2026 Best Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online ABET-accredited engineering degree?

You should expect a challenging and structured curriculum that is every bit as rigorous as a traditional, on-campus program. There's a common misconception that online degrees are easier, but for an ABET-accredited engineering degree, that simply isn't true. You will cover the same foundational math and science, dive deep into core engineering principles, and complete complex, collaborative design projects.

Modern online programs use impressive technology to provide practical experience. You’ll work in sophisticated virtual labs and use the same simulation software as professionals in the field. This approach not only teaches you the theory but also ensures you develop the hands-on skills needed to solve real-world problems from day one of your career.

Where can I work with an online ABET-accredited engineering degree?

An accredited engineering degree gives you access to nearly every sector of the economy. Graduates are not limited to one specific industry. You could be developing next-generation smartphones in the tech industry, designing renewable energy systems for a utility company, or creating new medical devices in the healthcare field.

The key is that this degree qualifies you to be an "engineer"—someone who designs, analyzes, and solves complex problems. This is distinct from a "technician," who typically implements and maintains the systems engineers create. This credential unlocks long-term career mobility, allowing you to adapt and thrive as industries evolve.

How much can I make with an online ABET-accredited engineering degree?

You can expect to enter a high-paying field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for engineers was $97,310 in 2023. This strong earning potential is a key reason the degree has such a powerful return on investment.

Of course, salaries vary based on your specialization, location, and the industry you choose to work in. But this figure gives you a clear picture of the financial foundation an engineering degree provides as you begin your career.

Best Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree Programs for 2026

Choosing an online engineering degree is a high-stakes decision because accreditation, cost, transfer credit, lab format, and licensure eligibility can affect your career options for years. For many students, the main question is not simply “Can I study engineering online?” but “Will this program be respected by employers, qualify me for future engineering licensure, and fit my schedule and budget?”

This guide explains how online ABET-accredited engineering and engineering technology programs work, how they compare with campus programs, what they cost, how long they take, and how to evaluate whether a specific degree is the right investment. It is designed for first-time college students, transfer students, working adults, military-affiliated learners, and career changers who need a flexible pathway into engineering or a closely related technical field.

Quick Answer: Is an Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree Worth It?

An online ABET-accredited engineering degree can be worth it if the program matches your intended discipline, provides the labs and design experiences required for engineering practice, and supports your long-term goals, including possible Professional Engineer licensure. ABET accreditation matters because it signals that a program has met recognized quality standards for engineering, computing, engineering technology, or applied science education.

The best choice is not always the cheapest or most famous school. Students should first verify the exact ABET accreditation status of the program, then compare curriculum, total cost, transfer policies, online lab requirements, student support, and career outcomes.

How We Rank the Programs

Because a bachelor’s degree can be one of the largest education expenses a student takes on, our ranking approach emphasizes transparency, data quality, and practical decision-making. Research.com uses information from established education data sources, including the IPEDS database, Peterson's database, the College Scorecard database, and The National Center for Education Statistics.

These sources help evaluate online ABET-accredited engineering-related programs using factors such as affordability, institutional data, program structure, and student-relevant outcomes. For a fuller explanation of how Research.com evaluates schools and programs, see our methodology page.

Online ABET-Accredited Program Comparison

Important distinction: ABET accredits programs through different commissions. Engineering Accreditation Commission programs, Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission programs, and Computing Accreditation Commission programs may lead to different career and licensure pathways. Always verify the exact program name in ABET’s official database before enrolling.

1. Arizona State University — Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Electrical Engineering

Arizona State University offers an online electrical engineering pathway that begins with core mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals before moving into topics such as microprocessors, energy systems, and photovoltaic cells. Students interested in the power sector can use the optional electric power and energy systems concentration to align their coursework with utility, energy, and infrastructure careers.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $754
• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

2. University of North Dakota — Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering

The University of North Dakota prepares online electrical engineering students for technical work in areas such as power systems, aerospace, automation, and applied engineering design. The program emphasizes laboratory learning, practical problem-solving, and connections with industry so students can build experience beyond lectures and exams.

