This article lists the top 10 colleges for an affordable associate’s degree in engineering.
While an associate’s degree in engineering qualifies a graduate for work in several specific jobs (such as engineering technician) the majority of people who earn this degree go on to study for a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Earning the associate’s degree first is beneficial because the student will enter the bachelor’s degree program with more familiarity with engineering concepts. Also, they can get some of the engineering requirements taken care of while paying a much lower tuition. Since saving money is one of the principle benefits of an associate’s degree in engineering, it also makes sense to earn that degree from the most affordable program possible.
Our list of affordable engineering associate’s programs is organized according to the tuition charged at schools that meet a certain threshhold of quality (based on graduation rate).
The top 10 affordable associate’s degrees in engineering are:
- Imperial Valley College
- Mississippi Delta Community College
- Alpena Community College
- Wilkes Community College
- Richmond Community College
- Ventura College
- Carroll Community College
- Halifax Community College
- State Fair Community College
- Moorpark College
10. Moorpark College
Moorpark, California
Associate in Science in Engineering
With an associate’s degree in engineering from Moorpark College, students can either prepare themselves for the upper-division coursework needed for advanced degrees in engineering, or graduate with the necessary skills for entry-level employment in the field. The high-quality, rigorous coursework adequately readies students for work in any branch of engineering. In addition to the required general education courses, students must complete 45-60 specified credits.
Tuition: $4,336
9. State Fair Community College
Chicago, Illinois
Associate of Science in Engineering
Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Design Technology
State Fair Community College offers two affordable associate’s degree programs in engineering. The AS in Engineering is a 67-credit program with a curriculum made up of a combination of basic courses and courses chosen by the student in specialized areas, such as electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering. The AAS in Engineering Design Technology program is a 63 credit program in which students can prepare technical drawings and plans used to build both manufactured products and large structures. SFCC offers transfer agreements with other colleges and universities for those students wishing to continue their education.
Tuition: $4,179
8. Halifax Community College
Weldon, North Carolina
Associate in Engineering
Halifax Community College is a two-year college that offers an associate’s degree in engineering. The 60- or 61-credit-hour degree program is designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering. The program can be completed in 4 semesters, and the curriculum is acceptable to all of the state-funded Bachelor of Engineering programs. Students wishing to earn their associate’s in engineering online can take advantage of the many classes that are offered via distance learning.
Tuition: $4,002
7. Carroll Community College
Westminster, Maryland
Associate in Science in Engineering
Associate in Science in Engineering with a Chemical/Biomedical Concentration
Associate of Science in Engineering with a Mechanical/Civil Concentration
Carroll Community College offers 3 degree programs for earning an associate’s degree in engineering. Students can choose between the basic degree and a degree with a special concentration. Each of the programs allows the students the opportunity to explore the various areas of engineering while completing essential gateway courses. The students can take advantage of small class size and flexible curriculum, as well as many partnerships that the school has in place with local businesses, offering both career information and internship opportunities.
Tuition: $3,976
6. Ventura College
Ventura, California
Associate of Science in Engineering Technology
Associate of Science in Engineering
At Ventura College, students wishing to earn their engineering technician degree can choose between two associate’s degree programs. Ventura’s 2-year lower-division engineering program prepares students for transfer both within California and throughout the nation. Both programs are 68 credits and focus on the following learning outcomes: the ability to analyze and interpret data to make engineering decisions, and the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Tuition: $3,396
5. Richmond Community College
Hamlet, North Carolina
Associate in Engineering
Richmond Community College offers flexible learning options, so that part of their associate’s degree in engineering curriculum can be completed online. The 60-credit, four-semester program provides students with the training to be competent in reading, writing and oral communications, as well as fundamental mathematics skills and basic computer courses.
The program is designed so that graduates will meet the entrance requirements of all the NC Public Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs.
Tuition:$3,499
4. Wilkes Community College
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Associate in Engineering
The associate’s degree in engineering at Wilkes Community College can be completed in as little as two years, depending on the student’s initial class placement testing. The engineering program at WCC boasts of faculty who have the academic credentials to be university faculty. The class size is small, offering personal guidance, and the classes are conveniently scheduled to meet the needs of the students. Students graduate from the program with a solid foundation in both written and oral communication, as well as critical thinking, mathematics, and science.
Tuition: $3,348
3. Alpena Community College
Alpena, Michigan
Associate in Science in Pre-Engineering
Alpena Community College offers over 75 programs, including an affordable associate’s degree in engineering. The recommended program curriculum consists of 63 credits, 29 of which are core program required credits. Alpena offers flexibility for students to adjust their program of study to meet their individual goals and or/transfer plans. Students can also take advantage of the great amount of financial aid offered by the college. The program is designed for graduates who wish to continue their education to seamlessly and successfully transfer to a four-year college or university.
Tuition: $3,177
2. Mississippi Delta Community College
Moorhead, Mississippi
Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering
At Mississippi Delta Community College, students can complete their associate’s degree in engineering with the flexibility of courses offered at any of 3 campuses. Additionally, many of the classes are available online through Mississippi Virtual Community College. This highly affordable 62-credit curriculum is especially designed for those who plan to continue their education in the field of engineering. The Mathematics and Science department at MDCC has a proven track record of successful graduates employed throughout the United States.
Tuition: $2,409
1. Imperial Valley College
Imperial, California
Associate in Science in Pre-Engineering
Imperial Valley College offers an extremely affordable option for earning an associate’s degree in engineering. Their pre-engineering program gives students a strong foundation of mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits, 27 of which are degree-specific credits in the engineering field. The associate’s engineering program at IVC is designed primarily for students who plan to continue their education in the field.
Tuition: $1,814
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