Going to college is a dream shared by many forward-thinking high school students. The importance of a college education has increased significantly over the last few decades in particular, as students apply for degrees at increasing rates. The benefits of a college education transcend beyond the lucrative career opportunities; it also equips students with the academic and practical knowledge they need to make a difference in their communities. A college degree also increases the chances of securing a higher-income job, economic stability, networking opportunities, and increased marketability, among others. The list goes on and on, and it only proves that the payoff for attending college is almost inevitable.
But while college education equips students and opens up potential career paths for them after graduation, there’s a lot to do before then. It is still up to the high school students and families to select a field of study and college programs that set them up for excellence. If you aren’t sure where to start, keep in mind that recent trends suggest that the STEM field now offers the most lucrative career paths. Now, interested students can count on the practical knowledge they stand to gain and the rewarding job opportunities that await them in the future.
However, choosing an ideal institution to further your college dreams may prove to be a tricky challenge, especially if you are an aspiring STEM student. Many colleges offer majors in outstanding science and engineering programs. But as we all know, having multiple options can make the selection process more difficult. College admission counseling often plays a vital role in helping students make college choices, and you can always consult expert counselors to get extra tips for your college search.
Top STEM Colleges In The Northwest
University of Washington
The University of Washington is one of the oldest and arguably the most prestigious on the west coast. It was founded in 1861 as a public research institute in Seattle, Washington, with other branches across the states. The University of Washington is ranked the 7th best global university in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges. The college of engineering in UW offers quality academics and helps students learn technical skills in their selected discipline. The college has ten engineering programs in its system, making it one of the best northwest STEM universities.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Catholic university established by Joseph Cataldo in 1887. The university grants master’s and doctoral degrees, but it is best known for its undergraduate programs. Gonzaga University has several undergraduate programs within its system, and its science and engineering programs are the most outstanding.
Known as the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, SEAS is the school’s STEM department, and it is one of the best northwest STEM programs.
Seattle University
Seattle University is a private research university in Seattle, Washington, associated with the Jesuit society. It was established in 1891, and it is the biggest private independent university in the northwest region. Seattle University is not only famous in the northwest for its size, but it is also renowned for its outstanding programs, especially in the STEM field. The college of science and engineering at Seattle University is determined to drive productivity through innovation and research. The university offers degrees in 9 STEM programs, listing it among the best universities for STEM in Washington.
Washington State University
If you want to bag a degree in any STEM major and wish to study around the Pacific Northwest, you should consider Washington State University. It is a public research university founded in 1890 in Pullman, Washington. As one of the oldest land-grant universities in the West, Washington State has come a long way, building a reputation as an elite institute with the best college for STEM programs in Pullman. The university is an R1 Doctoral University with high research activities, but it also provides practical and analytical knowledge for its students.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is the largest and one of the oldest universities in the state. It uses its over 150 years of experience to raise capable graduates that can positively influence their societies. Oregon university has a comprehensive science and technology school that offers degrees in various STEM programs, including engineering majors. This college’s students are provided with top-level academic and practical activities that make them stand out in their chosen career paths.
Top STEM Schools In The Midwest
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university founded due to a formal merger between the Western Reserve University, and the Case Institute of Technology, founded by Leonard Case Jr. Both institutions were legally federated in 1967 to form the new Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. It was inducted into the Association of American Universities in 1969. With over 3,500 full-time academic staff, CWRU intends to provide top-quality education for its students both in and out of the classroom. Case Western Reserve is one of the top universities in the United States with great science and engineering programs, making it one of the best Midwest STEM universities.
Michigan State University
This school promotes excellence with its will to keep moving forward and make a difference through innovation and research. Michigan State University is one of the most prestigious public research institutes for higher learning in the state, and it is located in East Lansing, Michigan. The university was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of Michigan before it became a coeducational institution under the Morrill Act of 1862. MSU offers degrees in several outstanding majors, but it is best known for its engineering programs—which are among the most renowned in the country. Michigan State University’s College of Engineering is ranked 59th in the 2022 edition of best engineering colleges, and the university also offers some of the best Midwest STEM programs.
