Best Electrical Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Electrical Engineering Programs
The best schools for electrical engineering will help you learn the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the field. We have assembled this detailed guide to the best electrical engineering schools to help you make an informed decision about your future.
The best electrical engineering universities will equip you for the highest-paying jobs and attractive salaries. Knowing which degree level and what career path you want are essential factors to consider when searching for the best electrical engineering colleges. Find out which possible schools for the college of engineering may suit your needs.
Best Electrical Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Electrical Engineering Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | In-person, online | #99 |
| Baylor University | Waco, TX | In-person | #75 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | In-person | #25 |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | In-person, online | #2 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | In-person, online | #17 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | In-person | #2 |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | In-person, online | #196 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | In-person, online, hybrid | #6 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | In-person | #38 |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX | In-person, online, hybrid | #179 |
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Electrical Engineering School Rankings: Best Electrical Engineering Colleges and Universities
Students wanting to become electrical engineers and gain practical experience solving real-world problems in the engineering discipline can find many competitive and respected electrical engineering programs. Undergraduate and graduate students looking for electrical engineering degrees have loads of options, and you can see some of the best ones below.
Auburn University
Graduation Rate: 79%
Auburn University was established in 1856 and currently has 31,526 students enrolled in its higher education programs. They have 15 schools and colleges offering more than 150 majors, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. US News & World Report ranks it as the number one best university in Alabama.
Auburn University Overview
- School Type: Public university
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #99 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #284 US College Rankings 2022
Best Auburn University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. This electrical engineering bachelor’s program requires 124 credits and will take between two and six years to complete. This degree program can only be attended in person.
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. Students are required to complete at least 30 credits for this in-person or online degree. The online and in-person options allow you to select a program either with a thesis or without a thesis and may be completed within two to six years.
- PhD in Electrical Engineering. To achieve this PhD in Electrical Engineering, students need to complete 60 credit hours of course work and write a dissertation. The maximum time limit to complete this PhD is 10 years and the program can only be done in person.
Auburn University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
US News & World Report ranks Auburn University as the 64th Best Engineering School in the US.
Baylor University
Graduation Rate: 79%
Baylor University was established in 1845. Its latest enrollment numbers show that they enrolled 20,626 new students in 2021. They have 126 undergraduate degree programs, 80 master's programs, and 47 doctoral programs available. Baylor University’s men's basketball team is the 2021 NCAA national champions.
Baylor University Overview
- School Type: Private Christian university
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #75 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #170 US College Rankings 2022
Best Baylor University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This electrical engineering bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 122 credits and will take four years to complete. Electrical engineering education can only be completed in person.
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The School of Engineering offers this 30-credit-hour program. It includes a six-credit thesis and takes an average of two years to complete.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This PhD program is 60 credits and requires a minimum qualification of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering. You can only attend this PhD program in person.
Baylor University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
Baylor University is a Christian school. According to the US News & World Report, it is the 121st Best Engineering School in the US.
Carnegie Mellon University
Graduation Rate: 93%
Carnegie Mellon’s roots trace back to the 1900s. The school currently has over 14, 500 students enrolled. In the past 10 years, Carnegie Mellon University has been linked to 400 startups and has raised more than $7 billion in follow-on funding. The Times Higher Education has also recognized it as the 20th best private school in the US.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
- School Type: Private global research university
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #25 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #28 US College Rankings 2022
Best Carnegie Mellon University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students must complete 379 units for this bachelor's degree. The school also offers an integrated master's/bachelor's program to achieve both degrees simultaneously, commonly known as a dual degree. You can only complete this dual degree on campus.
- Master's of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This master’s degree offers four types of programs, the standard worth 97 credits, the applied worth 97 credits, the advanced study worth 133 credits, and the applied advanced study with 133 credits. This degree should be completed in person within five years.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Graduate students with a master's degree pursuing a PhD will need to complete 48 credit hours. Graduate electrical engineering students that do not have a master's degree pursuing a PhD will need 96 credits hours. To graduate, students must complete a qualifying exam, teacher's internship, dissertation, and defense.
Carnegie Mellon University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the state's top technical schools, known for its computer science program and research initiatives.
Columbia University
Graduation Rate: 96%
Tracing back to 1754, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York state. It has 69 academic departments and divisions and provides 6,350 courses in higher education. These include bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs, some of which can be acquired 100 percent online.
