Rankings / Online
Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering
- 50
- Schools
- $57,190
- Avg. Earnings
- 52%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,362
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,246
- 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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University of Florida offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $71,588 against $6,541 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, University of Florida at $6,541 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $71,588, 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 52% 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 Western Governors University ($60,615 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. University of Florida ($6,541/yr) and Colorado Christian University ($29,500/yr) produce graduates earning $71,588 and $50,416 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $22,959 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Florida outperforms Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Florida and Harvard University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
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 $55K 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 Western Governors University #1 overall | $60,615 ▲ +6% vs avg | $12,548 | 48% | 100 |
| 2 | $84,131 ▲ +47% vs avg | $18,725 | 21% | 100 |
| 3 Pennsylvania State University-World Campus #3 overall | $63,435 ▲ +11% vs avg | $19,550 | 34% | 100 |
| $42,186 ▼ -26% vs avg | $22,472 | 43% | 100 | |
| $49,652 ▼ -13% vs avg | $9,366 | 37% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable 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 $57,190 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $16,362.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida — Net Price: $6,541 | Graduation Rate: 91%
- 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?
$53,820
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$16,432
Median net price
1.8%
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.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $53,820 ten years after they first enrolled, about $5,820 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 50%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $16,432 a year, with about $21,461 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 34% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.8%.
Engineering programs that combine ABET accreditation with co-op or internship requirements produce the strongest outcomes. Median earnings of $53,820 reflect the field’s consistent premium over other disciplines. With infrastructure spending accelerating, demand for these graduates is structural rather than cyclical.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Western Governors University lands at #1 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, 6% 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #2
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #2 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, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 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
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #3
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #3 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 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 #4
Grand Canyon University lands at #4 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, 26% 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
Why it ranks #5
Lamar University lands at #5 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, 13% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
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, 18% 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
Saint Leo University lands at #7 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, 15% 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
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, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 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 #9
Liberty University lands at #9 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, 22% 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
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #10
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #10 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, 80% 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 #11
Capitol Technology University lands at #11 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, 49% 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 #12
Spring Arbor University lands at #12 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, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 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 #13
McMurry University lands at #13 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, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 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 #14
Central State University lands at #14 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, 42% 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 #15
University of West Florida lands at #15 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, 14% 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 #16
Arkansas State University lands at #16 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, 25% 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 #17
SUNY College of Technology at Canton lands at #17 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, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,268 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 #18
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #18 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, 2% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Wilkes University lands at #19 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, 11% 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 #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, 53% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 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 #21
Southern Utah University lands at #21 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, 12% 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 #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, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,923 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 #23
East Texas A&M University lands at #23 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, 12% 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 #24
University of North Dakota lands at #24 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 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 #25
Old Dominion University lands at #25 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, 4% 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 #26
Carolina University lands at #26 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, 43% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,828 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 #27
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #27 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, 2% 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 #28
Siena Heights University lands at #28 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, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,124 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 #29
Mount Vernon Nazarene University lands at #29 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, 13% 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
Beckley, WV · 37% accepted · $9,337 net
Why it ranks #30
West Virginia University Institute of Technology lands at #30 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, 2% 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
Little Rock, AR · 59% accepted · $17,248 net
Why it ranks #31
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #31 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, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 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 #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, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,048 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 #33
University of Alaska Fairbanks lands at #33 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, 15% 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 #34
University of South Dakota lands at #34 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, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 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 #35
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #35 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, 11% 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 #36
University of South Carolina Aiken lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $45,603 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,641 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 #37
Oregon State University lands at #37 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, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,604 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 #38
Oral Roberts University lands at #38 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, 18% 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 #39
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (69/100). Graduates earn a median $57,053 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,323 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 #40
Colorado Christian University lands at #40 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, 12% 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 #41
SUNY Polytechnic Institute lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $64,355 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,164 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 #42
Gordon State College lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $37,871 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,105 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 #43
Florida International University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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 #44
Valley City State University lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,725 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,890 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 #45
Harvard University lands at #45 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, 78% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,066 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 #46
University of Massachusetts-Lowell lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $64,874 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,163 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 #47
University of Florida lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 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 #48
Indiana State University lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,387 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,873 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 #49
California State University-East Bay lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $71,401 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,320 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 #50
East Carolina University lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $55,146 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,739 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
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 →Affordable online bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering are more accessible than ever, making it easier for students to enter a field with strong earning potential. With average earnings of $66,994 for graduates from these programs, students are clearly considering both cost and return on investment.
The schools on this list not only emphasize affordability through their net prices but also demonstrate solid outcomes in graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. A closer look reveals that these programs vary in debt levels, with the average debt for graduates reaching $15,172. Understanding how these factors intersect can help students and families make informed decisions about their education.
For instance, the University of Florida stands out with a low net price of $6,541 and a high graduation rate of 91%, leading to strong earnings of $71,588. In contrast, Florida International University, while still affordable at $9,288, has a lower graduation rate of 74% and significantly lower earnings of $60,249. These differences highlight the importance of not just affordability but also the quality of the program and its outcomes.
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 34 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Saint Leo University (3.6%) and The University of Texas Permian Basin (3%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 10.6% of students start in the bottom income quintile. National University leads at 30.4%, 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 22.2% 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 1.54 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, we notice a clear distinction between schools like the University of Florida and Florida International University. The University of Florida boasts a graduation rate of 91% paired with average earnings of $71,588, while Florida International University, with a graduation rate of 74%, results in lower earnings of $60,249. This pattern suggests that graduation rates can significantly impact post-college financial outcomes.
As you weigh your options among these 50 schools, consider what matters most to you. Reflect on your financial situation, the program's fit with your interests, and whether you prefer online learning or a more traditional campus experience. Your priorities will guide you in deciding which school aligns best with your personal goals and circumstances.
Ultimately, the choice of school can lead to a stable life and rewarding career. One family’s decision to invest in an online electrical engineering degree can open doors to a secure future. It’s crucial to carefully evaluate these choices to ensure they align with your long-term aspirations.
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
Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering ranking? +
Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $60,615 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 48% 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 $57,190 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, University of Florida leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $6,541 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 52% 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 $16,362 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida is among the most affordable at roughly $6,541. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable 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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