Looking for the best affordable Bachelor’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering degree programs? Well, Affordable Schools will simplify your search with a list of 25 such low-cost engineering colleges! Cheap robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options are growing to prepare for the most futuristic STEM careers. The three closely related branches are focused on engineering new cutting-edge technology to do human tasks. These hands-on majors let you practice programming robots, humanoids, co-bots, sensors, 3D printers, artificial limbs, and much more. Engineering graduates with experience in robotics and mechatronics are needed for new fast-growing jobs that didn’t exist 20 years ago. In 2021, Machine Design predicts annual U.S. robot sales will hit an all-time high of $2 billion. Worldwide spending on robotics will surpass the $135 billion mark. According to The Robot Report, our economy now has a density of 200 robots per 10,000 employees. Nearly 36,000 robotic units are shipped to America every year. South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Singapore are even more automated. Consider getting an affordable robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree to catch this tech wave.
Our Methodology
The AS Staff researched the best-value robotics, mechatronics, and automation degree programs where students can create revolutionary innovations. We began by using the U.S. Department of Education’s handy College Navigator tool. We browsed for bachelor’s majors in the mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering as well as robotic technology categories. The database automatically compiled a list of 30 public and private schools. Our next step was gathering tuition data from each university’s website. We recorded the in-state and out-of-state undergraduate cost for full-time learners taking 30 credits per year. Though both are mentioned below, only the in-state price was factored into our ranking. We devised a five-point rubric to grade economical robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors based on financial fitness.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Then, Affordable Schools returned to the NCES to find student-faculty ratio information. Locating low-cost robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options with low student-faculty ratios was our motive. Student-faculty ratio is code for class size. The ratio shows how many undergrads the average professor will be assigned per class. Large student-faculty ratios result in more big, impersonal lectures where learners blend in. Low student-faculty ratios like 10:1 or less cause more small, engaging courses where pupils stand out. Student engineers benefit from close-knit classes for applied lab, fieldwork, and project opportunities. Getting to know engineering faculty is also important for guidance through the tough STEM curriculum. We gave top-value robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs points based on student-faculty ratio this time.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Ultimately, the AS Staff wanted to highlight affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors that power up successful careers. One great indicator of student achievement is the graduation rate. We gleaned the average graduation rate for 2018-19 from the College Navigator. These percentages tell us how many learners persist and finish their bachelor’s. High graduation rates mean more pupils remain on campus and culminate their studies in four-to-six years. Engineering schools with good graduation rates likely have a quality, supportive learning environment. Larger numbers of undergrads are satisfied enough with the academics, resources, and social engagement to stay. Colleges with big graduation rates are often more selective to only admit strong students capable of intensive courses too. We awarded up to three more points based on graduation rate and added up the sum. Institutions were arranged in descending order by point total and in-state price. Here are the 25 best affordable Bachelor’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering degree programs to choose from.
Points:
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Ranking the 25 Most Affordable Colleges for Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering Degrees
25. Vaughn College
Flushing, NY
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Vaughn College kicks off Affordable Schools’ top 25 cheap colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options with a $25,700 universal price. At the Vaughn Annex, the Engineering & Technology Department launched New York’s first B.S. in Mechatronic Engineering in Fall 2009 to develop a strong electro-mechanical foundation for 99 percent job placement. Chaired by Dr. Hossein Rahemi, the 120-credit, ABET-accredited path covers 15-week Flushing courses from Thermodynamics to Microprocessors. Falcons could intern with Textron Aviation, join Engineers Without Borders, compete at the VEX Robotics Competition, and attend the Engineering Conference for Women. There’s also a cost-effective B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and B.S. in Electrical Engineering.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering
In-State Tuition: $25,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,700
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
24. Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Capitol Technology University finished 24th in the AS Staff’s most affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree plans with a $25,324 cost. At McGowan Academic Center, the Engineering Department awards a high-value B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering and B.S. in Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering Technology near Washington DC to practice designing automated machines with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Led by Dr. Chandra Bajracharya, both 125-unit, ABET-accredited tracks span eight 16-week semesters of full-time courses like Programmable Logic Controllers and Digital Electronics. Students might also intern with Lockheed Martin, pledge Tau Alpha Pi, join the Balloon Experiment Club, win the FIRST Tech Challenge, and minor in Unmanned Systems.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $25,324
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,324
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
23. University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI
Total Points: 6
Program Website
The University of Detroit Mercy is our list’s 23rd best affordable accredited college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options with $29,870 expenses. At the McNicols Campus, the School of Engineering & Computer Science provides a top Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering (BRMSE) with an Electrical Engineering Concentration for 100 percent job placement. Overseen by Dr. Mark Paulik, the cost-effective, intensive 144-credit, ABET-approved plan integrates three paid co-op experiences averaging $26/hour between 15-week Detroit courses like Digital Logic Circuits and Mechatronics Modeling. Titans can also pursue the Combined Five-Year Master’s, enter the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition, add the Smart & Autonomous Vehicles Certificate, and join STEAM Club.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering
In-State Tuition: $29,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,870
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 65 percent
22. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville landed 22nd for our best affordable Bachelor’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering degree programs with a $12,219 value. Since 1982, the School of Engineering has taught over 4,500 undergrads with an average 28 ACT score across eight majors, including the B.S. in Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering, for nearly 100 percent job placement. Administered by Dr. Cem Karacal, this low-cost 125-credit, ABET-accredited sequence lasts 48 months full-time with 16-week Edwardsville courses from Sensors and Actuators to Numerical Simulation. Cougars may also compete in the Botball Tournament, exchange to Denmark, intern with Honeywell, join the Autonomous Robotics Club, minor in Physics, and conduct Manufacturing Enterprise Lab projects.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering
In-State Tuition: $12,219
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,219
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
21. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Northern Kentucky University is lauded our 21st most affordable college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors that cost $9,912 in-state. At Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Center, the College of Arts & Sciences launched a cheap B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology in Spring 2019 to optimize electromechanical systems from robots to artificial organs with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Managed by Dr. Mauricio Torres, the 120-credit, ABET-aligned curriculum specializes 16-week Highland Heights courses in four tracks: Automation, Alternative Energy, Laser Technology, or Computer Science. Vikings could also contribute to the SAE Baja Project, study at Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Industrial College, explore the Haile Digital Planetarium, and intern with Piaggio Fast Forward.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,912
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,872
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
20. Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Middle Tennessee State University reached our top 20 affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options with a $9,466 in-state rate. At Voorhies Center, the College of Basic & Applied Sciences has delivered a high-value B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering alongside the B.S. in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology since Fall 2015 for modern industrial robotics training with a 76 percent retention rate. Directed by Dr. Vishwas Bedekar, both 128-credit, ABET-accredited bachelor’s end with senior design projects after 15-week Murfreesboro courses like Engineering Safety and Feedback Control for FE Exam prep. Blue Raiders can also add Six Sigma Certification, win the Mini-Sumo Robot Award, join the Autonomous Vehicle Team, intern with NASA, and tour Japan.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,466
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,152
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
19. Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Austin Peay State University is deemed our 19th best affordable accredited university for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree studies that bill $8,627 in-state. At the Sundquist Science Complex, the College of STEM currently enrolls 265 B.S. in Engineering Technology majors across six concentrations, including Mechatronics Engineering Technology since Fall 2018, to address 21st-century problems with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Headed by Dr. Karen Meisch, the cost-effective 123-credit, four-year track is pursuing ABET accreditation for new 15-week Clarksville courses like Electromechanical Power and Machine Dynamics. Governors might also transfer from the A.A.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, intern with Danaher, join Drone Club, and attend the Robotics Workshop.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology – Mechatronics Engineering Technology Concentration
