The best engineering colleges are not necessarily what someone else says are the best. Rather, seek out the schools that are going to be the best fit for you. College is a challenging time in any young person’s life as you begin to juggle rigorous study and new responsibilities.
Finding a list of campuses that meet your support and resource needs will make the challenges much more achievable! From this foundation, you can secure the fulfilling engineering career you envision.
Top 10 Engineering Universities in the U.S. (Elite, Ivy, and Public)
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT, situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is synonymous with innovation and excellence in engineering and technology. Renowned for its groundbreaking research, it leads globally in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Aerospace Engineering.
The institute’s hands-on approach to learning and state-of-the-art facilities make it a preferred choice for aspiring engineers. MIT graduates are among the most sought-after globally, with a proven track record of driving transformative technologies.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tuition: $57,590 (private)
- Average GPA: 4.17 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 94%
- Specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering
- Unique Features: Interdisciplinary learning environment with access to advanced research labs and faculty leaders.
Video: This is engineering at MIT
2. Stanford University
Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Its School of Engineering is celebrated for its programs in Electrical, Environmental, and Computer Engineering, fostering collaboration between students and industry leaders.
The university’s proximity to leading tech firms like Google and Tesla gives students unparalleled internship and networking opportunities. Stanford consistently produces graduates who make significant contributions to cutting-edge technologies.
- Location: Stanford, California
- Tuition: $56,169 (private)
- Average GPA: 4.18 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 96%
- Specializations: Environmental, Electrical, and Computer Engineering
- Unique Features: Encourages sustainable engineering solutions and offers strong industry connections.
Video: Stanford School of Engineering Welcomes New Graduate Students
3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
UC Berkeley, a flagship public university in California, is highly regarded for its research output and diverse academic offerings. Known for excellence in Civil, Mechanical, and Bioengineering, it provides students with access to premier research facilities and funding opportunities.
Its vibrant campus life and rigorous academic programs attract top talent from around the globe. Berkeley engineers are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Tuition: $14,226 (in-state), $44,008 (out-of-state)
- Average GPA: 4.15 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 93%
- Specializations: Civil, Mechanical, and Bioengineering
- Unique Features: Strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement through engineering projects.
Video: Berkeley Bioengineering welcome
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech, located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its focus on rigorous academics and advanced research. It excels in niche fields such as Aerospace, Electrical, and Quantum Computing Engineering, offering students unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists.
Despite its small size, Caltech has a big impact on the global scientific community. Its alumni include Nobel laureates and industry leaders who drive innovation.
- Location: Pasadena, California
- Tuition: $60,864 (private)
- Average GPA: 4.21 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 95%
- Specializations: Aerospace, Quantum Computing, and Electrical Engineering
- Unique Features: A low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities.
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leader in engineering education, particularly in Robotics, Software, and Cybersecurity Engineering. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the university integrates engineering with computer science, making it a powerhouse for tech innovation.
Students benefit from hands-on learning, research funding, and collaborations with industry leaders. Its graduates are highly sought-after in industries such as AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Tuition: $59,864 (private)
- Average GPA: 4.07 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 91%
- Specializations: Software Engineering, Robotics, and Cybersecurity
- Unique Features: Globally recognized as a hub for advanced robotics and artificial intelligence research.
6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a leading public institution with a diverse selection of engineering programs. Renowned for its strengths in Automotive, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering, the university maintains strong connections with the automotive industry.
Students benefit from a vast alumni network and internships with major firms like Ford and General Motors. The university's emphasis on practical application prepares graduates for leadership roles in engineering fields.
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Tuition: $17,786 (in-state), $57,273 (out-of-state)
- Average GPA: 3.87 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 92%
- Specializations: Automotive, Industrial, and Electrical Engineering
- Unique Features: Strong partnerships with leading automotive companies and a robust co-op program.
7. Princeton University
Princeton University, based in New Jersey, is an Ivy League institution known for academic excellence and a personalized learning environment. Its School of Engineering specializes in Chemical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions.
