Best Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Engineering Programs

Boston University was founded in 1839 as the Newbury Biblical Institute under the Methodist Church. It now offers more than 300 programs of study out of its 17 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 enrolled students and is no longer affiliated with the Methodists. It offers 17 different programs out of its college of engineering.

Boston University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 42
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 62

Best Boston University Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering . Students must complete 133 credits, which is usually accomplished within four years of full-time study. The program focuses on research that combines engineering with life sciences.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering . This program teaches students to address real-world challenges by designing and creating engineering-based solutions. By completing 135 credits over about four years, students will be eligible to graduate.
• Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems . This is a 32-credit program that can be completed in about two to three semesters. Students learn mechatronics, machine learning, assistive technologies, and environmental and sustainable systems through hands-on experience in their coursework and research or paid internships.
• Master of Science in Product Design and Manufacture . This program takes 32 credits to complete. Students will learn how to innovatively design and manufacture products in a cost-effective way. The program can be completed within two years.
• Master of Science with Thesis in Systems Engineering . This master’s program gives advanced-level systems engineering training, and students must finish with a thesis. The program can be completed within two years and requires 32 credit hours.

Boston University Engineering Key Takeaway

Boston University’s College of Engineering provides students with a learning experience in a variety of engineering disciplines and interdisciplinary programs that ensures they are workforce ready.

Founded in 1764, Brown University is renowned for its student-centered teaching approach, which allows students to develop a personalized course of study focusing on their interests. The engineering program was founded in 1847, and today the School of Engineering has an enrollment of over 750 students. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate programs, 31 master’s, and 51 doctoral degree programs.

Brown University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 14
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 64

Best Brown University Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering . This program is an interdisciplinary program that takes about four years to complete. The first two years focus on core engineering courses, while the last two consist of courses in upper engineering, biomedical engineering, humanities, and social sciences, as well as a capstone project.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This four-year program includes core engineering and upper-level engineering courses, as well as classes in chemistry, natural sciences, and humanities. Students can also elect to take specialized courses in other fields such as computer or electronics applications in chemical processing.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering . Similar to other engineering degrees, this four-year program will require first-year students to first focus on completing the core engineering courses. Students will focus the rest of their studies on a variety of eclectic engineering courses, an advanced science course, and a humanities course, plus a capstone project.
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering . This program also takes about four years to complete. Like other engineering bachelor’s programs, first-year students must complete the foundational engineering core courses. They will then complete their upper-level courses in biology, geology, and environmental engineering.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering . This four-year program covers interdisciplinary core courses as prescribed by the school of engineering. Additionally, students will take upper-level courses in mechanical engineering and fluid and thermal systems, as well as specialized engineering and science courses.

Brown University Engineering Key Takeaway

Brown University’s open curriculum provides you with the unique experience of customizing your degree in whichever field of interest you have, making your degree uniquely yours.

An Ivy League school, Columbia University was founded as King’s College in 1754 and began its first classes with just eight students. The university has grown over the centuries and today offers programs in more than 380 areas of study. Columbia draws in students from all over the world with over 30,000 students enrolled.

Columbia University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 11

Best Columbia University Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering . This is a four-year program that engages students in developing biomedical devices and systems and in applying engineering and applied sciences to solve problems in the fields of medicine and biology.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering . This four-year program combines civil engineering with applied mechanics to equip students with a broad technical base of knowledge necessary to adapt to the demands of changing technologies.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering . This is a four-year comprehensive program designed to equip students with fundamental electrical engineering knowledge. Students fulfill their degree requirements by completing 128 credits.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering . This four-year computer engineering program covers core courses of the electrical engineering program. It also focuses on core computer engineering courses, creating a strong base for digital system design.
• Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering . The materials engineering four-year program is designed around the development and improvement of the materials and processes that make up engineered systems.

Columbia University Engineering Key Takeaway

Columbia University is a leading research university where students experience excellent support as they pursue their degree.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University began with 39 students at a time when the nation was recovering from the Civil War. Today, Lehigh is a nationally recognized university with an enrollment of more than 7,000 students. It has about 126 undergraduate and graduate programs that offer collaboration across engineering disciplines.