In-State Tuition: $8,627
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,171
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
18. California State University-Chico
Chico, CA
Total Points: 6
Program Website
California State University-Chico is Affordable Schools’ 18th best accredited college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with a cheap $7,864 in-state pricing. At the O’Connell Technology Center, the College of Engineering has 44 full-time faculty teaching 2,467 undergrads across 11 majors, including America’s oldest B.S. in Mechatronic Engineering since 1998, with a 66 percent six-year graduation rate. Supervised by Dr. Melody Stapleton, this top-value 128-unit, ABET-accredited bachelor’s focuses on “intelligent” products during 15-week Sacramento Valley courses like Programming Algorithms and Embedded Systems. Wildcats may also conduct Omron Mechatronic Lab research, join the AIME Chapter, enter the IEEE Micromouse Exhibition, and intern with NVIDIA.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering
In-State Tuition: $7,864
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,368
Student-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 66 percent
17. Kennesaw State University
Marietta, GA
Total Points: 6
Program Website
Kennesaw State University boasts the AS Staff’s 17th best affordable degree in robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering with annual in-state tuition of $7,568. At Building Q, the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology serves 4,500 undergrads with minimum 2.7 GPAs in 14 Marietta majors, including the Mechatronics Engineering B.S., for 49 percent freshman retention. Coordinated by Dr. Ian Ferguson, the low-cost 129-credit, ABET-accredited program combines traditional 15-week courses from Engineering Economic Analysis to Fluid Dynamics. Owls might also add the Robotics Programming Certificate, celebrate Mechatronics Day, engage in Dale Heatherington Mechatronics Lab, join the Solar Vehicle Team, intern with Exyn, and win the Novelis Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
In-State Tuition: $7,568
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,636
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
16. Texas A & M University
College Station, TX
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Texas A & M University scored the 16th spot in our affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree choices with a $12,660 in-state fee. Given a 2019 ASEE Bronze Diversity Award, the College of Engineering at the Zachry Education Complex educates 12,942 undergrads across 21 majors, including the B.S. in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology with a Mechatronics Track, for 82 percent graduation. Designed by Dr. Reza Langari in Fall 2016, this high-value 127-credit, ABET-approved curriculum brings together 16-week College Station courses like Microcontroller Architecture and Analog Electronics. Aggies may also practice in the BioRobotics Lab, join Tau Beta Pi, intern with Boeing, earn the FIRST Robotics Scholarship, attend the Robotics Symposium, and travel to Belgium.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology – Mechatronics Track
In-State Tuition: $12,660
Out-of-State Tuition: $39,689
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 82 percent
15. University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
Total Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Michigan-Dearborn starts our top 15 affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors that charge $12,504 in-state. At the Heinz Prechter Complex, the College of Engineering & Computer Science utilizes a $6.5 million endowment and the 122,000-square-foot Laboratory Building to engage 1,800 undergrads across 12 majors, including the BSE in Robotics Engineering, with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Mentored by Dr. Paul Richardson, this best-value 125-credit, ABET-accredited option has grown since Fall 2014 to integrate 14-week Dearborn courses from Linear Algebra to Electronic Circuits. Wolverines could also become Grand Challenge Scholars, intern with Ford Motors, engage in the Artificial Intelligence Research Center, and pledge Theta Tau.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Robotics Engineering
In-State Tuition: $12,504
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,810
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
14. University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Washington is our ranking’s 14th most affordable college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with an $11,465 in-state cost. At the $72 million Paul G. Allen Center, the College of Engineering has 120 years of experience and 275 faculty teaching 5,029 undergrads across 11 majors, including the low-cost B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with four options: Biomechanics, Mechatronics, and Nanoscience. Organized by Dr. Kristi Morgansen, this 180-unit, ABET-accredited sequence has an 84 percent graduation rate with 10-week quarter courses like Heat Transfer and Mechanical Vibrations. Huskies may also intern with Janicki Industries, pledge Phi Sigma Rho, innovate in the Autonomous Insect Robotics Lab, and join the EcoCAR Team.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Mechatronics Option
In-State Tuition: $11,465
Out-of-State Tuition: $38,166
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 84 percent
13. Kent State University
Kent, OH
