If you’re looking to quickly obtain your engineering degree in the most accessible and flexible way possible, this guide to the fastest online engineering degree programs is for you. We’ve compiled some of the best, most accelerated online programs available today, simplifying your research. With these degrees, you can pursue careers in mechanical engineering, with a median salary of $99,510, or electrical engineering, earning a median salary of $106,950. These programs are designed for completion in as little as two to three years, allowing you to fast-track your education and enter the workforce sooner.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best Online Engineering degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 9 Accredited Accelerated Online Engineering Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
National University
Intelligent Score: 98.32In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$555
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
120
St. Cloud State University
Intelligent Score: 98.24In-state: $7,505
Out-of-state: $15,921
In-state: $7,607
Out-of-state: $7,607
SAT: 1000-1250
ACT: 18-24
$350
Online
Higher Learning Commission
122
Western Governors University
Intelligent Score: 97.92In-state: $6,380
Out-of-state: $6,380
In-state: $7,500
Out-of-state: $7,500
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$301
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
Old Dominion University
Intelligent Score: 96.25In-state: $7,029
Out-of-state: $26,664
In-state: $10,207
Out-of-state: $10,207
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 18-25
Resident: $408
Non-Resident: $439
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
120
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 96.11In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
Resident: $259
Non-Resident: $669
Online, On-Campus
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
121
University of Maine
Intelligent Score: 93.21In-state: $9,240
Out-of-state: $30,030
In-state: $8,298
Out-of-state: $8,298
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$400 - $500
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
125
Thomas Edison State University
Intelligent Score: 92.89In-state: $14,742
Out-of-state: $16,926
In-state: $22,623
Out-of-state: $22,623
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $419
Non-Resident: $545
Online
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
120
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 92.16In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$395
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
126
University of Arkansas Grantham
Intelligent Score: 90.2In-state: $7,568
Out-of-state: $24,056
In-state: $7,752
Out-of-state: $7,752
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 23-29
$305
Online
Distance Education Accreditation Commission
120
How to Choose a Fast Online Engineering Program
Choose your area of study
Since engineering is relatively versatile, specializing — or choosing an area of study — can improve your competitiveness in specific sectors. You’ll want to carefully consider your interests and career goals to make this decision. Popular options include mechanical engineering, focusing on machinery and systems; electrical engineering, dealing with electrical circuits and power systems; construction management, centered on infrastructure and construction projects; and software engineering, emphasizing software development and programming. Each specialization offers different opportunities, so be sure to research potential career paths to make an informed decision.
Research schools and programs
Once you have a specialization in mind, thoroughly researching schools and programs is essential. Here are a few questions you can ask to guide your research:
- Are the courses taught by experienced faculty with industry experience?
- What kind of support services are available for online students?
- What are the graduation and job placement rates for the program?
You can find this information by reviewing program websites, attending open houses, or contacting admissions offices. Many students also benefit from reading reviews on platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit, where you can gain further insights on program quality.
Prepare for tests and applications
For many students, your application and test scores are your only chance to make a positive impression on admissions committees — so spending some time preparing is important.
First, consider enrolling in test prep programs to improve your test scores, whether for the SAT, ACT, or even the GRE, if you’re applying to graduate programs. Start drafting your personal statement early, ensuring it reflects your enthusiasm and qualifications. If your programs require a resume, you may also want to allow some time for revisions — highlighting relevant experience.
By planning and dedicating time to each component, you’ll strengthen your application and boost your chances of admission.
Select your program
To select the best program, revisit your initial research criteria and focus on the most essential elements for your education — curriculum relevance, the faculty you’ll learn from, and hands-on opportunities. This is also an excellent time to assess the total cost of attendance and compare it with financial aid offers to understand the expense.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financing your degree while minimizing debt may seem impossible, but with the right strategy, you can earn your engineering degree without a substantial debt burden. Start by applying for scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment. Next, explore work-study programs that offer part-time jobs to help cover expenses. Check if your employer provides tuition reimbursement as a benefit. If additional funds are needed, opt for federal loans over private loans due to their generally lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.
What Can You Expect From a Fast Online Engineering Degree Program?
In a fast-paced online engineering program, you can expect an intensive curriculum to accelerate learning. These programs cover mathematics, physics, and computer science, along with specialized electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering courses.
As a student, you’ll engage in hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, utilizing state-of-the-art software and virtual labs. Critical design, analysis, and innovation skills are emphasized to prepare graduates for dynamic engineering careers.
Many programs require a capstone project for graduation, where students apply their knowledge to a comprehensive, practical project, demonstrating their readiness to work as a professional engineer.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online engineering degree program
- Engineering Mechanics: In this foundational course, students explore the principles of force, motion, and energy, learning how to analyze and predict the behavior of physical systems. This course lays the foundation for understanding structural analysis and mechanical systems in different engineering applications.
- Circuit Analysis: A cornerstone in many programs, this course covers the fundamentals of electrical circuits, including Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, and the analysis of both DC and AC circuits. Students will learn to design and troubleshoot circuits, which are essential for the electrical and electronics engineering fields.
- Thermodynamics: Often considered an upper-level course, this class is crucial for understanding how to design efficient engines, refrigeration systems, and other thermal systems. Participants will study the principles of energy transfer, heat, and work and how these concepts apply to engineering systems.
What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
The job outlook for individuals graduating with an engineering degree is positive and expected to grow faster than average. With 188,000 job openings projected over the next decade, the median salary for skilled engineers is $91,420, significantly higher than the median for all occupations.
Career outlook
- Electrical Engineer — Graduates in this role design, develop, and test electrical systems and components, such as circuits and generators. They work on projects ranging from small-scale electronics to large power systems, ensuring functionality and efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $106,950
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 17,800
- Mechanical Engineer — Mechanical engineers create, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices, including engines and machinery. They apply the principles of physics and materials science to ensure these systems operate efficiently and reliably.
- Median annual salary: $99,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New jobs projected: 19,200
- Civil Engineer — Civil engineers plan and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They guarantee structures are safe, sustainable, and efficient, meeting both regulatory standards and community needs.
- Median annual salary: $95,890
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 21,200
Fast Online Engineering Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
With an accelerated degree program, you can complete degree requirements more quickly by taking on a more intensive course load. This often includes shorter, more frequent terms or year-round classes, with a rigorous curriculum demanding significant time commitment and self-discipline. To learn more about the pros and cons of these programs and determine if they align with your educational and career goals, visit our page to see if an accelerated program is the right fit for you.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated online engineering degree?
Obtaining an accelerated online engineering degree takes two to three years, compared to four to five years for non-accelerated programs. It’s crucial to check each program’s total number of required credits, as this can vary and significantly impact the program length. Generally speaking, the more credits required, the longer it’ll take to complete.
How much does an accelerated online engineering degree cost?
On average, a bachelor’s degree costs $27,673 per year, while a master’s degree costs $20,513 per year. These figures can fluctuate based on your residency status and whether you attend a public or private institution.
In addition to tuition, you’ll also want to budget for expenses like textbooks, technology fees, and course materials. These costs can add up over time and often aren’t included in the tuition price.