Lehigh University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 49
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800

Best Lehigh University Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering . This four-year program explores the causes of environmental problems and considers the methods to control or prevent them. The goal is to engage students in addressing these problems and finding solutions for them. The total coursework required for graduation is 130 credits.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering . This program takes four years to complete and covers coursework worth 124 to 135 credits. It is a comprehensive program that touches on the fundamentals of thermodynamics, engineering materials, control systems, solid and fluid mechanics, and product design and manufacturing.
• Bachelor of Science in Biocomputational Engineering . This program requires 130 credits and spans four years. It is an interdisciplinary program that combines engineering with biology and computer science to teach students to solve problems in data analytics, healthcare, and biotechnology.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering . This four-year program focuses on the design, modeling, and application of electrical systems as solutions for the efficient operation of equipment, devices, and other tools that rely on electricity. To graduate you will need to complete the required 133 to 139 course credits.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . To graduate from this four-year program, students must complete 130 credits of coursework. The program focuses on engineering solutions and creating products in order to find new ways of addressing global challenges.

Lehigh University Engineering Key Takeaway

Lehigh offers engineering majors an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to their education, which not only provides a fantastic experience of student life but also prepares graduates to take on many different roles across various industries.

The first 39 students enrolled in Purdue University and began their classes in 1874. Today, the university operates out of six locations as well as online, with 13 colleges and schools. It offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and 160 graduate programs, and recent data from the school shows that nearly 50,000 students are enrolled.

Purdue University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Associate to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 49
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 105

Best Purdue University Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics . Students complete a total of 130 course credits over about four years to graduate. Like all engineering programs at Purdue, this one begins after students complete the foundational First-Year Engineering program. Students then choose a specialization in their final year.
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering . This program received a first-place ranking for engineering programs by US News & World Report in 2021. It is a four-year program, and students are required to complete 128 course credits to graduate. Students apply their knowledge of natural and agricultural systems to the engineering and design of equipment that is environmentally compatible with agricultural practices.
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . The industrial engineering program takes about four years to complete. In order to graduate you must complete 123 to 126 credits of coursework. Students learn how to design systems as well as how to improve and install integrated systems in relation to information, equipment, materials, and energy as they relate to people.
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering . This 120-credit program is designed for students who are interested in applying their engineering knowledge to fields outside of engineering. Students will be required to complete core engineering courses in their first year. They then choose between pre-med engineering studies or engineering science studies for the remaining three years.
• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering . This program takes about four years to complete. You will be required to take the core foundational engineering courses in your first year. You will need to complete a minimum of 126 course credits to graduate. Additionally, you can choose a concentration in physics or math to supplement your studies.

Purdue University Engineering Key Takeaway

Purdue University’s engineering disciplines help you build a strong engineering foundation regardless of the engineering specialization you choose to pursue.

University of Chicago was founded in 1890 with a commitment to academic rigor. Today, it has 86 academic departments operating from 12 colleges and schools offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.

University of Chicago Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 6
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 10

Best University of Chicago Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Engineering . This program focuses on building a strong knowledge base in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics for use in quantitative analysis, computation, and engineering problem-solving. Students can minor in bioengineering, quantum engineering, or chemical engineering. To graduate, you will need to complete 1,900 total units in four years.
• Master of Science in Bio- and Immunoengineering . This program prepares students to participate in and contribute to the fields of immunoengineering, cell and tissue engineering, biomaterials, and systems bioengineering. You will take 10 courses and be required to complete them within a maximum of two years.
• Master of Science in Polymer Science and Engineering. This program takes about a year to complete. Ten courses will be required during this time, in a concentration area of materials, biology, or computation. With this degree, you will be prepared to enter varied fields that require the knowledge of polymer and soft materials engineering.
• PhD in Molecular Engineering . This program gives students the opportunity to study various fields such as bioengineering, immunoengineering, and quantum engineering. You will focus on nine courses throughout the duration of the program and fulfill other PhD graduation requirements, such as completing a dissertation.
• PhD in Quantum Engineering . The focus of this program is on the aspects of engineering that affect quantum fields, such as quantum materials, quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. You will take nine courses and complete other degree requirements such as a dissertation in order to graduate.

