An Electrical Engineering Technology associate degree is a solid entry point into a technical career with upward mobility. With online, hybrid, and on-campus options, students can find a format that fits their schedule and learning style. Whether you’re aiming for immediate employment or a future bachelor’s degree, this program builds a strong foundation in both theory and applied skills.
What to Expect from an EET Associate Program
Electrical Engineering Technology associate programs usually require between 60 and 76 credit hours and can be completed in 18 to 24 months. Some schools, such as Miami Dade College, offer flexible learning options like MDC LIVE and online simulations, while institutions like Indiana Tech ship lab kits to support online learners.
Programs typically include general education coursework in English, math, science, and humanities, in addition to technical training.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as electrical technician, test engineer, electronics technician, or PLC technician. Many programs also provide clear transfer pathways to bachelor’s degrees in electrical or electronics engineering technology.
What You Study
Core technical courses focus on electrical theory and practical applications:
- AC/DC Circuit Analysis
- Digital Systems and Microprocessors
- Solid-State Devices
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Electrical Drafting and CAD
- Robotics and Automation
- Communications Systems
- Instrumentation and Controls
Programs also include hands-on labs in circuit construction, testing, troubleshooting, and system integration. Students may also learn programming with C++, work with simulation tools, and gain exposure to fiber optics and embedded systems.
For example, Hillsborough Community College includes 68 credits with courses in robotics, photonics, and communications systems. City Tech in Brooklyn emphasizes electronics lab work and communications electronics, while ECPI University offers an 18-month option with a focus on circuit design, PLCs, and network security.
Cost of an EET Associate Degree
Here are some typical ranges based on type of school.
- Community colleges (e.g., Dallas College): $3,000–$5,000 per year
- Public colleges (e.g., Ivy Tech): $8,000–$12,000 total
- Private and online universities (e.g., South College): $15,000–$20,000+
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements vary by school but generally include:
- High school diploma or GED
- College placement testing or demonstrated proficiency in math and English
- Completion of prerequisites such as algebra or trigonometry (varies)
Some programs require additional steps such as orientation or computer competency testing. For example, New York City College of Technology follows CUNY’s proficiency standards, while Lehigh Carbon Community College outlines math and lab prerequisites in their curriculum plan.
Career Outcomes and Next Steps
Graduates with an EET associate degree qualify for technician-level roles supporting engineers in design, testing, maintenance, and installation of electrical systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for electrical and electronics engineering technicians is around $64,000 per year, or $30.91 per hour. Job growth is stable across sectors including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and defense.
Top Schools
If you’re seeking a fast, affordable path into a high-demand technical career, an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) can be a smart move.
These programs blend theory with hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in electronics, automation, power systems, and more. Whether you prefer a traditional classroom setting, a hybrid format, or fully online flexibility, there are excellent options across the U.S.
From community colleges with strong local industry ties to universities offering seamless transfer pathways, the following schools provide diverse, career-focused EET programs designed to get you workforce-ready or well-positioned for a bachelor’s degree.
| School | Location | Degree Offered | Delivery Format | Estimated Credits | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus (multiple Indiana locations) | 63 | Designed for transfer; TSAP pathway saves students up to $10,000 |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus (Mountain View and Richland) | 60 | Includes an Engineering Technology Certificate within the degree |
| CUNY City Tech (City University of New York) | Brooklyn, NY | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus | 67–69 | ABET accredited; career pathways with major employers like Con Edison and Verizon |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Little Rock, AR (online) | Associate of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology | 100% Online | 60 | Fully online with no application fee; DEAC accredited |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus | 70 | Strong transfer options and focus on robotics, automation, and production systems |
| Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus | ~60 | Offers pathway to journeyman electrician license within two years |
| South College | Asheville, NC (and online) | Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | Online or hybrid | Varies by quarter | 100% credit transfer to bachelor’s; prepares for work in AI, aerospace, and robotics |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | On-campus | ~60 | High starting wage potential ($26–$41/hr); clear path to four-year transfer |
| Penn State Behrend | Erie, PA | Associate in Electrical Engineering Technology (A.ENGT.) | On-campus | ~60 | Seamless transition to bachelor’s degree at Behrend; strong industry connections |
| Indiana Tech | Fort Wayne, IN | Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology | 100% Online | 60 | Hands-on lab kits shipped to students; optional immersion events |
Ivy Tech Community College
The Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology at Ivy Tech Community College is a 63-credit program designed to be completed in 4–8 semesters. It prepares students to transfer to a four-year university, saving upward of $10,000 by completing the first two years at Ivy Tech. The program covers core electrical engineering concepts, AC/DC theory, circuit simulations, C++ programming, microcontrollers, and lab skills. Courses are available at six Indiana locations. Students can enter fields such as electrical engineering and electrical technology or continue toward a bachelor’s degree through the Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) program or other partnerships.
