“Hey, Empowerly! What is the best Ivy League for engineering students?”
It’s an understandable question. And you’re not the first one to ask it!
After all, many ambitious parents and high school students are eager to pursue academic paths that lead to stable, high-paying careers. These days, the desire for job security is even stronger than ever. Among the favored careers for these high achievers, engineering stands out as a practical and lucrative choice for those who are analytically or mathematically inclined.
Today, we’re breaking down this question from a counselor’s perspective. We’ll cover what makes a strong engineering student, what defines the Ivy League, and how to determine which Ivy League colleges (and others) offer the best engineering programs. By the end, we hope you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate this competitive landscape, what it takes to thrive, and what to look for in a prospective school.
First, let’s define some key terms so we’re all on the same page.
What exactly is engineering?
Before we dive into specific schools, let’s clarify what we mean when we say “engineering.” After all, engineering is a vast and varied field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines that apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems.
Here’s a brief rundown of some of the main engineering fields you will encounter:
Mechanical engineering
This field focuses on the design, manufacture, and maintenance of machines. This includes all kinds of mechanical systems, from engines to large-scale robotics.
Civil engineering
More broadly, this field deals with infrastructure projects in cities, such as bridges, roads, and buildings that make an urban place run smoothly.
Electrical engineering
This field involves the specific study of electrical systems, circuitry, and power distribution. In today’s tech-reliant world, electrical engineers are in great demand.
Biomedical engineering
This unique and emergent field combines medical and engineering concepts to develop devices and systems that improve healthcare for everyone.
Computer engineering
You’ve probably heard of this field, where engineers can specialize in either computer hardware or computer software design. It also includes the study of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data systems.
If you’re more of a visual person, here’s a great introduction video to the basics of engineering as a profession:
What kind of student can succeed in engineering?
Engineering is not for the faint of heart. It requires a strong aptitude for problem-solving, analytical thinking, and perseverance. Beyond technical skills, the most successful engineering students often display the following characteristics:
- Curiosity to learn and a desire to understand how (and why) things work
- Attention to detail and appreciation of precision
- Strong mathematical skills, particularly in calculus and physics
- Ability to work well in teams and collaborate on projects
- Resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and solve problems
- The ability to manage complex, long-term projects
Does this sound like you? Then it’s time to jump in!
High school students who are aiming for top engineering programs should also consider building their profiles through extracurriculars like Robotics Club, Math League, or Science Olympiad. Participating in internships or summer programs related to engineering, like youth hackathon competitions, can also be a valuable way to gain hands-on experience in a shorter time frame.
What are the Ivy Leagues?
Let’s keep it short and sweet: the Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious private colleges and universities located in the northeastern United States. Originally formed as a football conference, the Ivy League is now known for its rigor, low acceptance rates, and academic excellence.
The eight Ivy League colleges are (in no particular order):
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- Brown University
- Dartmouth College
- Cornell College
So, which is the best school for engineering students?
It’s not so simple to answer. First, the answer depends on your definition of “best.” There are many factors to weigh, as well as your personal preferences for your college experience.
For instance, one student might want a large community-oriented school where they can attend football games and pep rallies. The next student might want a small liberal arts college that is filled with libraries and reading nooks. Both of these futures are equally valid!
What’s more, different schools provide different entry points into your profession. Some colleges are really good at finding hands-on internships, while others prepare you more intellectually and theoretically. For engineering students, it’s wise to consider which schools offer strong co-op or internship programs to give you hands-on experience before you graduate (yes, that’s an option).
So you can see why there are lots of different reasons why “best” is difficult to define.
Finally, even if you go only by one ranking system (like the US News and World Report, for instance), you might be surprised to know that some of the very best engineering departments in the nation are not at Ivy League schools. Public universities and colleges rival private schools in both exclusivity and intensity.
A note on accreditation
If you’re serious about becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE), it’s important to look for engineering programs accredited by ABET, the Accredidation Board for Engineering and Technology. Not all Ivy League schools have ABET certification for every engineering major, so be sure to check individual program credentials — especially if you want to work in civil, mechanical, or structural engineering.