Columbia University Overview
- School Type: Private research-based university
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #2 in National Universities (tied)
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #16 US College Rankings 2022
Best Columbia University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. This bachelor’s program requires 128 credits and includes a capstone design project. The degree should take four years to complete and cannot be done online.
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. 30 credits above a bachelor’s degree are required for this master’s degree. Students have five years to complete this 100 percent online program.
- PhD in Electrical Engineering. This is a 60-hour credit PhD program. The thesis requires at least 12 credits of research, and you must both propose and defend it successfully. You can complete this degree with seven years full-time on campus.
- Electrical Engineering Doctorate Degree. This Doctorate of Engineering Science (DES) is offered partially online and consists of 72 credits, 12 of which are dedicated to research. Applicants should have earned a Master of Science degree with 30 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Columbia University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
Columbia University has eight research areas for engineering students. Being one of the oldest schools in higher education in the US, it is highly respected amongst engineering employers and professionals.
Cornell University
Graduation Rate: 95%
The school was founded in 1865 and provides bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in a wide variety of subjects. Cornell University currently has 25,582 students enrolled in higher education. Fifty Nobel laureates are associated with this highly-rated school.
Cornell University Overview
- School Type: Private federal land-grant university, public mission
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #17 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #11 US College Rankings 2022
Best Cornell University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science. This Bachelor of Science degree requires 126 credits. Undergraduate electrical engineering students have eight years to complete this program. The online route will require you to choose courses from the online catalog and complete all required courses for the degree within two years.
- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. This is a comprehensive electrical engineering program that allows you to customize specializations. Thirty credit hours are required, and you must maintain a minimum of a C grade in order to graduate. The program can be completed within six years. There is no online option available.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD. The PhD credit requirements are 120 by default but the total will depend on your specialization. Graduate students must enroll in at least eight credit hours of electrical and computer engineering courses and earn a minimum grade of a B grade before completing their Admission to Candidacy examination. PhD programs should be completed within four to five years.
Cornell University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
Cornell University is among the eight schools that make up the US Ivy League . These schools are known for their high standards of academic excellence and elite status.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduation Rate: 96%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in 1861. It has admitted 1,365 students for the class of 2025. The university has 11,934 students enrolled overall, 7,296 being graduate electrical engineering students. The school provides bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs in various subjects and specializations.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Private university
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #2 in National Universities (tied)
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #3 US College Rankings 2022
Best Massachusetts Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This program is referred to as “Course 6-2” by MIT students. Between 180 and 195 units are required for this program beyond the sub-baccalaureate level. These units include courses in both electrical engineering and computer science topics.
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Graduate students need to complete 162 units to complete this program. Ninety of these units must be from the list of approved subjects by the Graduate Office, including a 24-unit thesis.
- Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Graduate students participating in these programs must have acquired or fulfilled the master’s degree requirements, including a thesis. Since there is not a set program course for this degree, students must meet with a consultant to plan their studies.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
MIT has been awarded 98 Nobel Prizes. While there is no official MIT degree program available fully online, the school makes all classes and materials available to the public for free.
Purdue University
Graduation Rate: 83%
Purdue University was founded in 1869 and now offers its students 6, 700 courses in 200 specializations. The school currently has 49,639 students enrolled for education, with 96 percent of its students being between 17 and 25 years old.
Purdue University Overview
- School Type: Public land-grant university
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #196 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #48 US College Rankings 2022
Best Purdue University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) . This BSEE requires 124 credits, 32 of which must be completed at the Purdue West Lafayette campus. Students must meet the first-year engineering requirements before entering the engineering school of their choice. This BSEE should be completed within four years and is only available for on-campus study.
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE). Students can choose between the project track, thesis track, course-only track, and online track for this program. These all require at least 30 credit hours. However, the structure of these credits and the program requirements differ in each track. Make sure you check the requirements carefully.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering (PhD). The PhD in Electrical Engineering consists of 90 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree or 60 beyond the master’s degree. It includes a thesis or dissertation.
Purdue University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
This school boasts that 96 percent of graduates have successfully acquired employment through their career services in their field of study. They have many well-known partners to pursue possible job opportunities.
Stanford University
Graduation Rate: 95%
Stanford University was founded in 1885 and was opened in 1891. Today, it has seven schools and 18 interdisciplinary institutes. Stanford University offers bachelor’s, master’s, PhDs, and certificates in a wide variety of disciplines. Currently, there are 9,292 graduate students and 7,645 undergraduate students enrolled.
