Rankings / Online Bachelors
Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering
- 50
- Schools
- $56,233
- Avg. Earnings
- 53%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,460
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,413
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $32,864 at the low end to $102,772 at the top. That 3.1× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $102,772 against $12,116 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, West Virginia University Institute of Technology at $9,337 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $55,939, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Harvard University graduates 97% of its students, well above the 53% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Johns Hopkins University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($84,131 earnings), not the highest earner, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($102,772). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. West Virginia University Institute of Technology ($9,337/yr) and Florida Institute of Technology ($35,639/yr) produce graduates earning $55,939 and $43,137 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $26,302 cost difference would suggest.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Harvard University graduates 97% of its students versus 21% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Harvard University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Engineering is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $52K within a decade, and electrical engineer roles are projected to grow 5%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-20
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $84,131 ▲ +50% vs avg | $18,725 | 21% | 100 |
| 2 Western Governors University #2 overall | $60,615 ▲ +8% vs avg | $12,548 | 48% | 100 |
| 3 Grand Canyon University #3 overall | $42,186 ▼ -25% vs avg | $22,472 | 43% | 100 |
| $63,435 ▲ +13% vs avg | $19,550 | 34% | 100 | |
| $44,813 ▼ -20% vs avg | $29,357 | 64% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,233 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 53% and an average net price of $19,460.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Net Price: $12,116 | Graduation Rate: 93%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Harvard University — 97% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Median alumni earnings: $102,772
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Engineering Talent Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about America’s engineering talent pipeline?
$51,244
Median earnings (10yr)
55%
Median graduation rate
$19,550
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Engineering remains one of the most reliable investments in higher education. Earnings are high, unemployment is low, and the skills tie directly to the physical infrastructure of the economy. ABET accreditation and co-op placements are the structural markers that separate programs, and reshoring plus federal infrastructure investment keeps amplifying demand.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $51,244 ten years after enrollment, or about $3,244 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 55%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,550 a year with about $22,875 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 33% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.0%.
Engineering programs that combine ABET accreditation with co-op or internship requirements produce the strongest outcomes. Median earnings of $51,244 reflect the field’s consistent premium over other disciplines. With infrastructure spending accelerating, demand for these graduates is structural rather than cyclical.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #1
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 50% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Western Governors University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,615 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Grand Canyon University lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,186 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,472 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #4
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Liberty University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
National University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Arizona State University Digital Immersion lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Wayne, IN · $20,473 net
Why it ranks #8
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Saint Leo University lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Capitol Technology University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $85,035 a decade after enrolling, 51% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,102 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Lamar University lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Wilkes University lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $63,454 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,743 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Spring Arbor University lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
McMurry University lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
SUNY College of Technology at Canton lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $47,860 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,268 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #16
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $102,772 a decade after enrolling, 83% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,116 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Central State University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $33,267 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Arkansas State University lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,617 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Johns Hopkins University lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (82/100). Graduates earn a median $87,555 a decade after enrolling, 56% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
University of West Florida lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Regent University lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,498 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,923 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Carolina University lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (54/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,864 a decade after enrolling, 42% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,828 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Colorado Christian University lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $50,416 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,500 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Mount Vernon Nazarene University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $49,555 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,421 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of North Dakota lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,552 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Oral Roberts University lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,885 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,365 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Southern Utah University lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,462 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
LeTourneau University lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $57,103 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,185 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Siena Heights University lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $57,529 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,124 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Concordia University-Irvine lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $65,083 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,115 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $64,010 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,048 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of South Dakota lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,926 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
East Texas A&M University lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Old Dominion University lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,638 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Florida Institute of Technology lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $43,137 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,639 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Little Rock, AR · 59% accepted · $17,248 net
Why it ranks #37
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $45,265 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Oregon State University lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,010 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,604 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Whittier College lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $59,492 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,757 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Point Park University lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $45,856 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,942 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Arlington, TX · 80% accepted · $13,951 net
Why it ranks #42
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,866 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Jackson State University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,060 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,836 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
University of Alaska Fairbanks lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $48,866 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Harvard University lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (97/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $101,817 a decade after enrolling, 81% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,066 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Beckley, WV · 37% accepted · $9,337 net
Why it ranks #47
West Virginia University Institute of Technology lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $55,939 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,337 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Muskingum University lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,440 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,532 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Northwestern College lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $49,802 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,907 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
University of Northwestern-St Paul lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,755 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,705 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Top states on this list
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Electrical Engineers and related roles — a field with $108,170 median pay and 5% projected growth.
See the Electrical Engineer career guide →Online bachelor's programs in electrical engineering are increasingly popular, offering flexibility and the chance to advance in a thriving field. These programs cater to students who need to balance commitments while pursuing a degree that can lead to high-paying jobs. With average earnings reaching $67,252 for graduates, it's clear why many are considering their options right now.
The best schools in this list distinguish themselves through strong outcomes. Key factors include graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and overall program quality. The schools featured here consistently show impressive graduation rates, with an average of 72%, and a solid earning potential post-graduation, with top earners reaching over $100,000 annually. This data helps prospective students understand what to expect as they weigh their choices.
For example, Georgia Institute of Technology leads the pack with an impressive $102,772 in earnings and a graduation rate of 93%. In contrast, the University of Florida, while still strong, offers lower earnings at $71,588 with a 91% graduation rate. This difference highlights the trade-offs between cost and potential income, which is crucial for students making their decisions.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 33 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2%. LeTourneau University leads the group at 3.8%, with Florida Institute of Technology (3.8%) and Saint Leo University (3.6%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 11% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Jackson State University leads at 30.5%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 24.4% across this list. Johns Hopkins University posts the highest success rate at 58.6%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.55 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Colorado Christian University reaches 1.84, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When examining the data, one pattern stands out: Georgia Institute of Technology significantly outperforms the University of Florida in earnings potential, with a difference of $31,184. Despite both having solid graduation rates, the financial returns on investment at Georgia Tech make it a compelling choice for prospective students seeking high-paying careers.
After reviewing numerous options, it's essential to consider what factors matter most to you. Think about location, the specific focus of programs, and how well the school aligns with your career goals. Financial considerations like net price and potential debt should also weigh heavily in your decision-making process. By prioritizing what's most important to you, you’ll find a program that fits your needs.
Ultimately, the data reflects a critical truth: the right degree can lead to a stable life and solid income. Families must weigh their options carefully, as this decision impacts future financial security. Choosing the right electrical engineering program can set the stage for long-term success in a demanding job market.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering ranking? +
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide in Daytona Beach, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $84,131 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 21% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus posts the highest median earnings on this list: $102,772 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,233 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus leads: graduates earn a median $102,772 against net price of about $12,116 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Harvard University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 97%, compared with a 53% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,460 a year across the 49 ranked schools with cost data. West Virginia University Institute of Technology is among the most affordable at roughly $9,337. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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