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Kent State University ended up 13th in our affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with an $11,131 in-state average. In the Science Corridor, the College of Aeronautics & Engineering awards $90,000 in annual scholarships for undergrads from 28 states and 23 countries to afford 12 majors, such as the Mechatronics Engineering B.S. or Mechatronics Engineering Technology B.S., with 84 percent retention. Led by Dr. Christina Bloebaum, these economical 121-credit, ABET-aligned tracks share several 15-week Kent courses like Dynamics of Machinery and Hydraulics/Pneumatics before capstone projects. Golden Flashes can also enter the FANUC Robot Training, join Robotics Club, create ATR Lab innovations, visit Italy, and intern with Pratt & Whitney.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $11,131
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,007
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
12. Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Central Connecticut State University is the AS Staff’s 12th best affordable accredited college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree plans priced $11,028 in-state. At Nicolaus Copernicus Hall, the School of Engineering, Science & Technology added a Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology B.S. in Fall 2014 with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Administered by Dr. Ju Kim, this top-value, 130-credit, ABET-approved program has May 1st and December 1st deadlines for freshmen with minimum 1000 SAT scores to begin courses from Data Acquisition to Parametric Modeling. Blue Devils could also enter the Engineering Design Challenge, intern with ASML, conduct Bichum Lab research, semester in Austria, join Multi Powered Vehicle Club, and pursue the M.S. in STEM Education.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $11,028
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,998
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
11. Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Northern Illinois University has Affordable Schools’ 11th most cost-effective robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with a universal $10,666 rate. Founded in 1985, the College of Engineering & Engineering Technology has more than 200 co-op partnerships to train 1,194 undergrads across seven majors, including the low-cost B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a Robotics and Controls Emphasis. Chaired by Dr. Tariq Shamim, these 120-credit, ABET-accredited options start with the First-Year Experience before courses like Elementary Mechanics and Computer-Aided Design. Huskies might also study at Rock Valley College, intern with Woodward, work on the Competitive Intelligence Team, join Robotics Club, and utilize the Omron Mechatronics Lab.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Robotics and Controls Emphasis
In-State Tuition: $10,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,666
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
10. Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Tennessee Technological University made our 10 best affordable Bachelor’s in Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering degree programs with a $10,338 in-state value. At Lewis Hall, the College of Engineering admits B.S. in Engineering Technology majors with a minimum 2.35 GPA and 20 ACT score for a Mechatronics Engineering Technology Concentration that’s achieved 55 percent on-time graduation. Arranged by Dr. Joseph Slater, the best-value, 128-credit, ABET-accredited map culminates with a senior design project after 15-week Cookeville courses like Electromagnetic Fields and Control System Analysis. Golden Eagles can also access the Robotics Camera Lab, join Autonomous Robotics Club, journey to Amsterdam, earn an M.S., and engage in the Human Exploration Rover Team.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology – Mechatronics Engineering Technology Concentration
In-State Tuition: $10,338
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,538
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
9. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is our ninth most affordable university for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors that bill $9,942 in-state. At Building 13, the College of Engineering enrolls 5,921 undergrads with an average 4.11 GPA across 14 bachelor’s, including the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering for a Mechatronics Specialization, to accomplish 92 percent average job placement. Advised by Dr. Jim Widmann, this cost-effective, 196-unit, ABET-accredited track accepts $70 applications until November 30th to begin 10-week quarter courses like Subtractive Manufacturing and Engineering Statics. Mustangs may also engage in the Gene Haas Automation Lab, join Robotics Club, enter the SWE Robotics Competition, intern with Tesla, and tour Munich.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Mechatronics Specialization
In-State Tuition: $9,942
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,832
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 82 percent
8. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Bowling Green State University is the AS Staff’s eighth best affordable university for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree training with a cheap $9,278 in-state price. At the Technology Building, the College of Technology, Architecture & Applied Engineering delivers 10 undergraduate majors, including a B.S. in Technology – Mechatronics Engineering Technology since Fall 2016, and more than 500 co-op experiences for 100 percent job placement with $61,667 mean pay. Headed by Dr. Mohammad Mayyas, this best-value, 124-credit, ABET-accredited bachelor’s mandates minimum 2.25 GPAs during courses like Six Sigma Systems and Strength of Materials. Falcons could also win the BEST Robotics Competition, innovative in the Harris Robotics Lab, join Robotics Club, and intern with Mitsubishi.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Technology – Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,278