Outcomes and Cost
Graduates will gain expertise in actualizing electronic designs, collecting and analyzing data, and troubleshooting electronic systems. Ivy Tech’s tuition model offers significant savings compared to starting at a four-year university. The program equips students for careers as electrical engineers, electrical technicians, or further study, while promoting strong foundational skills for success in the engineering field.
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=1884
Dallas, TX
Program Overview
Dallas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology available at the Mountain View and Richland campuses. The program consists of 60 credit hours and emphasizes hands-on learning in electronics principles, PLCs, motor controls, industrial automation, and hydraulics. Students must complete at least 25% of their coursework (15 hours) through Dallas College. This course sequence also includes the Engineering Technology Certificate for a strong, skills-based education.
Outcomes and Cost
Students prepare for careers in building, testing, and maintaining electronic equipment across diverse industries. Transfer opportunities are available, and students are encouraged to plan ahead with their success coaches. Tuition is set affordably at Dallas College standards, and students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate, positioning them well for industry roles or continued education.
New York City College of Technology (CUNY City Tech)
https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/electrical-telecomm/electrical-technology-aas.aspx
Brooklyn, NY
City Tech offers a 67–69 credit Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, blending lecture and lab work. Students engage with electronic circuits, microprocessors, PC-based learning, and hands-on construction projects. Admission requires meeting CUNY proficiency requirements. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers as electronic technicians with an opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, such as Telecommunications Engineering Technology at City Tech.
Outcomes and Cost
Graduates are skilled in maintaining, designing, and testing electronic systems. Career prospects include employment with major companies like Con Edison, IBM, Avaya, and Verizon. The program is accredited by ABET, ensuring high academic and technical standards. Students leave equipped to secure entry-level technician roles, with the potential for career growth through further education and certifications.
University of Arkansas Grantham
https://www.uagrantham.edu/online-degrees/electronics-computer-technology/
Little Rock, AR
The University of Arkansas Grantham offers a 100% online Associate of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology designed for students with minimal prior math coursework. The 60-credit program can be completed in 24 months and focuses on circuit theory, analog/digital electronics, computer programming, and hands-on application. Tuition is priced at $305 per credit, with no application fee.
Outcomes and Cost
Graduates are prepared for careers as electronics technicians, technical writers, telecommunications equipment installers, and more. The program provides a foundation for further study in bachelor’s programs in computer or electronics engineering technology. Accredited by DEAC, this flexible online degree supports career advancement in multiple high-demand fields.
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)
Fox Valley Technical College offers a 70-credit Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology with part-time and full-time options. The program blends classroom study with hands-on labs and covers mathematics, electrical/electronic fundamentals, digital electronics, computer networks, and industrial automation. It supports transfer opportunities to four-year universities for those who want to continue their education.
Outcomes and Cost
Graduates are prepared for careers in designing and servicing consumer electronics, robotics, production lines, and more. The estimated program cost is $12,533.66, with an additional estimated $2,068.66 for textbooks and materials. FVTC’s curriculum ensures students are equipped for immediate employment or academic transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in related fields.
