Best Online Engineering Programs in Owatonna, MN (2026)
Owatonna, Minnesota has a population of about 26,462. The city’s median household income is $81,276 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Owatonna. In Minnesota, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $168,220 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Owatonna
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Owatonna city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 30.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 38.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Central College | North Mankato, MN | 40.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | 51.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | 58.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Owatonna
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $101,440 |
| Electrical Engineer | $105,160 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $98,980 |
| Chemical Engineer | $114,060 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $147,940 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $124,760 |
| Environmental Engineer | $104,980 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $168,220 |
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.
Owatonna at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,462 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $81,276 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Steele County | 39 workers, 6 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Owatonna-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Faribault, MN – 14.5 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Northfield, MN – 25.3 mi away (22,005 pop)
- Austin, MN – 31.7 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Mankato, MN – 37.5 mi away (61,115 pop)
- Rochester, MN – 37.8 mi away (114,976 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Owatonna, MN?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Owatonna. The closest is Riverland Community College in Austin, MN (30.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of St Thomas (58.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in Minnesota are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($168,220), Aerospace Engineer ($147,940), Biomedical Engineer ($124,760). Wages for Owatonna workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Faribault instead of Owatonna?
Faribault, MN is 14.5 miles from Owatonna 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 Owatonna an affordable place to study engineering?
Owatonna’s median household income of $81,276 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Owatonna while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota 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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