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 126
• Cost per Credit: $431.11
• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

3. Florida International University — Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Florida International University focuses its computer engineering curriculum on the intersection of hardware, software, digital systems, and engineering logic. Students study both computing and electrical engineering concepts, making the program relevant for learners who want to work on embedded systems, devices, networks, or hardware-software integration.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Cost per Credit: $228.81 (in-state); $345.87 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

4. University of Cincinnati — Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

The University of Cincinnati offers an online information technology degree for students who want to build technical skills in programming, systems, networks, cybersecurity-related tools, or applied technology solutions. Because this program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET rather than the Engineering Accreditation Commission, students should evaluate it as a computing pathway rather than a traditional engineering degree.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $580 (in-state); $595 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

5. Western Governors University — Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Western Governors University uses a competency-based model that allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of required material. The program includes coursework connected to areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data structures, and industry-recognized credentials. Students considering this option should note the listed accreditation carefully and confirm whether the program meets any ABET-specific requirement they may have.

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Required Courses to Graduate: 37
• Tuition: $4,335 per 6-month term
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

6. Excelsior University — Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology

Excelsior University is designed for students who want a practical, application-focused route into electrical and electronic systems work. The program requires a technical concentration, allowing students to develop deeper preparation in modern electronics or power systems.

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $550
• Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

7. Daytona State College — Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology

Daytona State College uses a 2+2 structure that builds on associate-level study and prepares students for applied technical roles in engineering technology, design, manufacturing, and industrial operations. This format can be especially useful for transfer students who already hold or plan to complete an associate degree before finishing the bachelor’s curriculum.

• Program Length: 4 years (including associate degree)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Cost per Credit: $102.48 (in-state); $398.98 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

8. University of Arkansas Grantham — Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology

The University of Arkansas Grantham provides an electronics engineering technology curriculum covering circuit analysis, digital systems, communication technologies, and applied laboratory work. The program is aimed at students who want hands-on technical preparation for electronics-focused roles rather than a purely theory-heavy engineering pathway.

• Program Length: Approximately 3.5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 121
• Cost per Credit: $295
• Accreditation: Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

How Long Does an Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree Take?

Most bachelor’s-level engineering programs are built around a 4-year full-time plan. That timeline usually assumes a student enters with the expected math and science preparation, follows the recommended course sequence, and takes a full course load each term.

Online students often follow a different pace. Working adults, military students, parents, and transfer students may take fewer courses at a time, which can extend completion to roughly six to eight years. Other students may finish faster if they bring in transfer credits or enroll year-round.

What Can Shorten or Extend Your Timeline?

Transfer planning is especially important because the bachelor's degree is the entry point for 65% of engineers. If you already have college credit, ask the admissions or academic advising team exactly how those credits apply to the engineering major, not just whether they count as general electives.

Online vs. On-Campus ABET-Accredited Engineering Programs

ABET accreditation evaluates programs against recognized standards, not whether the student sits in a classroom or logs in remotely. If the online program itself holds the appropriate ABET accreditation, students can generally expect a curriculum built around the same outcomes: mathematics, science, engineering analysis, design, experimentation, ethics, and communication.

The bigger difference is how students learn. Online engineering programs require strong time management, comfort with technical software, and the discipline to complete demanding coursework without the structure of daily campus attendance. Campus programs may offer easier access to physical labs, student organizations, faculty offices, and peer networks, but they also require relocation or commuting for many students.

Degree, Certification, and Licensure: Why the Distinction Matters

Short-term technical credentials can be valuable in computing and IT careers, and some workers compare degree options against the potential value of an IT certification salary. Engineering is different. For students who may eventually pursue Professional Engineer licensure, the accreditation status and type of degree can matter much more than a standalone certificate.

If your career goal involves approving engineering designs, supervising work tied to public safety, or qualifying for PE licensure later, contact your state licensing board before enrolling. Requirements vary, and not every engineering technology, computing, or non-ABET pathway leads to the same eligibility.

How Much Does an Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree Cost?

The price of an online engineering degree depends on the institution, residency rules, transfer credit, technology fees, lab requirements, and how long you take to finish. For the 2023-2024 academic year, average annual tuition and fees were around $9,003 for public, in-state universities and $47,690 for private universities.

Program pages often advertise a per-credit price, but that does not always show the full cost. Students should also check online course fees, proctoring fees, books, engineering software, lab kits, graduation fees, and any required campus visits. Many public universities charge online students differently from campus students, and some extend in-state rates to online learners regardless of location.

Cost Factors to Compare Before You Apply

How to Think About Return on Investment

An online format can reduce relocation, housing, meal plan, and commuting expenses, but students should still evaluate debt carefully. The median salary of $97,310 for engineers shows why engineering can offer strong earning potential, but salary outcomes vary by discipline, employer, location, experience, licensure, and economic conditions. Do not borrow based on a guaranteed salary assumption.

Financial Aid Options for Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Students

Students in eligible accredited online programs can often use many of the same aid sources available to campus students. The key is to confirm that both the institution and the specific program meet aid eligibility requirements before assuming federal, state, or employer funding will apply.