Stanford University Overview
- School Type: Private university
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #6 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #2 US College Rankings 2022
Best Stanford University Electrical Engineering Programs
- Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science. Sixty units are required for this Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Additionally, you need to do 40 units of Math and Science. It will take around four years to complete this degree. There is no online option.
- Electrical Engineering Master of Science. This Master of Science in Electrical Engineering requires 45 units you have two years to complete it. There is an option to complete this Master of Science degree online.
- Electrical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy. You will need to complete 135 units for this degree and you have five years to meet this requirement. Students choose between a dissertation or thesis requirement. There is no online option for this program.
Stanford University Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
US News & World News Report has ranked Stanford University as the best school in the US for engineering programs .
The University of Texas at Austin
Graduation Rate: 88%
The University of Texas at Austin ’s roots lead back to 1883. The school provides 156 undergraduate programs and 237 graduate programs. Today, they have 51,991 students enrolled, 11,075 of them being graduate students.
The University of Texas at Austin Overview
- School Type: Public university
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #38 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #60 US College Rankings 2022
Best The University of Texas at Austin Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. This bachelor’s program requires 125 credits in total and should take four years to complete. There is no electrical engineering program available online.
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSE). In this MSE degree program, you must select a specialization appropriate to electrical engineering. There are three paths you can apply for, the thesis path, the reporting requirement path, and the coursework-only path with no thesis or report needed. You can only attend this 30-credit program in person.
- PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This PhD program requires 90 credits and may take between five and seven years to complete. As part of the 90 credits, a dissertation is required. You can only acquire this degree in person.
The University of Texas at Austin Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
Times Higher Education ranks the University of Texas at Austin as the 31st best university worldwide .
University of Houston
Graduation Rate: 30%
University of Houston was founded in 1927 and currently has a total enrollment of 15,239 students. It offers both in-person and online programs through its 16 academic colleges and schools. You can study for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD. The school offers dual programs for motivated students that can help you achieve your degree in a shorter period of time.
University of Houston Overview
- School Type: Public, Non-profit
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #179 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #323 US College Rankings 2022
Best University of Houston Electrical Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE). This BSEE degree is worth 129 credits and should take four years to complete. This degree can only be done in person as it focuses on hands-on experience in electrical engineering education. It includes electives such as circuit analysis and electronics.
- Master of Electrical Engineering (MEE). This MEE requires 36 credits that can be done in person or through a hybrid format. It should be completed within five years. There is no thesis requirement, but there is a special project included in the curriculum. You should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to gain admission.
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). This MSEE is worth 30 credits and should take five years to complete online or in person. This program includes a thesis requirement. To gain admission, you will need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
- Doctor of Philosophy Electrical Engineering (PhD). Students must reach a minimum of 84 credits with 36 hours in course work, 36 hours in research or dissertation, and 12 hours in electives or research. You can apply for this program with a minimum education of a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. You must complete this on-campus program within 10 years.
University of Houston Electrical Engineering Key Takeaway
This school has seven engineering departments within the Cullen College of Engineering, including the electrical and computer engineering department. Some programs have the option to attend some courses online.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The Best Schools for Electrical Engineering: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The various types of credentials available can make it challenging to decide the best option for you. Community colleges, universities, and numerous other education providers offer a variety of electrical engineering degrees. Below is a summary of community college certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate degrees, and graduate certificates.
Electrical Engineering Community College Certificate
Electrical engineering students can take community college certificate programs to develop various electrical engineering skills. Some certificates cater to enhancing the skills of seasoned professionals and others are appropriate for entry-level electrical engineering students.
With an electrical engineering community college certificate, you can prove your practical experience and knowledge in topics such as signals and systems and digital systems, and gain design experience in electrical engineering.
Electrical Engineering Associate Degree
An electrical engineering associate degree is a two-year program covering fundamental aspects of this field. This is a program for high school graduates or career changers. An associate degree can be the first step to achieving a bachelor's degree.
Types of degrees you can get in this field include an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Sciences in Electrical Engineering. Students learn the theory of circuits, fiber optics, electronic systems, and computer hardware. This level of degree can gain you access to entry-level electrical engineering positions such as technician, design drafter, or developer.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
An electrical engineering bachelor’s degree is a four-year degree program that educates an undergraduate student in more advanced electrical engineering principles. Bachelor’s degree types available are a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Associate degree holders can often transfer their credits to a bachelor’s program.