Okay, so you understand what it means to find the best-fit school for you, and you still want an Ivy League. Where should you go?
Top 3 Ivy League schools for engineering
While all Ivy League schools are known for their rigorous academics, not all are equally strong in engineering. That said, several Ivy League schools offer unique interdisciplinary programs where you can pursue dual-degree or interdepartmental options to pair engineering with other fields (like economics, business, or entrepreneurship).
Taking all this into account, let’s take a closer look at which Ivy League schools stand out in engineering.
Cornell University:
Cornell’s College of Engineering is widely regarded as the strongest Ivy League engineering program. It offers a comprehensive range of engineering disciplines, from Aerospace Engineering to Environmental Engineering. Cornell also emphasizes hands-on research and has extensive lab facilities for student projects.
Princeton University:
Princeton’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is known for its focus on research and innovation. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and cutting-edge research centers, such as the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.
Harvard University:
Harvard may not be as engineering-focused as Cornell or Princeton, but its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is rapidly expanding. With a new campus in Allston and a growing emphasis on computer science and biomedical engineering, Harvard is increasingly competitive in the engineering arena.
Other top 3 non-Ivy League engineering schools
Looking for love in all the wrong places? These elite engineering schools may not be part of the Ivy League, but they bring all the prestige, panache, and rigor of their storied counterparts.
As you research, check out each school’s career placement services and alumni network strength. Ivy League schools often open doors to top employers and grad programs, but schools like MIT and Stanford also have industry pipelines that rival or surpass those of Ivy institutions. Look up employer partnerships, job placement rates, and median starting salaries for graduates in your intended major.
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology):
MIT consistently ranks as the top engineering school in the country, offering unparalleled research opportunities, faculty expertise, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Stanford University:
Stanford is known for its proximity to Silicon Valley and its emphasis on entrepreneurship, making it an ideal choice for aspiring computer and software engineers.
CalTech (California Institute of Technology):
CalTech is a small but highly influential school with world-class research facilities and a reputation for producing top-tier engineers and scientists.
Surprise best value engineering schools
If you’re ready to look beyond the surface, these affordable gems provide serious bang for your tuition buck.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC):
UIUC offers one of the strongest engineering programs in the Midwest, with standout departments in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering.
Purdue University:
Purdue is known for its affordable tuition and highly regarded engineering school, making it a strong contender for cost-conscious students.
UC Berkeley:
Berkeley’s College of Engineering is a powerhouse, particularly in computer science and environmental engineering. It also offers excellent networking opportunities in Silicon Valley.
The reason for balance
When it comes to selecting the best engineering programs, it’s important to think beyond rankings and consider a comprehensive college list strategy. A well-rounded list includes four distinct categories: high reach, reach, target, and safety schools.
- High Reach: These are the most selective programs, where acceptance rates are extremely low, and admitted students typically have exceptional academic profiles. Examples include Ivy League schools with prestigious engineering departments, such as Princeton and Harvard, as well as non-Ivy League elites like MIT and Stanford.
- Reach: These schools are highly competitive but slightly more accessible than high-reach programs. Students may meet or slightly exceed the average academic profile, but admissions are still unpredictable.
- Target: Target schools are those where a student’s academic profile aligns well with the average admitted student. These are programs where acceptance is more attainable but still competitive.
- Safety: Safety schools are strong engineering programs where a student’s credentials significantly exceed the typical admitted student profile, ensuring a higher likelihood of acceptance.
By diversifying the list across these four categories, you can not only maximize your chances of gaining admission but also find a program that aligns better with your needs.
Your best future is out there
So there you have it! While getting into an Ivy League school is a significant accomplishment, it’s not the only path to a successful engineering career. Building a balanced college list that includes reach, target, and safety schools will ensure you are set up for success regardless of where you land.
If you’re feeling uncertain about where to apply or how to strengthen your engineering application, our community of experts is here to help. Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into the Ivy League and other top 25 schools! We can guide you through every step of the process, from building your college list to perfecting your application essays, and beyond.
