Top 8 Free Online Electrical Engineering Degrees 2027

Electrical engineers design the systems that power homes, run communications networks, and drive everything from medical devices to electric vehicles. A bachelor's degree is the usual way in, and a growing number of universities now deliver ABET-accredited programs online, which opens the door if you work full time or live far from campus.

This guide explains what "free" realistically means for an engineering degree, shares strategies for lowering your costs, and compares eight online programs. You'll also find typical costs, timelines, and career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so read on to find the path that fits your situation.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Are There Free Online Electrical Engineering Degrees?

No, an accredited electrical engineering degree is never free for everyone. Every university charges tuition and fees, and engineering programs add costs such as lab kits, software, and sometimes short campus sessions.

Even so, you can reduce what you pay a great deal. Some states and universities offer tuition guarantees for eligible residents, federal grants can cover a share of tuition, employers often support engineering coursework, and transfer credits can shorten the path. Combined, these options put a very low-cost degree within reach for many students.

What "Free" Really Means for an Online Electrical Engineering Degree

When a program is described as free, it usually means a grant, scholarship, or guarantee covers tuition for students who meet specific conditions, such as state residency, an income limit, or full-time enrollment. Fees, books, equipment, and living expenses typically remain your responsibility.

Engineering adds a few considerations. Electrical engineering labs often rely on at-home kits or purchased components, and some programs expect occasional campus visits. Many tuition guarantees also favor full-time students, which can be hard to meet if you're working, so confirm the enrollment rules before you count on the money.

Ways to Make an Online Electrical Engineering Degree Low-Cost

Students who pay the least usually combine several strategies. The options below matter most for electrical engineering students.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for Pell Grants, work-study, and many state and school awards. Tuition guarantees and promise programs often require it, since they calculate your award after federal grants are applied.

File early each year, because some funds are limited. Online students at accredited schools qualify for the same federal aid as students on campus.

Look for State and University Tuition Guarantees

Many public universities and states offer programs that cover tuition for eligible residents with limited family income. The University of Michigan-Flint, for example, considers admitted students for its Go Blue Guarantee, which provides free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduates from lower-income households.

Rules differ by school and state, and most require residency and full-time enrollment. Ask each financial aid office which programs apply to online students and what conditions you must meet to keep the award.

Use Employer Tuition Assistance

Utilities, manufacturers, defense contractors, and technology companies often offer tuition assistance for employees who move from technician roles into engineering. Under federal tax rules, employers can generally provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance without it counting as taxable income to you.

Talk to your human resources department about eligible programs, reimbursement timing, and any commitment to stay after graduation. Online programs built for working adults pair especially well with this benefit.

Transfer Credits From Community College or Prior Training

Calculus, physics, chemistry, and general education courses transfer from community colleges into many engineering programs, and some schools award credit for military or industry training. Starting at a community college can reduce the number of credits you pay full price for.

Request a transfer evaluation before you enroll, and confirm that your math and science courses meet the receiving program's requirements. Policies vary widely, so a few emails can save you a semester of tuition.

Consider Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs

Some universities let you earn a bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering through a combined pathway, with certain graduate credits counting toward both degrees. The University of North Dakota offers a combined accelerated bachelor's and master's program in electrical engineering.

Overlapping credits can shorten your time to a master's degree and reduce total tuition. Check the admission requirements, since accelerated programs often have GPA minimums.

Apply for Scholarships and Use Military Benefits

Engineering departments, professional societies, and foundations offer scholarships, and some are open to online students. Veterans and service members may also use the GI Bill or military tuition assistance toward an accredited engineering program.

Many universities have veteran services offices that can explain how benefits apply. Confirm that your online program is approved for the benefits you plan to use.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Electrical Engineering Degrees

The schools below offer online bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering, or in one case a closely related engineering technology degree, at accessible prices. Programs differ in how they deliver labs and whether campus visits are required, so read each description carefully and confirm the details with the school.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Engineering in electrical engineering, and the university says it was the first fully online electrical engineering degree accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program covers the core electrical engineering curriculum and is offered through ASU's Fulton Schools of Engineering.

ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its diplomas don't indicate whether a degree was earned online or in person. Ask the program how lab requirements are handled so you can plan for kits, software, and scheduling.

2. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota lets you earn its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering 100% online or on campus, and ABET lists the program as available entirely online. The degree emphasizes hands-on learning and engineering data analysis and problem solving, and UND reports that the program is recognized among the top five in the nation by several ranking reports.

UND also offers a combined accelerated bachelor's and master's pathway if you want to continue to a graduate degree. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and UND is accredited by HLC.

3. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering online, alongside online degrees in computer engineering and software engineering. The curriculum covers electric power systems and information technologies, and the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

NDSU is a land-grant research university in Fargo that positions its online degrees as an affordable path for students anywhere. The university is accredited by HLC, and online students can confirm current aid options with the financial aid office.

4. University of Michigan-Flint

The University of Michigan-Flint offers its Bachelor of Science in Engineering in electrical engineering on campus, online, or in a hybrid format, so you can pick the delivery style that fits your life. The curriculum blends circuit analysis, digital systems, and electromagnetics with internships and collaborative projects with industry partners.

You can customize the degree with one of eight concentration options, and admitted students are automatically considered for the Go Blue Guarantee. UM-Flint is accredited by HLC, and an online master's in electrical and computer engineering is available if you plan to continue.

5. West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University's online Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering focuses on electric power and energy systems, which suits you if you're drawn to utilities, renewables, or power electronics. Online students follow the same curriculum and earn the same degree as on-campus students.

You can tailor your studies through internships, undergraduate research, and electives, and the program is accredited by ABET. West Texas A&M is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

6. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers an online BS in Electrical Engineering with ABET accreditation, but the degree isn't available completely online: about 13 credit hours of the 128 required are not offered through the online program. Plan early for how you'll complete those courses, and ask the department what options exist.

For the online electrical and computer engineering courses, labs are handled online using components you purchase from a published parts list. Online and campus students pay different fees, so compare the full cost, and know that Mississippi State is accredited by SACSCOC.

7. Bradley University

Bradley University launched its online BS in Electrical Engineering with asynchronous courses, giving you control over when you study. The program blends engineering and business coursework, is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and welcomes transfer students.

Bradley is a private university, so compare your net price after aid with public options before you decide. Online programs are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents living in the United States, and Bradley is accredited by HLC.

8. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology that you can complete 100% online or in a hybrid format with in-person lab sessions in St. Petersburg, Florida. You'll choose between concentrations in electronics and power systems, and courses start every eight weeks, which helps you keep a steady pace.

Excelsior's program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, and the school may award credit for qualifying military or industry training. Because this is an engineering technology degree rather than an engineering degree, check how your state treats it for licensure. Excelsior is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Electrical engineering adds extra considerations, including program-level ABET accreditation, lab delivery, and whether any in-person requirements remain.

Programs that are fully accredited, describe how labs work online, and keep costs low for online students rank higher than those with limited transparency. Four criteria guide each placement:

• Accreditation: Regionally accredited institutions are the only ones considered, and ABET accreditation of the engineering program is a significant additional signal.
• Affordability and financial aid: Per-credit costs, net price, transfer-friendly policies, and available guarantees or scholarships all shape a school's standing.
• Online availability: Core coursework must be deliverable online, with labs and any campus requirements described clearly.
• Student outcomes: College Scorecard data on graduation rates and post-enrollment earnings offers insight into how students fare after they enroll.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Electrical Engineering Degree Cost?

Many public universities charge roughly $200 to $700 per credit hour for online undergraduate courses, which works out to about $24,000 to $84,000 in tuition for a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Engineering programs often require 120 to 128 credits and add technology or program fees, and private schools and some out-of-state rates run higher.