Common funding sources include:

• Federal financial aid: Students can start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which is used to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• State aid: Some states offer grants or scholarships tied to residency, school location, academic major, financial need, or workforce priorities.
• Institutional scholarships: Colleges may offer merit-based, need-based, transfer, military, adult learner, or STEM-specific awards.
• External scholarships: Professional associations, engineering societies, local foundations, and employers may fund students pursuing technical fields.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Working students should ask HR whether the company reimburses engineering, technology, or job-related coursework.
• Military and veteran benefits: Eligible service members, veterans, and dependents should confirm how benefits apply to online enrollment and engineering program fees.

Questions to Ask the Financial Aid Office

• Is this exact online program eligible for federal financial aid?
• Are online students charged different tuition or fees than campus students?
• Does the school offer engineering-specific scholarships?
• Will dropping to part-time enrollment change my aid eligibility?
• What is the average debt load for students in this program?
• Are lab kits, software, or proctored exams included in tuition estimates?

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Online engineering programs are flexible in delivery, but the academic expectations are still demanding. Applicants usually need strong preparation in mathematics and science because engineering coursework builds quickly into calculus-based physics, circuits, mechanics, programming, and design.

Many programs expect students to be ready for Calculus I or to complete prerequisite math before advancing into the major. Physics and chemistry are also common preparation areas. Students who have been out of school for several years may need a math refresher before beginning the full engineering sequence.

Typical Admission Materials

• High school transcripts or college transcripts for transfer applicants
• Evidence of college-ready math preparation, often through prior coursework or placement
• Science coursework, commonly including physics and chemistry expectations
• Application form and fee
• Transfer credit documentation, when applicable
• Possible standardized test scores, depending on the institution’s policy

When Prerequisites Matter Most

Prerequisites are not just admissions hurdles. They influence whether you can enter the engineering course sequence on time. For example, students pursuing an online environmental engineering degree may rely heavily on chemistry for water, air, and materials topics, while physics supports fluid mechanics, energy systems, and infrastructure design.

If you are comparing engineering with other professional programs, remember that every field has its own readiness requirements. Healthcare students, for instance, may focus on leadership preparation such as how to be a good nurse leader, while engineering students must prioritize math, science, computing, and design readiness.

Common Courses in an Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Program

Engineering curricula are intentionally sequenced. Students normally begin with math, science, and introductory engineering before moving into discipline-specific analysis, laboratories, and senior design. Skipping the foundation can make later courses much harder because advanced engineering problems depend on earlier concepts.

This structure is similar to other professional fields in which education level shapes career access. For example, healthcare pathways connect specific credentials to roles such as ADN nursing jobs. In engineering, the bachelor’s curriculum is often the core preparation for entry-level engineering work and later advancement.

The field is large and varied. With over 228,911 engineers employed in various key roles, the curriculum is meant to prepare graduates for work across infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, computing, transportation, aerospace, electronics, and related industries.

Online Engineering Specializations: Which One Should You Choose?

Most students do not need to know their final job title before starting an engineering degree, but they should understand the differences among specializations. The best choice depends on what kinds of systems you want to work on, how much you enjoy software or hardware, whether you prefer physical infrastructure or digital technologies, and whether licensure may matter in your field.

Electrical engineering remains one of the most common online engineering options, and students comparing career outcomes may want to review the broader electrical engineering salary outlook. However, salary should not be the only factor. Course fit, licensure goals, employer demand, and your tolerance for specific technical subjects matter just as much.

How to Choose the Best Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Program

The best program is the one that meets your career requirements, fits your academic background, offers the right specialization, and has a total cost you can justify. Rankings can help you build a shortlist, but they should not replace your own verification process.

Step-by-Step Program Evaluation Checklist

1. Verify program-level ABET accreditation. Do not rely only on a school’s general accreditation statement. Check the exact degree title and commission.
2. Match the accreditation type to your goal. Engineering, engineering technology, and computing accreditation are not interchangeable for every career or licensure path.
3. Review the course sequence. Make sure required courses, electives, labs, and capstone projects align with your intended field.
4. Ask how online labs work. Confirm whether labs use simulations, physical kits, remote access, proctored sessions, or required campus visits.
5. Request a transfer credit review. Transfer students should find out which credits apply to the major, not just the total number accepted.
6. Calculate total cost. Include tuition, fees, software, lab equipment, books, travel, and any repeated courses.
7. Evaluate student support. Online engineering students should have access to tutoring, advising, library resources, career services, and technical help.
8. Check career services and employer connections. Look for internship guidance, capstone partnerships, alumni outcomes, and engineering-specific advising.
9. Confirm licensure implications. If PE licensure may matter, contact the relevant state board before enrolling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Look for Evidence of a Strong Online Engineering Program

A strong online engineering program should be transparent about accreditation, curriculum, faculty qualifications, lab requirements, student outcomes, and support services. It should also explain how online students complete team projects, access engineering software, receive advising, and prepare for internships or entry-level roles.