Princeton’s small class sizes and access to cutting-edge research facilities give students an edge in their fields. Its graduates go on to make significant contributions in academia, industry, and government.
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
- Tuition: $57,410 (private)
- Average GPA: 3.9 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 97%
- Specializations: Chemical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering
- Unique Features: A strong focus on sustainability and mentorship from world-renowned faculty.
8. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the premier public institutions for engineering education. Its programs in Aerospace, Mechanical, and Biomedical Engineering are highly ranked for their practical applications.
The institute’s strong industry partnerships provide students with co-op and internship opportunities. Georgia Tech is also noted for its affordable tuition, making it an excellent choice for in-state students.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Tuition: $10,258 (in-state), $31,370 (out-of-state)
- Average GPA: 3.75 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 90%
- Specializations: Aerospace, Mechanical, and Biomedical Engineering
- Unique Features: Known for experiential learning and strong job placement rates.
9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is a top destination for students interested in Computer, Electrical, and Agricultural Engineering. Located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, the university offers excellent research facilities and industry collaborations.
UIUC graduates have a strong reputation in the tech and engineering industries, often landing positions at major companies. Its emphasis on innovation and collaboration fosters a culture of excellence.
- Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
- Tuition: $17,210 (in-state), $36,720 (out-of-state)
- Average GPA: 3.83 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 89%
- Specializations: Computer, Agricultural, and Electrical Engineering
- Unique Features: Well-funded research initiatives in renewable energy and technology.
10. Harvard University
Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is known for its cross-disciplinary approach to engineering. Specializing in Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Data Science, the university emphasizes research and innovation.
Its affiliation with cutting-edge research institutes gives students access to premier resources and facilities. Harvard engineers are equipped with the skills to lead in academia, business, and technology industries.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tuition: $57,246 (private)
- Average GPA: 4.18 (weighted)
- Passing Rate: 97%
- Specializations: Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Data Science
- Unique Features: Home to the Wyss Institute, fostering advances in biologically inspired engineering.
Other Top 90 Engineering Universities in the U.S.
| Rank | University | Location | Tuition | Average GPA | Passing Rate | Specializations |
| 11 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | $9,992 (in-state), $28,794 (out-of-state) | 3.82 | 91% | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical |
| 12 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Texas | $11,752 (in-state), $40,996 (out-of-state) | 3.84 | 94% | Computer, Civil, Aerospace |
| 13 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California | $63,468 | 3.8 | 92% | Biomedical, Electrical, Environmental |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | $10,796 (in-state), $39,427 (out-of-state) | 3.78 | 89% | Materials, Industrial, Chemical |
| 15 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, Virginia | $13,620 (in-state), $33,857 (out-of-state) | 3.74 | 90% | Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace |
| 16 | Texas A&M University | College Station, Texas | $13,012 (in-state), $40,896 (out-of-state) | 3.82 | 89% | Aerospace, Computer, Biomedical |
| 17 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | San Diego, California | $14,733 (in-state), $44,487 (out-of-state) | 3.85 | 90% | Bioengineering, Chemical, Electrical |
| 18 | University of Washington | Seattle, Washington | $12,076 (in-state), $39,906 (out-of-state) | 3.84 | 91% | Environmental, Software, Electrical |
| 19 | Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois | $63,468 | 3.83 | 93% | Robotics, Software, Environmental |
| 20 | Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | $63,200 | 3.89 | 96% | Electrical, Biomedical, Aerospace |
