Seeking the Most Economical Engineering College

I've pretty much decided that I want to pursue engineering, but college tuition can be insanely high. Can anyone recommend the most economical engineering colleges that still have a good reputation and high-quality programs?

There are few options worth considering if your primary concern is finding an economically friendly engineering college.

First, public in-state colleges often have the most affordable tuition rates. For example, the University of Texas (Austin) and Georgia Tech both have strong engineering programs and are quite affordable for state residents.

Another good option might be going for schools who meet 100% demonstrated financial need, even if their sticker price is high. Schools like MIT and Caltech are known for their outstanding engineering programs, and also meet 100% demonstrated need without loans. However, their affordability will depend on your household income.

Lastly, you might want to consider institutions such as Olin College of Engineering or Cooper Union. They have solid engineering programs and offer substantial scholarship funding. For instance, Cooper Union recently returned to providing half-tuition scholarships to all undergraduates.

Keep in mind that while tuition is important, you should also think about other aspects such as academic strength, internship opportunities, future career prospects, and a community that will support your engineering interests.

Remember to make use of net price calculators available on universities' websites to get a more accurate estimate of what your family might end up paying. This will give you a clearer picture relative to your specific financial situation.