Best Online Engineering Programs in Cleveland, TN (2026)
Cleveland, Tennessee has a population of about 48,185. The city’s median household income is $55,904 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 31.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Cleveland, with tuition ranging from $4,762 to $37,875 per year. In Tennessee, the top-earning engineering-related role is Aerospace Engineer at a median $122,430 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Cleveland
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Cleveland city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State Community College | Cleveland, TN | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | 13.7 mi | $25,590 - $37,875 | – |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | 21.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | 25.9 mi | $10,144 - $23,563 | – |
| Roane State Community College | Harriman, TN | 50.4 mi | $4,762 - $18,622 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Tennessee schools on the Tennessee engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Cleveland
Cleveland is part of the Cleveland, TN metro area (BLS area code 17420). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Tennessee statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $81,870 | Cleveland, TN | $92,928 |
| Electrical Engineer | $107,960 | Cleveland, TN | $122,543 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $99,330 | TN statewide | $112,747 |
| Chemical Engineer | $110,150 | TN statewide | $125,028 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,430 | TN statewide | $138,967 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $103,020 | TN statewide | $116,935 |
| Environmental Engineer | $87,920 | TN statewide | $99,796 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $105,800 | Cleveland, TN | $120,091 |
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.
Cleveland at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,185 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,904 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 31.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.1 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Engineering-related employment in Bradley County | 99 workers, 29 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cleveland-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Chattanooga, TN – 22.8 mi away (403,618 pop)
- East Ridge, TN – 23.9 mi away (21,302 pop)
- Dalton, GA – 29.1 mi away (87,688 pop)
- Calhoun, GA – 47.8 mi away (33,092 pop)
- Harriman, TN – 54.6 mi away (23,026 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Cleveland, TN?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Cleveland. The closest is Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Roane State Community College (50.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles near Cleveland?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles near Cleveland are: Aerospace Engineer ($122,430), Chemical Engineer ($110,150), Electrical Engineer ($107,960). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Tennessee statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Chattanooga instead of Cleveland?
Chattanooga, TN is 22.8 miles from Cleveland 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 Cleveland an affordable place to study engineering?
Cleveland’s median household income of $55,904 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cleveland while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Tennessee 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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