Online Engineering Degrees

Earning an online degree in engineering can lead to many new career opportunities. Here, we list the top programs available.

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Updated August 24, 2023

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Online Engineering Degrees

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to find your fit?

A degree in engineering opens career paths in diverse industries including aerospace, energy, information technology, and construction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recognizes and prepares employment reports on 18 engineering occupations. Entering such a broad professional arena, students choose a specific engineering subfield early in their academic journey.

The BLS groups architects and engineers under the same occupational category. It projects these professions to grow 3% from 2019-2029, about as fast as all occupations. The BLS reports that many of the projected 74,800 new jobs fall under the engineering occupations.

For students planning to pursue a degree in engineering, our guide offers information to help choose the best fit. We provide a ranking of 2021's top engineering programs, outline benefits of earning an engineering degree online, and highlight scholarship opportunities.


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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Online Engineering Program Q and A


What kind of jobs can you get with an engineering degree?

Jobs open to engineering graduates depend on the subfield of engineering they majored in, including mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering.

Do engineers get paid well?

Yes. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $83,160 for engineers.

How much does an online engineering degree cost?

The cost of earning an engineering degree online will likely approximate average bachelor's degree costs for 2018-19. In-state students at public institutions paid $9,212 for tuition and fees only, excluding on-campus room and board.

How long does it take to get an engineering degree?

A bachelor's degree in engineering usually takes four years to complete. However, factors such as enrollment status and delivery format can influence completion time.

Best Online Engineering Programs

#1 Online Engineering Degrees

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide

  • Daytona Beach, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a private institution. The school's catalog of 42 online programs provides options for students interested in many fields. Aspiring civil engineers can pursue the school's bachelor of science in civil engineering to qualify for positions in the field.

The program features foundational major coursework, which helps degree-seekers prepare for upper-level classes. While completing upper-division coursework, learners develop transferable critical thinking and analytical skills. While most bachelor's degree-seekers graduate in four years, part-time enrollment may extend degree-completion time.

Learners can access support services such as tutoring and career counseling. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can qualify for federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Fast Facts:

Admission Rate: 62%

Total Programs: 42

Total Bachelor's Programs: 16

Online Bachelor's Programs: 16

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,912
Out-of-state
$9,912
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,268
Out-of-state
$8,268
Retention Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
13,773
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Engineering Degrees

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Distance learners can pursue an online bachelor's in civil engineering at the University of North Dakota to prepare for civil engineering careers. The Grand Forks-based school provides academic programs for on-campus degree-seekers. Online undergraduate students can choose from 16 online bachelor's programs.

With various scheduling options, the program provides flexibility for online learners. Busy students and working professionals benefit from the distance learning format. Degree candidates participate in asynchronous discussions and network with peers. Undergraduates pursuing their degree full time typically graduate in four years.

Learners pursuing their bachelor's degree online benefit from the school's affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding. Bachelor's students typically complete about 120 credits, and tuition costs an average of $726 per credit. Degree-seekers at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant. Financial aid counselors help students understand funding options and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,534
Out-of-state
$18,434
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Online Engineering Degrees

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners interested in civil engineering can pursue the bachelor's in civil engineering at the University of Central Florida. The online program is ideal for students with busy schedules. Bachelor's graduates can qualify for entry-level careers in the field.

In addition to core coursework, degree-seekers in the program complete advanced classes in field-related topics. Learners begin with general education courses and then complete major-specific classes in topics. These classes strengthen in-demand skills like communication and critical thinking. Learners consult with faculty mentors to select classes aligning with their interests and career goals.

In addition to educating students at its Florida campus, the public institution enrolls students in 47 online programs. Degree-seekers across the country can pursue the school's 19 online bachelor's programs without relocating. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
69,402
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Online Engineering Degrees

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The top-ranked bachelor's in civil engineering technology at Old Dominion University enrolls learners with a flexible online format. The public institution, located in Norfolk, Virginia, welcomes undergraduates to its on-campus and online programs. The flexible learning format makes it easier for students to balance school with work or other responsibilities.

The online bachelor's program emphasizes foundational and advanced civil engineering knowledge. Degree-seekers customize their course of study by working with faculty mentors and academic advisors to choose electives and minors. The college's online support services include tutoring, a writing center, financial aid counseling, and career advising.

Because of the school's accreditation, enrollees qualify for federal student aid programs like the Pell Grant. In addition to federal aid, distance learners can use scholarships and state grants to pay for school.