The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the world’s leading research universities, and it has proven to be true to this reputation with excellent academic activities. The university was established in 1890, and it has several satellite campuses across the state, with its main campus located in Chicago’s Hyde Park. The University of Chicago acknowledges that engineering, science, and technology are the major driving forces in the modern world; which is why they have outstanding STEM programs to help build young engineers and tech experts, who will go on to make a significant difference in their societies. The University of Chicago has continuously made the list of top Midwest STEM schools, and it certainly is one of the best-ranked universities in the region.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a public research institute often acknowledged for its comprehensive student life and activities. In addition, the university has also proven to be academically strong, engaging its students with top-level research and practical participation. The University of Cincinnati was founded in 1819 as part of the University of Ohio system located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The College of Engineering and Applied Science at UC is known for its excellent standards for inventiveness, and it is often referred to as the birthplace of the student co-op. Specifically, their co-op program attaches students to corporate engineering organizations so they can develop valuable innovative skills. On the whole, the college ensures that its students acquire practical knowledge and experience during their time in the school. Hence, it is named among the best colleges for STEM practices, in Ohio and beyond.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology is a private research university named as a result of a merger between Armour Institute and Lewis Institute in 1890. It is an R2 research university with high research activities, and it is pretty famous for the popularity of its engineering and technology colleges. These colleges promote innovation through research and exploration, and they aim at producing fine engineers and technologists that are well-equipped to solve daily engineering problems. The university is well-ranked among the universities with great STEM programs in the United States, and it is one of the best universities for STEM in the Midwest.
Top STEM Schools In The Southwest
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university established in 1912 as one of the foremost private institutions for higher learning in Houston, Texas. The university was named after its chief benefactor William Marsh Rice, after his untimely death. Rice University has a very small student body and a low student-faculty ratio of 6:1, all in a bid to ensure that its students are offered the best quality education. The university’s engineering school is called Rice Engineering, and it is dedicated to empowering young leaders who are technically sound with creative problem-solving skills. Ranked as the 12th best college for engineering, Rice University is rated among the best colleges for STEM.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas is a public research institute with excellence in academic and non-academic activities since founded in 1883. The university is located in Austin, Texas, and has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1929. UT Austin is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, and it comfortably ranks among the top 50 Universities in the world. As an elite university, UT Austin has one of the best southwest STEM programs, and its college of engineering is ranked the 22nd best in the country.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a student-centered public university that consistently ranks high for schools with outstanding academic activities and exceptional values. The university is located in Tucson, Arizona, and it was founded in 1885 following the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. U of A is the oldest university in the state of Arizona, and it banks on over 100 years of experience to ensure it offers quality education to its students. The university has various colleges that offer undergraduate programs, but its college of science is the most esteemed, with three schools and 16 departments. It is one of the best schools in the United States that offer degrees in STEM majors, and it certainly is among the best southwest STEM schools.
University of Houston
The University of Houston is often referred to as a powerhouse of innovation, and it has offered extensive technological service to the city of Houston and beyond. U of H is the 3rd largest university in Texas. The Cullen College of Engineering is the school of engineering at U of H with seven departments and a reputation for excellence through technology and innovation. It is ranked among the top 100 colleges of engineering in the United States, and it is one of the best southwest STEM universities.
Tulsa Community College
As one of the newest institutions for higher learning in Oklahoma, Tulsa Community College has quickly grown into the best STEM school in the state and one of the best in the southwest region. It was established in 1970 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it has excellent facilities and staff, all focused on providing career-centered education for students.
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Top STEM Schools In The Northeast
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Harvard University is a private research university dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research to develop outstanding graduates and great leaders. Harvard is an Ivy League university established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and named after its first benefactor, John Harvard. Harvard University is an outstanding tech school, and it operates one of the best northeast STEM programs. The university ranks 2nd among national universities and the 5th best college for engineering, making it one of the best northeast STEM schools.
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private research university dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research to develop outstanding graduates and great leaders. Harvard is an Ivy League university established in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and named after its first benefactor, John Harvard. Harvard University is an outstanding tech school, and it operates one of the best northeast STEM programs. The university ranks 2nd among national universities and the 5th best college for engineering, making it one of the best northeast STEM schools.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University is an elite university that has built a reputation upon years of experience as a top research location. It is a private university established in 1898, and it has several campuses across different states and around the country. NEU is an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activities, and it is also known internationally for its STEM programs. Northeastern University’s engineering college is one of the best in the country, and the school has also proven to be tech-inclined. However, what really distinguishes the university is that over 90% of its undergraduates complete at least one co-op, making it the best-ranked university for co-op programs.