| 21 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, Pennsylvania | $18,898 (in-state), $36,476 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 87% | Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical |
| 22 | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | $6,381 (in-state), $28,659 (out-of-state) | 3.85 | 92% | Biomedical, Chemical, Civil |
| 23 | Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio | $12,485 (in-state), $36,722 (out-of-state) | 3.8 | 91% | Software, Civil, Electrical |
| 24 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, California | $13,804 (in-state), $46,602 (out-of-state) | 3.89 | 94% | Electrical, Bioengineering, Materials |
| 25 | University of Maryland, College Park | College Park, Maryland | $10,955 (in-state), $36,891 (out-of-state) | 3.78 | 88% | Aerospace, Electrical, Civil |
| 26 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, Colorado | $12,496 (in-state), $38,314 (out-of-state) | 3.76 | 89% | Computer, Bioengineering, Environmental |
| 27 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | Troy, New York | $58,120 | 3.84 | 92% | Robotics, Aerospace, Civil |
| 28 | Duke University | Durham, North Carolina | $63,450 | 3.85 | 93% | Biomedical, Chemical, Civil |
| 29 | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minneapolis, Minnesota | $15,859 (in-state), $35,099 (out-of-state) | 3.82 | 90% | Aerospace, Civil, Software |
| 30 | University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) | Chicago, Illinois | $15,068 (in-state), $29,464 (out-of-state) | 3.75 | 86% | Environmental, Chemical, Electrical |
| 41 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah | $13,244 (in-state), $31,664 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 88% | Materials, Software, Electrical |
| 42 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden, Colorado | $20,400 | 3.77 | 87% | Civil, Biomedical, Electrical |
| 43 | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville, Tennessee | $13,244 (in-state), $31,664 (out-of-state) | 3.84 | 90% | Mechanical, Bioengineering, Electrical |
| 44 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina | $14,088 (in-state), $38,186 (out-of-state) | 3.82 | 89% | Chemical, Civil, Aerospace |
| 45 | Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts | $62,000 | 3.74 | 86% | Environmental, Chemical, Software |
| 46 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, Arkansas | $9,574 (in-state), $25,408 (out-of-state) | 3.79 | 89% | Bioengineering, Materials, Civil |
| 47 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, Kentucky | $12,610 (in-state), $30,310 (out-of-state) | 3.8 | 90% | Robotics, Mechanical, Civil |
| 48 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | $58,970 | 3.83 | 91% | Environmental, Software, Electrical |
| 49 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, Connecticut | $17,834 (in-state), $40,220 (out-of-state) | 3.78 | 89% | Chemical, Materials, Civil |
| 50 | University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | $11,316 (in-state), $31,640 (out-of-state) | 3.75 | 88% | Aerospace, Environmental, Electrical |
| 51 | University of Central Florida (UCF) | Orlando, Florida | $10,133 (in-state), $25,751 (out-of-state) | 3.76 | 89% | Materials, Biomedical, Electrical |
| 52 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, Nebraska | $13,760 (in-state), $38,556 (out-of-state) | 3.84 | 92% | Bioengineering, Civil, Chemical |
| 53 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, Ohio | $65,664 | 3.78 | 89% | Civil, Aerospace, Electrical |
| 54 | Iowa State University | Ames, Iowa | $10,732 (in-state), $28,128 (out-of-state) | 3.8 | 91% | Biomedical, Materials, Software |
| 55 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | $15,601 (in-state), $35,799 (out-of-state) | 3.77 | 88% | Mechanical, Software, Civil |
| 56 | Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis, Missouri | $60,590 | 3.81 | 89% | Robotics, Biomedical, Electrical |
| 57 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, Kansas | $10,732 (in-state), $28,128 (out-of-state) | 3.85 | 93% | Aerospace, Bioengineering, Materials |
| 58 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Tennessee | $58,624 | 3.84 | 92% | Environmental, Materials, Civil |
| 59 | University of Oklahoma | Norman, Oklahoma | $11,763 (in-state), $28,873 (out-of-state) | 3.83 | 91% | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical |
| 60 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, New Jersey | $58,624 | 3.83 | 91% | Biomedical, Chemical, Aerospace |
| 61 | University of Arizona | Tucson, Arizona | $12,700 (in-state), $37,200 (out-of-state) | 3.74 | 88% | Aerospace, Civil, Electrical |
