategic market assessment. The institution is nationally ranked, according to U.S. News and World Report, as the 156th best national university. The online graduate engineering programs rank #20 out of 1,200 in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges.
#12 – North Carolina State University
Online Master's in Engineering
Raleigh, North Carolina
NC State University offers 16 online master's in engineering degree programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,224
NC State's College of Engineering offers 16 online master's in engineering degree programs for those interested in advancing their skills and careers. Students may choose from master's degrees in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or a general degree. The general MS in Engineering degree is a no-thesis or residency program. Course offerings include engineering leadership and strategic change, managerial finance for engineers, and product life cycle management. Depending on the engineering track, students explore a wide variety of topics. North Carolina State University is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate engineering programs rank #12 out of approximately 1,200, making NC State a top choice for online master's in engineering degrees.
#11 – University of Alabama
Online Master's in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
Birmingham, Alabama
Interested in aerospace engineering? University of Alabama offers online master's in engineering degrees for space enthusiasts.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,170
One of the best online master's in engineering degree programs for those interested in aerospace engineering is found at the University of Alabama. Not only is the program highly affordable for in-state residents, but designed for industry professionals who want to earn advanced skills in aerospace mechanics. The program has also received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. According to the program website, most online students choose the non-thesis option. Required courses include an aerospace and mechanical core. Classes may include advanced dynamics of flight, intermediate dynamics, orbital mechanics, and theory of elasticity. The school is ranked #149 for best national universities, according to U.S. News and World Report, and the online graduate engineering programs rank #33 out of approximately 1,200.
#10 – Purdue University
Online Master's in Interdisciplinary Engineering
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue offers more than 10 online master's in engineering degree concentrations.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,002
Purdue University offers online master's in engineering management degrees, as well as ten other areas of specialty. The MSE program allows students to explore online concentrations in areas such as aeronautics and astronautics engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering management, or systems engineering. Courses are delivered online and dual MSE-MBA options are available. All online engineering master's programs are highly flexible and allow students to take time off from studies for work and life obligations. Purdue is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 61st best national university. The online graduate engineering programs rank #5 out of approximately 1,200.
#9 – Kansas State University
Online Master's in Engineering
Manhattan, Kansas
Nine different and affordable online engineering master's degrees are available at Kansas State University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,972
Kansas State University's online engineering master's programs include nine different options. Students may choose from chemical, civil, electrical and computer, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, software, engineering management, and operations research. All programs are offered online and designed to equip students with advanced skills to help boost their careers as engineers. Programs are for those with bachelor's degrees in engineering, or related field of study. Courses vary depending on the student's area of concentration. Kansas State is an accredited and nationally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school ranks #146 for best national universities and 77th for top public schools. The online graduate engineering programs rank #22 out of approximately 1,200.
#8 – University of Colorado
Online Master's in Engineering Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
University of Colorado offers a cheap online master's in engineering management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,916
One of the best online master's in engineering degree programs in Colorado is found at the University of Colorado. Successful candidates graduate with a master's in engineering management and the skills necessary to lead in engineering careers. Classes are live online meetings that are never prerecorded. Students are able to collaborate with peers through team-based work and research. Specialty areas are available and include commercialization, general engineering management, leadership, project management, quality sciences, and research methods. The University of Colorado is regionally ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 46th best regional institution in the West. The latest publication of Best Colleges ranks the school's online graduate engineering programs #29 out of approximately 1,200.
#7 – Ohio University
Online Master's in Engineering Management
Athens, Ohio
One of the most affordable online master's in engineering programs is found at Ohio University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510
The online master's in engineering management from Ohio University is not only affordable, but also designed with flexibility for working students who need to balance life and work obligations with school. The program focuses on the development of leadership and management skills as directly related to engineering roles. Required courses include database information systems, engineering writing, foundations of engineering management, principles of Six Sigma, and statistics for engineering management. Ohio University is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school is listed as the 135th best national university and 68th top public school. The online graduate engineering programs at Ohio University rank #29 in the nation.