Yale University
Yale University is a prestigious university dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring innovation among young students. It is known for offering world-class academics through over 75 majors and 2,000 courses available in the system. Yale University is an Ivy League institution founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1701. The university has grown ever since and is now among the best universities on different rankings and platforms. The university also has comprehensive science and technology programs that set it apart as one of the best northeast stem schools.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College was established in 1769 as a private research university, and it uses its wealth of experience to bring up sound graduates and great leaders. Dartmouth is an Ivy League university located in Hanover, New Hampshire, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by Eleazar Wheelock, and it is best known for its perfect blend of academic activities and social life. Therefore, the school has been credited for producing bright and upright citizens. Another factor that distinguishes Dartmouth College is its engineering programs which are among the best in the region. It also has other science and technology majors, making it one of the best universities for STEM.
Top STEM Colleges In The Southeast
Duke University
Duke University is one of the most respected universities in the entire United States. Hence, it is also known as one of the best in the southeastern region. The university is focused on educating young students to make a difference in society and has built a reputation of excellence in academics since it was established in 1838. Duke University is a private research university founded in Trinity by Methodists and Quakers, but it is now located in Durham, North Carolina. The university is famous for many things, among which is its engineering college known as Pratt’s School of Engineering. The engineering college is ranked the 9th best college for engineering in the United States, and it inspires students in hands-on design, data science, research, computing, and entrepreneurship. Duke University is also considered one of the best universities for STEM majors in the southeast.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
As a flagship of the University of Carolina system, the University of Carolina in Chapel Hill has excelled to great heights in academic and practical studies. It is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a system that is considered the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States. UNC is not an Ivy League university, but it is often mistaken for one because of its similarly excellent standards and storied history of offering quality academics. UNC-Chapel Hill takes pride in having one of the best southeast STEM programs in its system, and the UNC Department of engineering is ranked the 24th best in the United States.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant research institute that pays loving attention to little detail while providing top-notch academic and non-academic education for its students. Established in 1872, Virginia Tech has campuses across the state and several other countries, with its main campus located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech is a technical institution, and it is well known for its outstanding STEM programs. It has been listed among the top southeast STEM universities on several platforms, and it is currently ranked the 33rd best college for engineering.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
As part of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology has made it to the spotlight of top southeast STEM schools and is currently rated among the top 100 universities worldwide. Georgia Tech is an institute of technology founded in 1885 in Atlanta, Georgia, and it has several satellite campuses in other countries. As an institute of technology, the university offers degrees in several outstanding engineering and science majors. It has graduated several famous tech engineers over the years. Its college of engineering is ranked the 17th best in the United States — making it one of the best STEM colleges in the southeastern region.
Vanderbilt University
Formally known as Central University, Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873 as a private university located in Nashville, Tennessee. But the university was later renamed Vanderbilt University in 1877, in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, an American business magnate. VU is a prestigious university offering degrees in 70 majors, but it is best known as a STEM school because of the outstanding STEM programs available in its system. And its highly ranked engineering and technology programs undoubtedly include it among the best southeast STEM schools.
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FAQs About STEM Colleges
A STEM degree refers to an academic degree earned in one of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. These fields are characterized by their emphasis on empirical research, quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and application of scientific principles to understand natural phenomena, develop technologies, and innovate in various domains.
Psychology is recognized as a STEM discipline primarily because it applies scientific principles and methodologies to study human behavior and cognition. It involves rigorous research, data analysis, experimentation, and often utilizes advanced technology and statistical methods to investigate psychological phenomena. Therefore, Psychology qualifies as a STEM major due to its empirical and methodological foundations.
Yes, nursing is generally considered a STEM. Nurses often use technology and scientific methods to assess patient conditions, administer treatments, and evaluate outcomes. They also rely on mathematical calculations for medication dosages and other clinical tasks. Therefore, nursing qualifies as a STEM major due to its strong emphasis on science, technology, and evidence-based practice in healthcare.
STEM schools are educational institutions that focus specifically on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines. These schools integrate STEM subjects throughout their curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning, inquiry-based teaching methods, and often incorporating technology and real-world applications into lessons.
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Sophia Minhas