| 62 | Clemson University | Clemson, South Carolina | $15,558 (in-state), $38,550 (out-of-state) | 3.82 | 91% | Mechanical, Bioengineering, Materials |
| 63 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, Oregon | $12,188 (in-state), $31,663 (out-of-state) | 3.76 | 87% | Environmental, Software, Civil |
| 64 | University of Rochester | Rochester, New York | $60,550 | 3.84 | 92% | Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical |
| 65 | University of Missouri | Columbia, Missouri | $11,960 (in-state), $30,300 (out-of-state) | 3.78 | 89% | Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace |
| 66 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida | $6,516 (in-state), $21,683 (out-of-state) | 3.77 | 90% | Bioengineering, Electrical, Software |
| 67 | University of New Hampshire | Durham, New Hampshire | $18,938 (in-state), $36,278 (out-of-state) | 3.75 | 88% | Chemical, Environmental, Materials |
| 68 | University of South Carolina | Columbia, South Carolina | $12,688 (in-state), $33,928 (out-of-state) | 3.73 | 87% | Biomedical, Electrical, Civil |
| 69 | University of Nevada, Reno | Reno, Nevada | $8,291 (in-state), $24,752 (out-of-state) | 3.71 | 85% | Environmental, Materials, Electrical |
| 70 | Mississippi State University | Starkville, Mississippi | $9,110 (in-state), $23,950 (out-of-state) | 3.69 | 86% | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical |
| 71 | Auburn University | Auburn, Alabama | $11,826 (in-state), $31,956 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 89% | Aerospace, Bioengineering, Mechanical |
| 72 | University of Vermont | Burlington, Vermont | $18,890 (in-state), $43,890 (out-of-state) | 3.74 | 88% | Chemical, Civil, Electrical |
| 73 | San Diego State University | San Diego, California | $8,136 (in-state), $20,016 (out-of-state) | 3.73 | 87% | Environmental, Software, Civil |
| 74 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $58,965 | 3.79 | 90% | Biomedical, Electrical, Materials |
| 75 | University of Houston | Houston, Texas | $11,870 (in-state), $26,940 (out-of-state) | 3.76 | 88% | Civil, Electrical, Mechanical |
| 76 | Rutgers University | New Brunswick, New Jersey | $15,804 (in-state), $33,005 (out-of-state) | 3.78 | 91% | Materials, Civil, Bioengineering |
| 77 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, Wyoming | $5,790 (in-state), $19,161 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 85% | Mechanical, Electrical, Software |
| 78 | Montana State University | Bozeman, Montana | $7,492 (in-state), $27,396 (out-of-state) | 3.71 | 84% | Civil, Materials, Environmental |
| 79 | Wichita State University | Wichita, Kansas | $8,270 (in-state), $17,480 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 85% | Aerospace, Electrical, Software |
| 80 | University of Idaho | Moscow, Idaho | $8,340 (in-state), $27,576 (out-of-state) | 3.69 | 84% | Mechanical, Materials, Civil |
| 81 | George Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia | $13,119 (in-state), $36,579 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 86% | Software, Electrical, Civil |
| 82 | Boise State University | Boise, Idaho | $8,068 (in-state), $24,988 (out-of-state) | 3.71 | 85% | Environmental, Civil, Electrical |
| 83 | University of Montana | Missoula, Montana | $7,492 (in-state), $28,352 (out-of-state) | 3.68 | 83% | Bioengineering, Environmental, Electrical |
| 84 | Utah State University | Logan, Utah | $8,138 (in-state), $23,036 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 85% | Civil, Materials, Electrical |
| 85 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, Hawaii | $11,304 (in-state), $33,336 (out-of-state) | 3.74 | 87% | Environmental, Mechanical, Bioengineering |
| 86 | California Polytechnic State University | San Luis Obispo, California | $9,000 (in-state), $21,000 (out-of-state) | 3.85 | 90% | Civil, Materials, Software |
| 87 | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, New Mexico | $7,492 (in-state), $23,376 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 84% | Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental |
| 88 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Texas | $11,600 (in-state), $23,870 (out-of-state) | 3.73 | 86% | Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical |
| 89 | Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | $11,962 (in-state), $28,639 (out-of-state) | 3.75 | 87% | Chemical, Bioengineering, Electrical |
| 90 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, Oklahoma | $11,240 (in-state), $26,090 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 85% | Software, Materials, Electrical |
| 91 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, Alaska | $8,580 (in-state), $26,850 (out-of-state) | 3.69 | 83% | Environmental, Mechanical, Civil |