#6 – Colorado State University
Online Master's in Engineering, including Biomedical Engineering and Civil Engineering
Fort Collins, Colorado
Six online master's in engineering programs are available at Colorado State, including biomedical and civil engineering.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
The online engineering degree programs at Colorado State University are designed for working professionals in need of a balance between graduate school and life obligations. Six online master's degree programs are available, including biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering management, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. The school offers tuition discounts for military personnel who are admitted to an online engineering degree program. Also, in-state students receive affordable graduate tuition rates. Colorado State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 127th best national university in the country. The graduate engineering school ranks #71 and the online graduate engineering programs rank #59.
#5 – University of Nebraska
Online Master's in Engineering Management
Lincoln, Nebraska
University of Nebraska's master's in engineering online degree program focuses on management and administration for engineers.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,556
The affordable master's in engineering online degree program from the University of Nebraska is designed for students who want to gain management and administration skills for the engineering workplace. The program is for all types of engineers, including electrical, mechanical, or systems, wanting to move into areas of leadership. The non-thesis program is flexible and can be completed at the student's pace. Three-credit courses are taken in accelerated eight-week sessions. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 103rd best national university and the 47th top public school. The online graduate engineering programs rank #12 in the country.
#4 – University of Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Engineering
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Out-of-state residents receive the same tuition rate as in-state students in University of Arkansas' online master's engineering programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,096
The University of Arkansas offers an online master's in engineering degree program that is designed for students who have a bachelor's in engineering and would like to earn advanced skills to assist them in their professional careers. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The program is one of the most affordable online master's programs of its kind, as out-of-state residents receive the same tuition rate as in-state students. Required courses include computer networks, environmental regulations and permits, structural dynamics, and transportation soils engineering. The school is nationally ranked as the 129th best national institution, according to U.S. News and World Report. The online graduate engineering programs rank #33.
#3 – Mississippi State University
Online Master's in Engineering
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Affordable and top-ranked! Mississippi State offers an accredited online master's in engineering degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,502
James Worth Bagley's College of Engineering at Mississippi State University offers an affordable master's in engineering online degree that upholds the same standards and rigor as the on-campus program. While the students earn a master's in engineering (M Eng), several special topic courses are available depending on interest. Students may explore topics in aerospace engineering, civil and environmental engineering, coastal and water management, management and leadership, or electrical and computer engineering. Required core courses include advanced computational aerodynamics, decision theory, and survey of management. The institution is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 161st best national university and 88th top public school. The online graduate engineering programs rank #7 in the nation.
#2 – Texas Tech University
Online Master's in Engineering
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech's online master's degree in engineering program offers specialties in management and software engineering.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,390
Texas Tech's online engineering master's programs focus on various disciplines so that students may design their own program of interest. While core classes are required, 15 credit hours may be taken from one engineering specialty like management or software engineering. Courses may include design of experiments, power systems engineering, statistical data analysis, the engineering management environment, and total quality systems. Texas Tech is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the institution as the 168th best national university and the 91st top public school. The online graduate engineering programs rank #16 in the nation.
#1 – University of North Carolina Charlotte
Online MS in Engineering Management
Charlotte, North Carolina
UNC at Charlotte offers the most affordable online master's in engineering program on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,032
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an inexpensive online master's in engineering management degree program that is designed as a technical alternative to the MBA. Students receive training and advanced skills that prepare them for careers in managing organizations, processes, and systems. Three concentration areas are available – energy systems, lean six sigma, and systems analytics or logistics and supply chains. Courses vary depending on the concentration area, but may include advanced project management, designed experimentation, or processing systems simulation. UNC at Charlotte is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 194th best national university and 111th top public school. Even the online graduate engineering program has earned rankings as the 19th best in the country. UNC earns a #1 spot on our list for being the top ranked school offering an online master's in engineering degree.
This concludes our ranking of the top-ranked and most affordable online master's in engineering degree programs.