Online Associate Degree in Engineering

Updated June 7, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

An online associate in engineering introduces foundational concepts alongside general education coursework. These programs are commonly used as a starting point for students new to college or as a structured transfer pathway toward a bachelor’s degree.

Some students use an associate degree to build academic momentum and transferable credits. Others use it to explore engineering before committing to higher degree levels.

$48,263 Median Earnings (1yr) College Scorecard
$10,928 Median Debt College Scorecard
60 Typical Credits

Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.

Quick Answers

What is an online associate degree in engineering?

An online associate degree in engineering introduces core concepts alongside general education coursework.

How are online associate programs structured?

Most online associate programs combine general education, introductory engineering courses, and electives.

How long does an online associate program take?

Many programs are structured around two academic years, but pacing and transfer credits can change the timeline.

What courses are common in this degree?

Common courses include calculus, physics, engineering graphics, and introductory design.

Can an associate degree transfer into a bachelor’s program?

Many associate degrees are designed to transfer, but policies vary by institution.

What admissions requirements are common?

Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.

At a Glance

  • Degree type: Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
  • Typical duration: 2 years full-time
  • Credits: ~60 semester hours
  • 1yr median earnings: $48,263 (College Scorecard)
  • Median debt: $10,928 (College Scorecard)
  • Transfer focus: Many programs designed for transfer to bachelor’s programs

For a full overview of degree paths, start here: Engineering Program Guide

Schools to compare

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
98.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $101,028
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 38

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
96.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 93%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $88,757
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
95.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 92%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $82,206
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ
  • 4 year
88.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 98%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $110,066
Avg net price $6,128/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 47

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#6

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA
  • 4 year
82.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 95%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $128,566
Avg net price $16,075/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 98%
  • Programs offered: 30

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#7

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

New York, NY
  • 4 year
80.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 85%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $83,847
Avg net price $13,269/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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How associate programs are structured

Most online associate programs follow a predictable structure designed to build academic fundamentals.

Common components include:

  • General education courses such as English composition, math, and social science
  • Introductory engineering courses that establish core concepts
  • Electives that support transfer or basic specialization
  • Academic advising to support progression or transfer planning

To compare delivery styles and pacing, see: Online Course Formats

Typical courses in an associate program

Course Topic What You Learn
Calculus & Physics Mathematical and physical foundations for engineering analysis
Engineering Graphics & CAD Technical drawing, computer-aided design fundamentals
Introduction to Engineering Overview of engineering disciplines and problem-solving methods
Materials Science Basics Properties of materials and their engineering applications
Lab-Based Coursework Hands-on experiments and data collection techniques
Technical Communication Report writing and professional documentation skills

For a full course breakdown across degree levels, see: Engineering Curriculum

Transfer pathways to a bachelor’s degree

When comparing transfer pathways, verify:

  • Whether the associate degree aligns with an engineering or related major
  • How many credits are intended to transfer
  • Whether articulation agreements exist between institutions
  • Whether general education requirements are satisfied

To compare next step options, see: Online Bachelor’s in Engineering

Admissions requirements

Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts. Some schools also use placement assessments.

ABET accreditation is important for engineering programs at all levels. When choosing an associate program, verify whether the institution’s engineering programs hold ABET accreditation, which can affect transfer credit acceptance at four-year schools.

Associate vs other engineering degree levels

Level Typical Credits 1yr Median Earnings 5yr Median Earnings Median Debt
Certificate Varies $34,375 $65,568 $7,825
Associate 60 $48,263 $72,251 $10,928
Bachelor’s 120 $72,832 $94,224 $23,177
Master’s 30-36 $93,343 $112,814 $27,988

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.

Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.

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