| 92 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, Arizona | $11,564 (in-state), $25,828 (out-of-state) | 3.71 | 85% | Civil, Bioengineering, Electrical |
| 93 | Portland State University | Portland, Oregon | $10,020 (in-state), $29,706 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 85% | Software, Environmental, Civil |
| 94 | San Jose State University | San Jose, California | $7,852 (in-state), $19,732 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 86% | Civil, Electrical, Software |
| 95 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach, California | $6,834 (in-state), $18,714 (out-of-state) | 3.71 | 84% | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical |
| 96 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, Texas | $10,250 (in-state), $26,778 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 85% | Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical |
| 97 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota | $10,097 (in-state), $18,737 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 85% | Mechanical, Electrical, Civil |
| 98 | University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, Texas | $9,450 (in-state), $25,000 (out-of-state) | 3.7 | 85% | Bioengineering, Software, Environmental |
| 99 | California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento, California | $7,394 (in-state), $19,274 (out-of-state) | 3.72 | 85% | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical |
| 100 | University of South Florida | Tampa, Florida | $6,410 (in-state), $17,324 (out-of-state) | 3.73 | 87% | Biomedical, Electrical, Civil |
Standard College Considerations
First off, you have so many standard college considerations that will vary by student, like cost, size, location, etc.
Second, you have program-specific considerations. (Agricultural engineering is definitely not the same as aerospace engineering!) Some programs have mentoring tracks, while others foster R&D incubators. Every undergraduate engineering program has unique competencies.
Industry Considerations
Physical proximity to key employers is another factor worth considering. Many engineering programs will have ties with nearby employers, including internships. These internships are the best way to secure a good job after graduation.
For instance, if you want to work in Silicon Valley, you might look at CompSci programs at Stanford, U.C. Berkeley, and other nearby schools.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in agricultural engineering, Texas A&M may be worth looking at. Or if mining interests you, you might consider the Colorado School of Mines. There are options to research in regions across the country.
Engineering is a Broad Industry
While engineers all share a common skill set, there is a diverse range of industry specializations, including:
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biomedicine
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Mining
- Civil
- Robotics
- Safety
- Software
- Petroleum
- Transportation
Engineering Careers are Well-Paid
Engineering jobs tend to be stable and well-paid compared to many fields.
There are many online resources for browsing median salaries for different types of engineers, such as this list. You can browse titles of engineers and corresponding median salaries.
Payscale offers an ROI Calculator (return on investment) for undergraduate engineering programs. (As a future engineer, you’ll quickly spot the methodological limitations to this tool – but it can be fun to play with.)
Engineering is an International Field
Unlike lawyers and other English-intensive professions, engineers speak the international language of numbers.
This can have many implications. For example, engineers may find work in multinational engineering firms, and work abroad. At the same time, engineering programs at U.S. universities attract the best and the brightest from overseas, which makes them more competitive.
Picking the Right Engineering Program
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Additional Resources
- For students exploring diverse academic options, The Best Art Schools in the US offers a comprehensive guide for those with creative inclinations seeking top-tier institutions.
- If you're particularly drawn to engineering programs in the Empire State, What Are the Best Universities & Colleges in New York? provides an in-depth look at top schools in the region.
- For students considering schools with broader accessibility, Best Division 2 Schools with High Acceptance Rate outlines excellent choices that balance competitive academics with more inclusive admissions.