Students typically learn about electrical machines, transformers, generators, and AC and DC motors. Electrical engineering jobs at this level include aerospace engineer, mechanical engineer, nuclear engineer, automotive engineer, and marine engineer.
Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree
A Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering is a graduate program that takes between one and two years to complete. It is a senior qualification and allows electrical engineering professionals to advance in their careers. Master's degree holders lead careers as electrical engineering directors, lead electrical engineers, electrical engineering managers, or heads of electrical engineering.
Master’s degree types include a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Master's degree programs usually require the completion of a thesis or dissertation. They cover topics such as intelligent physical systems, software engineering, computer security, aeronautical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
Electrical Engineering Graduate Certificate
An electrical engineering graduate certificate provides students with advanced technical and logical skills. Students learn about random signals and systems, the mathematics of systems analysis, and computer systems. These certificates may be compatible with some master’s degrees and allow students to transfer credits.
Certificate programs have different admission requirements depending on where you choose to study. This kind of certification may provide various job opportunities depending on your professional experience, track record, and other electrical engineering credentials.
Electrical Engineering Doctorate
An electrical engineering doctorate is a senior degree. These terminal degrees illustrate the doctoral or PhD degree holders' advanced expertise in the electrical engineering field. These degrees usually include research projects known as a thesis or dissertation. PhDs qualify you for high-paying senior roles such as chief executive officer, university professor, or research consultant.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
Best Electrical Engineering Schools: Other Electrical Engineering University Rankings
Looking for the right electrical engineering degree may be confusing if you don’t know what kind of school you want to attend or in what format. Below, we list the best online and in-person institutions to get you on track to start your electrical engineering career. We also include information about the best schools for dual degrees and accelerated degrees in electrical engineering.
Best Online Electrical Engineering Schools
- Arizona State University Online. ASU Online has been recognized by US News & World Report as the number one most innovative school and ranked the number six best school for bachelor’s programs in the US. There are multiple topics of study available for online education, including electrical engineering.
- Florida International University. This school has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with an R1 Carnegie ranking. This is distinction few other universities can match. It offers 16 engineering paths, including electrical engineering.
- Stony Brook University. Forbes had recognized Stony Brook University as the 29th best value college in the US. US News & World Report ranks it as the number 38 top public school in the US.
Best Community Colleges for Electrical Engineering
- CUNY LaGuardia Community College. CUNY LaGuardia Community College is one of the best community colleges in New York state. The school offers an electrical engineering degree among many other topics of study.
- El Paso Community College. This community college offers an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering. It is meant to act as a stepping stone for students interested in transferring to bachelor’s degree programs but it can also qualify graduates for entry-level engineering jobs.
- Mt. San Antonio College. This school’s engineering program offers many different pathways to students. The electrical engineering and engineering technology pathway takes two to three years to complete.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Electrical Engineering
- Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is known for its research in healthcare, engineering, and computer science. Its college of engineering focuses on electrical and computer engineering. It’s a great place to begin your electrical engineering journey.
- Cornell University. Cornell is an elite university known for its high-quality, rigorous academic programs. It offers a bachelor’s program in electrical and computer engineering.
- The University of Texas at Austin. This university is home to one of the best electrical engineering undergraduate programs in the US. The undergraduate program for electrical and computer engineering is focused on hands-on, experiential learning.
Best Graduate Schools for Electrical Engineering
- California Institute of Technology. This school offers a one-year Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. The admissions process is rigorous and admission is only granted to a limited number of students each year. US News & World Report ranks Caltech as number seven in its list of Best Engineering Schools .
- University of California, Berkeley. UC Berkeley is one of the best graduate schools for electrical engineering . Its engineering and computer science department allows students enrolled in its electrical engineering master’s program to choose a specialization in either engineering or computer.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. This university offers students the option to pursue a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The MS degree allows students to select from 12 specializations and the MEng offers three specializations.
Best Electrical Engineering Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Duke University | Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Double Major. This dual degree program offered through Duke University’s school of engineering consists of 37 credits from both programs for a total of 74 credits. It should take four years to complete.
- Johns Hopkins University | Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering. This two-in-one program allows you to pursue both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Engineering at the same time. This type of program can be considered for management positions in the field. The school also has a combined bachelor’s and MBA Program.
