Best Online Engineering Programs in Jackson, MI (2026)
Jackson, Michigan has a population of about 31,206. The city’s median household income is $42,848 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 15.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Jackson, with tuition ranging from $29,778 to $42,802 per year. In the Jackson, MI metro area, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $130,890 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Jackson
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Jackson city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson College | Jackson, MI | 5.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | 30.5 mi | $29,778 - $42,802 | – |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 34.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 34.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI | 35.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Michigan schools on the Michigan engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Jackson
Jackson is part of the Jackson, MI metro area (BLS area code 27100). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Michigan statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $104,000 | Jackson, MI | $113,290 |
| Electrical Engineer | $104,430 | Jackson, MI | $113,758 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $87,660 | Jackson, MI | $95,490 |
| Chemical Engineer | $106,690 | MI statewide | $116,220 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $115,540 | MI statewide | $125,861 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $103,810 | MI statewide | $113,083 |
| Environmental Engineer | $102,160 | Jackson, MI | $111,285 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $130,890 | Jackson, MI | $142,582 |
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.
Jackson at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,206 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $42,848 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 15.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Engineering-related employment in Jackson County | 520 workers, 39 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Jackson-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Adrian, MI – 30.0 mi away (43,850 pop)
- Lansing, MI – 33.5 mi away (318,278 pop)
- Ann Arbor, MI – 34.5 mi away (324,421 pop)
- East Lansing, MI – 35.1 mi away (48,870 pop)
- Ypsilanti, MI – 40.1 mi away (21,018 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Jackson, MI?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Jackson. The closest is Jackson College in Jackson, MI (5.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Lansing Community College (35.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles near Jackson?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles near Jackson are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($130,890), Aerospace Engineer ($115,540), Chemical Engineer ($106,690). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Michigan statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Adrian instead of Jackson?
Adrian, MI is 30.0 miles from Jackson 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 Jackson an affordable place to study engineering?
Jackson’s median household income of $42,848 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Jackson while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Michigan 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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