Students pursuing advanced or adjacent education pathways should apply the same evaluation discipline. For example, educators comparing online EdS to EdD programs also need to check transfer policies, program fit, and outcomes rather than relying only on name recognition.

Career Paths After an Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree

An engineering degree can lead to many different career directions. Some graduates stay deeply technical, while others move into project leadership, operations, consulting, product development, or management. The path you choose will depend on your discipline, internships, licensure goals, communication skills, and willingness to keep learning.

Some engineers later pursue graduate study in leadership or management. Students considering that route can explore the kinds of roles associated with masters in engineering management jobs.

Job Market Outlook for Online Engineering Graduates

Engineering remains a major professional field because modern economies depend on infrastructure, energy, transportation, manufacturing, electronics, software-enabled systems, and environmental solutions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that some engineering fields will grow by as much as 12% over the next decade, though growth differs by specialization.

Demand is shaped by large-scale needs: rebuilding aging infrastructure, modernizing the electrical grid, expanding automation, developing sustainable technologies, strengthening cybersecurity-adjacent systems, and applying artificial intelligence in engineering workflows. These trends create opportunities, but they also raise expectations. Employers increasingly look for graduates who can combine technical fundamentals with software tools, data literacy, communication, teamwork, and ethical judgment.

How AI and Automation Are Changing Engineering Work

AI, simulation platforms, digital twins, automation tools, and advanced analytics are changing how engineers design, test, and optimize systems. These tools can speed up modeling and reduce repetitive tasks, but they do not replace the need for engineering judgment. Graduates still need to understand assumptions, safety constraints, physical limitations, regulatory requirements, and design trade-offs.

Students can future-proof their preparation by building skills in programming, data analysis, modeling software, systems thinking, and technical communication. In energy-related fields, policy and infrastructure changes can also influence opportunity, which is why some students compare engineering work with broader energy pathways such as those discussed in an energy policy salary guide.

If you are comparing engineering with other stable professional fields, Research.com also covers alternative career planning topics, including ways healthcare professionals evaluate income options such as how to make extra money as a nurse. The key is to compare requirements, work environment, licensure, costs, and long-term advancement rather than looking only at headline salaries.

Location can also matter. Engineering employment varies by region, industry cluster, infrastructure spending, manufacturing activity, defense and aerospace presence, utility investment, and technology-sector growth.

What Graduates Say About Online ABET-Accredited Engineering Programs

Key Insights

• ABET accreditation should be verified at the program level. Do not assume a school’s institutional accreditation means the engineering program itself is ABET-accredited.
• Engineering, engineering technology, and computing programs are not the same. Each can be valuable, but they may support different jobs, graduate pathways, and licensure options.
• Online engineering degrees can be rigorous and respected when properly accredited. The main differences from campus study are delivery format, lab structure, schedule, and student support access.
• Cost comparisons should include more than tuition. Fees, transfer credit, lab materials, software, time to completion, and financial aid can significantly change the real price.
• Transfer students should request a written credit evaluation early. Credits that count toward graduation may not always satisfy engineering major requirements.
• Licensure-minded students need extra due diligence. If becoming a Professional Engineer is part of your plan, check state board rules before choosing a program.
• The strongest applicants prepare in math and science before enrolling. Calculus readiness, physics, chemistry, and disciplined study habits can make the first year much smoother.
• Career value depends on fit. A program is worthwhile when its specialization, accreditation, cost, lab model, and employer connections align with the work you actually want to do.

References:

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• Michigan Technological University. (n.d.). Average engineering salaries. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.mtu.edu/engineering/about/salary/
• National Science Board, National Science Foundation. (2024). The state of U.S. science and engineering 2024: Key takeaways. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20243/key-takeaways
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Architecture and engineering occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational projections and characteristics. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm
• Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. (n.d.). What is the 10-year engineering job outlook? Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://blog.engineering.vanderbilt.edu/what-is-the-10-year-engineering-job-outlook
• Zippia. (n.d.). Engineer jobs. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.zippia.com/engineer-jobs/