- Stanford University | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and MBA. Stanford’s School of Engineering requires a total of 129 credits across both programs. The dual degree takes three years to complete.
Best Schools With Accelerated Electrical Engineering Programs
- Binghamton University | Bachelor and Master of Electrical Engineering, accelerated 4+1 degree programs. Binghamton University’s graduate school of engineering offers several types of accelerated degree programs that students can complete in five years. Binghamton University offers both accelerated bachelor’s and master’s programs.
- Boise State University | Bachelor and Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. These accelerated degrees allow exceptional electrical engineering students to pursue a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Their studies can be completed in five years.
- University of California, Berkeley | Master of Engineering with Electrical Engineering concentration. University of California, Berkeley offers a Master of Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Signal Processing and Communications. Students can complete the program in one year instead of two.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
Is Graduate School for Electrical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for electrical engineering is worth it. According to Statista, an electrical engineering master’s degree is one of the top six degrees being pursued by graduate students in the US. Engineering jobs are also some of the highest-paying information technology jobs available.
Statista also illustrates that a PhD holder can earn approximately $60,000 more annually than someone with only a bachelor’s degree. The higher your degree, the higher your potential salary.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Electrical Engineering Degree?
The jobs you can do with an electrical engineering degree include machine learning engineer, digital signal processing engineer, computer hardware engineer, electronics design engineer, and applications engineer.
The best schools for electrical engineering can set you on the right track to achieve these jobs.
The study of electrical systems, electronics engineering, mobile engineering, digital systems, and design experience help students get jobs with excellent salaries and advance their careers.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Electrical Engineering?
According to PayScale, the average salary of someone with an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering is $65,000 per year. Although an associate degree is enough to get entry-level jobs in this field, pursuing higher education will elevate your earning potential. A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering holder earns an average of $91,000 per year.
Graduate degrees qualify you for higher-paying jobs and higher earning potential. The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering is $100,000 per year. Note that your expertise level, location, and job duties affect the level of pay you can expect.
Highest-Paying Electrical Engineering Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $128,170 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $101,780 |
| Electronics Design Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $101,780 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,300 |
| Production Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,300 |
| Systems Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $81,283 |
| Communication Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $80,000 |
| Electrical Engineering Professor | PhD or doctorate | $79,640 |
| Applications Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $73,774 |
Best Jobs With an Electrical Engineering Degree
The best jobs with an electrical engineering degree are competitive, technical careers. Most of these jobs require a minimum education qualification of a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s or PhD will allow you to climb up in the company. An electrical engineering career can give you access to high-paying salaries ranging between $73,774 and $128,170.
Your degree level, whether associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, may affect your salary. Careers in this field include computer hardware engineering, digital signal processing engineering, and electrical engineering education. Read below for more information about each of these levels of education’s job prospects.
Best Electrical Engineering Associate Degree Jobs
The best electrical engineering associate degree jobs have fairly average salaries. These jobs include electrician, mechatronics technologist, aerospace engineering and operations technician, electrical engineering technician, and electromechanical technician.
These jobs require technical electrical knowledge. They all involve repairing, installing, testing, and updating electrical, computer, and mechanical systems, which are areas of focus in an associate degree program.
Top Electrical Engineering Careers With an Associate Degree
Best Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
The best electrical engineering bachelor’s degree jobs can earn you high-paying salaries. Job titles include controls engineer, power systems engineer, engineering manager, computer hardware engineer, and aerospace engineer.
The minimum requirement for these jobs is a bachelor’s degree because the positions require real-world experience in topics such as the research, design, development, and testing of computer systems. Professionals in these positions are also experts with processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.
Top Electrical Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
Best Electrical Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs
The best electrical engineering master's degree jobs have decent to high-paying salaries. These jobs require advanced knowledge of topics like control systems and artificial intelligence, as well as possession of creative thinking skills and research abilities.
A Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering may amount to promotions in management positions that typically have high-paying salaries. All these positions include the knowledge and skills acquired while acquiring a master's degree through an electrical engineering program.
Top Electrical Engineering Careers With a Master’s Degree
Best Electrical Engineering Doctorate Jobs
The best jobs for electrical engineering doctorate graduates are physicists and professors. These jobs require expertise found in electrical engineering doctorate core, elective courses, and research topics.
