Best Engineering Degrees in Chandler

Best Engineering Degrees in Chandler, AZ (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best engineering degrees in Chandler? Whether you want to become a civil engineer shaping Arizona’s infrastructure or a software engineer working in the booming Phoenix tech corridor, this in-depth guide compares the top programs, costs, outcomes, and career paths available to Chandler residents.

Key Takeaways

• Chandler residents have access to top-ranked engineering programs through Arizona State University and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
• ABET accreditation is essential for most engineering disciplines and professional licensure.
• In-state tuition at public universities offers significant cost savings for Arizona residents.
• Software, electrical, and civil engineering degrees offer some of the highest ROI in the region.
• Transfer pathways from community colleges can reduce total bachelor’s degree costs by 30 to 50 percent.

Top Colleges Offering Engineering Degrees Near Chandler

While Chandler itself does not host a large research university, it sits in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, giving students access to nationally recognized engineering programs within a short commute.

Arizona State University (ASU) – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Location: Tempe Campus and Polytechnic Campus (approximately 15 to 25 minutes from Chandler)

Accreditation: ABET-accredited programs

ASU is the strongest choice for students seeking a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in engineering. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top public engineering schools in the United States.

Popular Degrees:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Why ASU Stands Out:

• Strong partnerships with Intel, Honeywell, Microchip, and other Chandler-area employers
• Extensive research labs and innovation centers
• High job placement rates in Arizona’s tech and manufacturing sectors
• Robust internship and co-op programs

Typical In-State Tuition (Undergraduate): Approximately $11,000 per year, plus fees.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC)

Location: Chandler and Gilbert campuses

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; engineering pathways align with ABET programs upon transfer

CGCC is ideal for students starting with an associate degree before transferring to ASU or another four-year university.

Available Pathways:

• Associate in Science in Engineering
• Transfer-ready coursework in calculus, physics, and foundational engineering topics

Why Choose CGCC:

• Lower tuition, typically under $3,000 per year for in-district students
• Smaller class sizes
• Articulation agreements with ASU

This pathway allows students to complete foundational coursework at a reduced cost before finishing a bachelor’s degree.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Engineering Programs for Chandler Students

Institution Degree Levels Estimated Annual Tuition (In-State) ABET Accredited Commute from Chandler Arizona State University Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D. $11,000+ Yes (Most Engineering Programs) 15–25 minutes Chandler-Gilbert Community College Associate (Transfer Pathway) $3,000 or less Transfer-Eligible Within Chandler

Best Engineering Majors for High ROI in Chandler

Choosing the right specialization matters. Chandler’s economy is heavily influenced by semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure growth, and software development.

1. Software Engineering

With the Phoenix metro area emerging as a technology hub, software engineers remain in high demand.

• Median Salary in Arizona: $105,000+
• Top Employers: Intel, PayPal, startups in the East Valley

2. Electrical Engineering

The semiconductor sector makes electrical engineering one of the strongest career paths.

• Median Salary: $100,000+
• Industry Demand: Chip manufacturing, embedded systems, renewable energy

3. Civil Engineering

Rapid population growth across Maricopa County drives demand for infrastructure projects.

• Median Salary: $90,000+
• Career Outlook: Strong municipal and private sector hiring

4. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers play a vital role in aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing industries.

Online vs On-Campus Engineering Degrees in Chandler

ASU offers several online engineering programs through ASU Online. These programs are ideal for working professionals or nontraditional students in Chandler.

On-Campus Benefits

• Hands-on labs and equipment access
• Face-to-face networking
• Research assistantships

Online Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Ideal for working students
• Identical diploma to on-campus programs at ASU

If you want laboratory-intensive experience, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering are often best completed on campus.

Accreditation and Why ABET Matters

ABET accreditation ensures that an engineering program meets national quality standards. It is required for Professional Engineer licensure in most states, including Arizona.

Always verify accreditation before enrolling. ASU’s core engineering programs maintain ABET accreditation, which strengthens job prospects and graduate school eligibility.

Engineering Career Outcomes for Chandler Graduates

Graduates from top engineering programs near Chandler typically experience strong placement rates within six months of graduation. The presence of technology firms, aerospace manufacturers, and construction companies in the region fuels demand.

Common Local Employers:

• Intel Corporation
• Northrop Grumman
• Honeywell Aerospace
• Arizona Department of Transportation
• City of Chandler Engineering Department

Internships during junior and senior years significantly improve employment outcomes. ASU’s engineering students frequently secure internships by their sophomore year.

How to Choose the Best Engineering Degree in Chandler

Step 1: Define Your Specialty

Determine whether you are drawn to software, hardware, infrastructure, or manufacturing. This narrows program selection.

Step 2: Compare Cost vs ROI

Community college transfer pathways reduce costs. However, direct university enrollment may accelerate networking and research opportunities.

Step 3: Confirm Accreditation

Ensure the program is ABET accredited, particularly for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Step 4: Evaluate Career Placement Support

Look for strong internship pipelines and employer partnerships in Chandler and the broader Phoenix metro area.

Step 5: Consider Commute and Flexibility

Living in Chandler provides convenient access to campuses in Tempe and Mesa. Evaluate travel time, parking costs, and public transportation options.

Who Should Start at a Community College?

Starting at Chandler-Gilbert Community College makes sense for:

• Students seeking lower tuition for the first two years
• Those needing smaller class sizes for calculus and physics
• Transfer-oriented students planning to attend ASU

This 2 plus 2 strategy can significantly reduce student loan debt while maintaining degree quality.

Final Thoughts on the Best Engineering Degrees in Chandler

For most students in Chandler, Arizona State University offers the strongest combination of reputation, accreditation, career outcomes, and industry connections. Chandler-Gilbert Community College provides a cost-effective launch point for future engineers.

Your ideal choice depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. By evaluating accreditation, specialization, internship access, and total cost, you can confidently select the best engineering degree pathway in Chandler.

Frequently Asked Questions about Engineering Degrees in Chandler, AZ

What are the best engineering schools near Chandler, AZ?

If you live in Chandler, your main options are Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in Tempe and at the Polytechnic campus, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College for transfer-focused associate degrees.

Which engineering majors have the highest salary potential in Chandler?

Software, electrical, and civil engineering typically offer the strongest earning potential in the Chandler area, supported by jobs in semiconductors, infrastructure, aerospace, and software development.

Why is ABET accreditation important for engineering degrees in Arizona?

ABET accreditation shows that a program meets national engineering standards and is usually required if you plan to pursue Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in Arizona or other states.

Should you start at Chandler-Gilbert Community College or go straight to ASU?

You may choose CGCC if you want lower tuition and smaller math and science classes, then transfer to ASU. You may go straight to ASU if you want earlier access to labs, research, and campus recruiting.

Is an online engineering degree from ASU a good option if you live in Chandler?

An online ASU engineering program can work well if you need flexible scheduling or work full time. For lab-heavy majors like civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, an on-campus format usually offers better hands-on experience.