Old Dominion University Numbers:

Total Bachelor's Programs: 56

Online Bachelor's Programs: 20

Number of Online Students: 12,854

Percent of Applicants Admitted: 89%

Student Graduation Rate: 53%

Average Per-Credit Price: $492

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Online Engineering Degrees

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Liberty University enrolls degree-seekers in its top-ranked bachelor of science in civil engineering program. In addition to on-campus programs offered in Lynchburg, Virginia, the private institution offers a variety of online bachelor's programs. The online learning format appeals to working professionals and busy students.

Degree-seekers gain foundational and advanced skills in engineering during the online bachelor's program. Undergraduates meet with faculty mentors and academic advisors to create an individual degree plan based on their career goals. The school supports distance learners with academic services and career counseling.

Distance learners pursuing a degree at the accredited institution can use federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. Online students can also pay for school with scholarships, grants, and loans.

Liberty University Numbers:

Total Bachelor's Programs: 91

Online Bachelor's Programs: 30

Number of Online Students: 78,511

Student Admission Rate: 51%

Percent of Students who Earn a Bachelor's Degree: 47%

Average Per-Credit Tuition: $750

Transfer Credits Counted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Engineering Programs

Why Get a Degree in Engineering?

Jobs in many engineering subfields garner median annual salaries higher than the national median for all workers. Electrical and electronics engineers, chemical engineers, and aerospace engineers all earn median annual salaries above $100,000.

Several schools now offer online engineering programs, allowing students to earn a degree in an engineering subfield not offered in their home state. Online programs give enrollees the further advantage of a cheaper degree since they do not pay room and board.

How Much Does an Engineering Degree Cost?

National Center for Education Statistics data show 2018-19 attendance costs at public in-state schools came to $20,598. Students at private nonprofit institutions paid a considerably higher amount, $47,541 on average. The figures include tuition, required fees, and on-campus room and board. The cost of a bachelor's degree in engineering will likely approximate these amounts. However, engineering programs requiring laboratory training may cost more.

Most online students do not pay additional on-campus housing expenses, lowering the cost of attendance significantly. For tuition and fees only, learners at in-state public institutions paid an average of $9,212, while students at private nonprofit schools paid $34,758. Students should also take note of schools allowing out-of-state online enrollees to pay in-state tuition. Earning an engineering degree online can result in meaningful savings because of the substantial difference between resident and non-resident tuition.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Engineering Majors Make?

As stated above, many engineering jobs garner higher-than-average salaries. Aspiring computer hardware engineers enter a professional arena with a median annual salary of $119,560. The top-paying industries for these professions include securities and financial investment companies, software publishers, and computer and equipment manufacturing companies. These employers pay mean annual salaries of $170,190, $164,270, and $147,220, respectively.

The BLS projects 10% growth for industrial engineers in 2019-2029, making it one of the fastest growing engineering subfields. The highest paying arenas for industrial engineers include crude oil pipeline transportation, telecommunications, and petroleum and coal products manufacturing. Industrial engineers at these companies earn mean annual salaries of $120,850, $114,920, and $113,800, respectively.

Courses in Engineering

Engineering encompasses a broad professional arena and, expectedly, no single curriculum can contain all the courses required for each specific subfield. Institutions offering the same degree in engineering often follow unique curricula designed to support their specific academic objectives.

Most engineering courses involve hands-on training through an internship experience or individual or group projects. The courses described below represent foundation classes offered in an engineering program's first half, before students focus on major-specific courses their junior and senior years.

Certifications and Licensure for Engineering

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require engineers to acquire a license before working. Licensure requirements vary, so students should contact the state licensing board where they plan to work for specific criteria. Industry-recognized professional organizations issue certifications, often qualifying holders for increased responsibilities and leadership positions in specific subfields.

The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering administers the CCE credential. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in applied engineering or engineering technology qualify. The 120-question multiple choice exam covers several content areas including automated systems, networking fundamentals, and instrumentation. The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) administers this credential for physical asset management professionals. Candidates must pass an experience-based exam covering the SMRP Body of Knowledge's five areas: business and management, equipment reliability, organization and leadership, manufacturing process reliability, and work management. Accredited engineering program graduates pursuing an electronics design career qualify for this International Association for Radio, Telecommunications, and Electromagnetics certification. The exam tests a candidate's ability to apply the principles of electromagnetic compatibility to design within compliance regulations.

Scholarships for Engineering

Many schools offer STEM scholarships to attract and support the most promising students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students pursuing a degree in engineering can find additional financial aid packages from state and federal government agencies. Professional organizations and private nonprofit groups with established ties to engineering also support students.

Scholarships for Engineering
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

American Society of Naval Engineers Scholarship

$4,000 Full-time undergraduate and graduate engineering students can apply for the scholarship. Graduate applicants must hold ASNE membership; undergraduate applicants do not need membership but should hold senior status.

Society of Women Engineers

Varies SWE welcomes applications from female/women-identifying students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Additional Engineering Resources

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