Brightpoint Community College
https://www.brightpoint.edu/majors/electrical-engineering-technology-aas
Chester, VA
Brightpoint Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electrical Engineering Technology that prepares students for entry-level positions as electricians and electrical helpers. The curriculum covers direct and alternating currents, resistance, magnetism, inductance, capacitance, and installation and repair of circuits, while ensuring students understand and apply electrical codes. This program is delivered on the Chester campus and provides pathways for certification as a journeyman electrician within two years. Tuition assistance is available through the G3 program for qualifying students. Students can also earn a Career Studies Certificate in Residential Electricity while pursuing their AAS degree.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates of the program are ready for careers as electricians or electrical helpers, with a direct path to certification through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Although the AAS degree is primarily designed for direct workforce entry, some credits may transfer depending on the institution. Brightpoint participates in the NC-SARA agreement for online students outside Virginia (except California). Students interested in transferring to a four-year program should work closely with advisors to ensure course compatibility.
South College
https://www.south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-electrical-engineering-as/
Asheville, NC
South College’s Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology is available fully online or in a hybrid format. This program builds practical skills applicable to industries such as electronics, aerospace, robotics, CAD, AI, and manufacturing. Students explore electrical engineering principles, computer-aided drafting, electronic devices, communications, and programming. The tuition varies based on credit load, ranging from $2,100 to $3,975 per quarter, with additional fees for nursing students if applicable. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork to prepare students for the dynamic fields of engineering and technology.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to design, troubleshoot, and analyze electrical systems across multiple industries. The associate degree also serves as a stepping stone, allowing students to transfer 100% of their coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology at South College. The program develops expertise in quality control, technical reporting, and introductory systems maintenance, making graduates highly valuable in engineering and technology sectors.
Lehigh Carbon Community College
https://www.lccc.edu/academics/programs/electrical-engineering-technology-a-a-s-eet/
Schnecksville, PA
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Electrical Engineering Technology that prepares students for entry-level positions in the electrical and electronics industries. The curriculum includes AC/DC circuits, digital fundamentals, industrial circuits, and programmable logic controllers. This program is well-suited for students looking for a direct career path or planning to transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates can find employment as electrical engineering technicians with starting wages between $26 and $41 per hour. Transfer opportunities are available for students who wish to continue their education in Electrical Engineering Technology at four-year institutions, making this program a flexible and career-driven choice.
Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend’s Associate in Electrical Engineering Technology (A.ENGT.) offers students an industry-focused education emphasizing real-world application over traditional theoretical study. Students work with faculty experienced in industry, participating in labs, hands-on projects, and research within state-of-the-art facilities.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are employed by companies like First Energy, Wabtec, and Steris, and gain the skills necessary to analyze, design, and implement electrical systems. Students also have the option to seamlessly continue into Behrend’s four-year B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program if they wish to further their education.
Indiana Tech
https://academics.indianatech.edu/programs/electrical-engineering-tech/
Fort Wayne, IN
Program Overview
Indiana Tech offers a 60-credit Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology that can be completed entirely online. Students receive a lab kit to perform experiments from home, covering topics such as analog/digital circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electrical machines, and electronic instrumentation. The program also includes strong components of technical writing and offers optional in-person immersion events.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as electrical, electronic, or engineering technicians with an average salary of $64,000 per year. Skills in circuit analysis, critical thinking, and hands-on engineering practices make graduates valuable across industries such as information technology, electronics, advanced manufacturing, and automotive sectors.
How Long to Pay Off the Degree?
Pursuing an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology can be a smart investment, especially considering the relatively low cost of tuition and promising starting salaries. On average, tuition for these programs falls between $10,000 and $15,000. For this example, we’ll use an estimated average tuition of $12,500.
Graduates typically enter the workforce with a starting salary of around $55,000 per year, based on national data for electrical and electronics engineering technicians.
If you were to dedicate a portion of your annual salary toward paying off your student loan, here’s how long it might take:
- 5% of Salary ($2,750/year): ~4.5 years
- 10% of Salary ($5,500/year): ~2.3 years
- 15% of Salary ($8,250/year): ~1.5 years
- 20% of Salary ($11,000/year): ~1.1 years
These estimates assume no interest accrual for simplicity. In reality, interest rates and loan terms may vary, but even with modest interest, the timeline remains relatively short compared to higher-cost degrees. This means that with responsible budgeting, most graduates can pay off their education within a few years—while launching a stable and well-paying career in the electrical engineering field.