Few jobs require a doctorate-level degree. That said, acquiring a doctorate may gain you access to the highest 10 percent of salaries earned when advancing to senior roles such as senior computer hardware engineer.
Top Electrical Engineering Careers With a PhD
Best Internships for Electrical Engineering Students
The best internships for electrical engineering students can help engineering graduates gain valuable hands-on experience and real-world experience in electrical engineering. This is highly favored in the job market. Most internships are over the summer so students can study in between.
Often internships can end with job placements in permanent roles if they go well. The best internships for electrical engineering students available for application are through Phillips , Tesla , and Intel .
Top Electrical Engineering Internships
How Can I Pay for Electrical Engineering School?
You can pay for electrical engineering school through a variety of means. There are various funding opportunities for electrical engineering students at each degree level that can make all the difference in tuition costs.
In some cases, scholarships, grants, assistantships, and loans can completely cover higher education costs. Statista shows that a whopping $58 billion was awarded in institutional grants for higher education in 2021.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are a defined amount of money awarded to a student to pay for tuition and related education expenses. They do not need to be paid back. Requirements and terms of eligibility vary depending on the institution but are usually on a merit basis.
- Grants. A grant is an amount of money provided by the school or the federal government. This is a gift and doesn’t require paying back. However, some terms and conditions must be fulfilled to be eligible. These are usually provided on a financial-need basis and may be used to pay education-related expenses like fees, housing, boarding, and tuition.
- Student employment and assistantships. Student employment is a program in which a student works for a company and in return, they pay for part of their schooling. Assistantships are usually exclusive to graduate electrical engineering students and payment is generally in the form of a tuition waiver.
- Student Loans. Various student loans can be applied for via the school, the federal government, and outside companies. Loans have interest rates and need to be paid back to the loaning party. Initial deposits may be applicable.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
Choosing the Best Electrical Engineering School for You
To choose the best electrical engineering school for you, you should consider accreditation, flexibility and format, cost, career services, and degrees offered. By using these factors to review each program carefully, you should be able to determine the best school for electrical engineering for you.
Accreditation
It’s essential for prospective electrical engineers to make sure their chosen school is accredited, recognized, and respected in the electrical engineering field. A degree from an unaccredited school would be of little value in the job market and might not have an updated, industry-relevant curriculum.
Flexibility and Format
Flexibility and format are important factors for you if you are a busy professional. Many schools offer electrical engineering students online, hybrid, and in-person formats. This way, you can control your schedule while attending to your day-to-day responsibilities.
Cost
Electrical engineering schools cost a lot of money. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that the average cost of tuition at a public school is $9,400 per year. Do as much research as possible on tuition rates and scholarship opportunities to choose a school that’s within your price range.
Career Services
The best electrical engineering school provides career services that can help you land the electrical engineering job of your dreams with a high-paying salary. They may provide resume writing tips, cover letter advice, mock interviews for preparation, and handshake meetings.
Degree Levels Offered
Knowing the degree path you intend to pursue is the first thing you need to decide. If you want to complete a bachelor’s degree, you would only search for the best electrical engineering bachelor’s programs in this case. Or, if you ultimately want to achieve a master’s degree, you can take advantage of accelerated or dual degree programs offered at your chosen school.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Electrical Engineering?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for electrical engineering. Many universities and programs are extensive and flexible. Schools offer different areas of specialization, so make sure to research properly to find the one that best suits you.
It’s vital to consider the degree level you want to achieve, the cost, the time limit you prefer, the areas of focus you want to pursue, and the research fields you wish to participate in. Each school has different career prospects and career services that you should consider for your future long-term goals.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Electrical Engineering University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Electrical Engineering
We ranked the best electrical engineering schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our electrical engineering university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of electrical engineering degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Electrical Engineering
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Best Electrical Engineering Schools FAQ
Yes, you can get an electrical engineering job without a degree. Attending a bootcamp for technical education and certification can get you entry-level jobs. The
best coding bootcamps
offer flexible schedules, payment options, and career services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying state for electrical engineering is California, followed by the District of Columbia and Washington state.
Yes, an online electrical engineering degree is respected if it is acquired from an accredited institution.
Accredited online universities
ensure that their remote degree programs provide the same quality of education as their in-person equivalents.
You can find electrical engineering jobs through many reputable job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Internships and networking can also lead to employment opportunities in electrical engineering.