Your real cost depends on transfer credits, residency, and the aid you receive. Lab kits, components, software, and any required campus visits add to the total, while grants, employer assistance, and guarantees for eligible residents can offset a large share of tuition.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Electrical Engineering Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering typically takes about four years of full-time study, since it combines roughly 120 to 128 credits with a sequence of math, physics, and engineering courses. Because many courses build on earlier ones, planning your sequence with an advisor early can prevent delays.

Transfer credits from a community college can shorten the timeline, and part-time students who work full time should expect to take longer. Accelerated pathways, such as combined bachelor's-to-master's programs, let you earn both degrees in less time than completing them separately.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Electrical Engineering Degree

Price matters, but accreditation, lab delivery, and licensure goals can matter more. Weigh the criteria below before you apply.

• ABET accreditation: Confirm that the engineering program holds ABET accreditation, since it affects licensure eligibility and how employers view your degree.
• Engineering versus engineering technology: Understand the difference, because an engineering technology degree can be a strong career path but may be treated differently for licensure in some states.
• Lab delivery: Ask whether labs use at-home kits, simulations, or campus sessions, and what each requires in cost and travel.
• Fully online availability: Check whether every required course is offered online, since some programs leave a few courses to be completed elsewhere.
• Specialization: Programs differ in focus, from power systems and renewable energy to signal processing and embedded systems, so match the curriculum to your goals.
• Transfer and prior-credit policies: Generous policies for transfer credit and military or industry training can cut both cost and time.
• Total cost and aid: Compare net price, fees, and compatibility with employer or military benefits rather than tuition alone.

Career Outlook With an Online Electrical Engineering Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical engineers earn a median annual wage of $120,630 and electronics engineers, except computer, earn $130,220. Employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 8% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 16,300 openings each year.

Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field, and licensure isn't required for entry-level positions. Experienced engineers may pursue a Professional Engineering license, and some employers prefer a master's degree. If you're starting with a technology degree, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically enter with an associate degree and earn a median annual wage of $78,190.

FAQs About Free Online Electrical Engineering Degree Programs

The answers below cover common concerns about free learning options and what they mean for your path into engineering. They'll help you set realistic expectations as you compare programs.

Are There Free Online Electrical Engineering Courses?

Yes, many free courses are available online. Platforms such as Coursera and edX often let you audit introductory circuits and electronics courses at no charge, and Khan Academy offers free lessons in math and physics that build the foundation engineering requires. These resources can help you prepare or test your interest, but they don't carry degree credit or replace ABET-accredited coursework.

Are There Free Online Electrical Engineering Certificates?

Some platforms offer free certificates of completion for short courses, and a few universities offer paid certificates in areas such as power systems or renewable energy. A free certificate can show initiative on your resume, but it isn't a substitute for an accredited degree. If you want a credential with academic weight, look for a certificate from an accredited school that can later count toward a degree.

Is a Free Online Electrical Engineering Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers focus on whether your school and engineering program are accredited, not on how you paid for your degree. An online degree from an accredited university carries the same value as an on-campus degree, and some schools, such as ASU, don't note the online format on the diploma. ABET accreditation is an especially important signal in engineering.

Will an Online Engineering Degree Qualify Me for a PE License?

It can. The BLS notes that state licensure typically requires a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the Professional Engineering exam. Requirements vary by state, so check your state's licensing board and confirm that your program's accreditation meets its rules.

Can I Transfer Credits From an Associate Degree or Technical Program?

Often, yes, though policies differ widely. Math, physics, and general education courses from a community college commonly transfer, and some schools award credit for military or industry training. Request a transfer evaluation before you apply, and confirm which courses the engineering program will accept, since technical courses from a technology degree don't always count toward an engineering degree.

Find Affordable Online Electrical Engineering Programs

Learn.org brings online electrical engineering programs together in one place so you can compare costs, lab formats, and aid options side by side. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admission requirements, lab arrangements, and financial aid.