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,267
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
7. California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
California University of Pennsylvania is picked the AS Staff’s seventh most affordable college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree studies with $7,716 in-state tuition. At Helsel Hall, the Eberly College of Science & Technology provides a top B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology plus an A.A.S. in Robotics Engineering Technology with an 18:1 student-faculty to apply scientific principles for developing automated systems. Coordinated by Dr. Mark Bronakowski, the best-value, 120-credit, ABET-accredited bachelor’s has let undergrads select 15-week electives from Industrial Cost Estimating to Kinematics Design since Fall 2013. Vulcans can also compete in the National Robotics League, intern with Smith & Nephew, join Alpha Lambda Delta, and use the Robotics Lab.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $7,716
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,574
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
6. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Purdue University stands sixth in Affordable Schools’ most economical robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with a $10,564 in-state yearly total. At Neil Armstrong Hall, the College of Engineering is funded for $403 million to teach 8,918 undergrads across 16 majors, including the B.S. in Robotics Engineering Technology and B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, for a 92 percent retention rate. Overseen by Dr. Ken Burbank, the high-value, 120-credit, ABET-accredited sequence accepts median SAT scores of 1350-1470 for rigorous 16-week West Lafayette courses like C++ Programming and Design Thinking. Boilermakers may also transfer Project Lead the Way credits, intern with RZ Automation, join RoboMasters Club, and innovate in the Robotics Accelerator.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
In-State Tuition: $10,564
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,366
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 81 percent
5. North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
Total Points: 8
Program Website
North Carolina State University begins the five best affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with a cheap $9,101 in-state price tag. Opened in Fall 1953, the College of Engineering attracts $198 million in funding to deliver 18 bachelor’s majors, including the B.S.E. in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of North Carolina Asheville, with an 81 percent graduation rate. Directed by Dr. Mahmut Reyhanoglu, this low-cost, 120-credit, ABET-accredited option has August 14th, January 2nd, and May 11th deadlines for students with GPAs over 3.0 to enter courses like Microcontrollers. Wolfpack could also join Underwater Robotics Club, innovate in the Kolbas MakerSpace, travel to the Netherlands, intern with ABB, and win the NASA Robotic Mining Competition.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Mechatronics Engineering Concentration
In-State Tuition: $9,101
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,220
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 81 percent
4. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY
Total Points: 8
Program Website
SUNY College of Technology at Canton finished fourth in our affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs with $7,070 in-state expenses. At Nevaldine North Hall, the Canino School of Engineering Technology brings more than 100 years of experience to nine bachelor’s majors, including the B.S. in Mechatronics Technology, for 100 percent job placement with mid-career median pay above $90,000. Managed by Dr. Michael Newtown, the best-value, 125-credit, ABET-accredited sequence has admitted undergrads with minimum 2.0 GPAs since Fall 2018 into Upstate courses like Computer Logic and Robotics Synthesis. Kangaroos can also join the IEEE Chapter, celebrate Engineers Week, intern with Samsung, minor in Sustainability, and get the Excelsior Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Technology
In-State Tuition: $7,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,980
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
3. Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Utah Valley University is named Affordable Schools’ third best high-value robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree provider with cheap $5,820 in-state costs. At Gunther Center, the College of Engineering & Technology has grown since 1941 to employ 310 faculty teaching 4,970 students across more than 90 programs, including the top-value B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and B.S.T.M. in Electrical Automation and Robotics Technology. Architected by Dr. Saeed Moaveni, these low-cost, 121-credit, ABET-accredited options seek GPAs above 2.50 for 15-week Orem courses like Industrial Hydraulics and Automation Motors. Wolverines may also earn the A.A.S. in Mechatronics, intern with Skoltech, use The Machine Shop, join ElectroRobotics Club, and compete with SkillsUSA.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Technology Management – Electrical Automation and Robotics Technology Emphasis
In-State Tuition: $5,820
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,570
Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
2. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, NY
Total Points: 9
Program Website
