Best Online Engineering Programs in Sonora, CA (2026)
Sonora, California has a population of about 4,965. The city’s median household income is $62,621 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 30.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Sonora. In California, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $201,810 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Sonora
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Sonora city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | Sonora, CA | 3.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | 41.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | 42.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Merced College | Merced, CA | 45.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | 51.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Sonora
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (California, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $118,450 |
| Electrical Engineer | $140,360 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $126,370 |
| Chemical Engineer | N/A |
| Aerospace Engineer | $143,860 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $125,700 |
| Environmental Engineer | $127,660 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $201,810 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Sonora at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,965 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,621 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 30.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Tuolumne County | 65 workers, 16 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Sonora-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Oakdale, CA – 29.5 mi away (22,564 pop)
- Riverbank, CA – 35.2 mi away (24,389 pop)
- Modesto, CA – 41.4 mi away (377,755 pop)
- Ceres, CA – 41.4 mi away (48,278 pop)
- Turlock, CA – 42.0 mi away (106,100 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Sonora, CA?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Sonora. The closest is Columbia College in Sonora, CA (3.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is San Joaquin Delta College (51.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in California?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in California are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($201,810), Aerospace Engineer ($143,860), Electrical Engineer ($140,360). Wages for Sonora workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Oakdale instead of Sonora?
Oakdale, CA is 29.5 miles from Sonora and has its own set of local engineering programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Sonora an affordable place to study engineering?
Sonora’s median household income of $62,621 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Sonora while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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