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is our website’s runner-up with the second best-value robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree options priced $7,070 in-state. At Smith Hall, the School of Applied Technologies offers a cutting-edge B.T. in Mechatronics Technology where A.A.S/A.O.S. in Mechatronics Design graduates with minimum 2.0 GPAs will advance understanding of robotic industrial systems for an average $61,500 starting wage. Outlined by Dr. Michael Miller, the 63-credit, MSCHE-accredited bachelor’s completion path fills four 15-week semesters with classes like Process Piping and Welding Principles. Broncos might also utilize the CADD Lab, enter the Honors Program, win the VEX Robotics Competition, join the SME Chapter, and exchange to Singapore.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Technology in Mechatronics Technology
In-State Tuition: $7,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,980
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
1. California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA
Total Points: 9
Program Website
California State University-Channel Islands wins the AS Staff’s top spot in affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree studies with $6,802 in-state tuition. At Sierra Hall, the Computer Science & Technology Department launched a Mechatronics Engineering B.S. in Fall 2018 to prepare “101 Tech Corridor” engineers for programming reliable automated systems with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Advised by Dr. Andrzej Bieszczad, the 133-unit, Hispanic-serving program is seeking ABET accreditation for its 15-week Camarillo courses like Engineering Materials and Sensor Calibration. Dolphins could also minor in Robotics Engineering, attend the STEM Summit, engage in the Aerial Robot Research Lab, join Data Science Club, and intern with Google.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
In-State Tuition: $6,802
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,682
Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
Which Jobs are Available with an Affordable Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering?
Graduating from an accredited college for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree majors will lead to diverse, well-paid STEM careers designing new technology. For example, robotic engineers create detailed plans to program machines that carry out complex commands automatically. Automotive engineers can develop automated manufacturing processes to produce cars and trucks. Sales engineers may specialize in selling robotic units to individual clients and businesses. Software developers could work on making artificial intelligence programs to run robots. Mechatronics engineers streamline the methods used to manufacture industrial goods efficiently. Robotics technicians have the technical task of repairing and updating robots when glitches occur. Calibration technicians run in-depth tests to double check that automated tools are calibrated right. Aerospace engineers are committed to building intuitive robotic machines for the flight and space industries. Automation integrators advise companies on ways to integrate hardware and software for machine control. Other jobs include robotics operator, electronic engineer, production manager, CAD designer, data scientist, transportation engineer, and controls engineer.
How Much Can High-Value Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering Degree Graduates Make?
Choosing affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree studies make this top-paying STEM field even more profitable without debt. In August 2019, Business Insider reported that engineering majors have a mean starting salary of $63,900. That’s significantly higher than the $50,390 average for all bachelor’s grads. The U.S. Department of Labor says mechanical engineers, including in robotics, have $92,800 median income. Mechanical drafters receive a mean wage of $58,180. Robotics and mechatronics technicians bring home average $58,240 pay. Electro-mechanical technicians are granted $60,240 median profits. Industrial engineers reap a mean yearly salary of $91,630. Electronics engineers are compensated $107,930 on average. Computer hardware engineers make a median $117,840 income. Software developers can expect mean annual earnings of $108,080. Aerospace engineers are paid an average $115,220. Data scientists enjoy median pay of $96,004. PayScale lists mean wages of $82,554 and $90,507 for automation and mechatronics engineers respectively.
What is the Job Outlook After Cost-Effective Robotics, Mechatronics, and Automation Engineering Degree Studies?
Now’s a great time to enroll in affordable colleges for robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs for one of the hottest new STEM professions. For 2020, LinkedIn found AI specialist, robotics engineer, and data scientist will be the most in-demand U.S. jobs. The NACE Job Outlook 2019 report again showed engineering is among the 10 best bachelor’s majors based on career prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand in mechanical engineering will jump 4 percent by 2028 for 12,800 openings. Sales engineers will see 6 percent, or 3,700, more jobs available. Employment of industrial engineers will grow 8 percent to 308,400 total positions. Software developers will benefit from 10-year growth of 21 percent for 284,100 new careers. Hiring of electronics engineers will speed up 2 percent to reach 338,300 employment. The number of aerospace engineers will rise 2 percent to 68,300. Data scientists can count on a rapid 19 percent boost of 5,400 jobs too. Low-cost robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree paths open abundant job avenues to let your imagination run wild.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 best affordable bachelor’s in robotics, mechatronics, and automation engineering degree programs.
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