University of Chicago Engineering Key Takeaway

University of Chicago’s engineering programs are highly ranked and its Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first of its kind in the nation, providing a unique and strong engineering program.

University of Florida is a public university with roots dating back to 1853, with the establishment of Florida’s first state-supported institution of higher education, the East Florida Seminary. The university has since grown to offer more than 300 academic programs out of its 16 colleges. The university saw a total of 61,112 students enrolled in Fall 2021.

University of Florida Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Associate to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 28
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 154

Best University of Florida Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering . This four-year program requires 128 credits to complete. Students learn to solve real-world problems revolving around the design, construction, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. Should you choose, you can also pursue a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree, or a dual degree combining both the aeronautic and mechanical engineering programs.
• Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering . This program requires students to complete 128 credits of coursework over about four years. Students can specialize in other fields such as biosystems engineering, agricultural production engineering, and land and water resources engineering.
• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering . To graduate with this biomedical engineering degree, students will need to complete 131 credits over four years. By combining life sciences and medicine, you will learn how to apply engineering to the disciplines of medicine and biology to improve healthcare.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This four-year program requires the completion of 131 credits for a student to graduate. The curriculum builds on the basic principles of engineering using physics, mathematics, and biology to help students become well-rounded and versatile chemical engineers.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering . The four-year civil engineering program requires students to complete 128 credits to graduate. Students will learn the fundamentals behind the design of civil structures and facilities such as dams, roads, bridges, pipelines, waterworks, foundations, and buildings that modern civilization relies on.

University of Florida Engineering Key Takeaway

University of Florida’s engineering students graduates with the necessary and relevant skills and knowledge in their area of interest.

University of Houston was founded in 1927. It has grown to offer a wide variety of programs to a student body of over 47,000, which includes 255 undergraduate, 111 master’s, and 51 doctoral degree programs.

University of Houston Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 179
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800

Best University of Houston Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering . Full-time students will need to complete 130 credit hours over four years to graduate with this degree. You will learn how to think broadly and creatively through research opportunities in various fields including catalysis and reactions, energy and environment, and materials and polymers.
• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering . This four-year degree program will require students to complete 128 credit hours in order to graduate. The program teaches students to apply engineering principles and methods to solve health-related issues.
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . This 125-credit program takes about four years to complete. By combining information technologies, machines, and human interaction, students are able to engineer systems that enhance the quality and efficiency of products and services across various industries.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering . This four-year program requires students to fulfill 128 credits of coursework. Students will learn to design and develop mechanical solutions for a variety of applications, including medical devices, engineering sensors, new materials, and electromechanical machinery.
• Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering . This is a four-year, 127-credit program. Students will learn the fundamentals of petroleum engineering, drilling, reservoir engineering, and petrophysics. Additionally, students will address the geoscientific, economic, and project management aspects of petroleum production.

University of Houston Engineering Key Takeaway

As the recipient of a Tier One research excellence acknowledgment from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the University of Houston is among the top universities in the nation for engineering research.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor was founded in 1817 as a training academy by the governor of the Michigan Territory and other local legislators. Students would get training in science, Greek, and Latin before proceeding to an established university. The small academy grew into the fully-fledged university it is today, now offering more than 275 academic programs through 19 schools and colleges.

University of Michigan Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 24

Best University of Michigan Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . To graduate with this degree, you will need to complete 128 credits of coursework over the course of eight terms. You will learn to solve real-world problems using strong foundational skills in chemistry, mathematics, and engineering through designing and conducting experiments.
• Bachelor of Science in Space Science and Engineering . This is a 128-credit program for students pursuing a space science concentration. You will first complete the core courses as prescribed by the College of Engineering before taking courses in your preferred concentration. You will develop theoretical, computational, and quantitative skills toward studying the physics of space.
• Bachelor of Science in Climate and Meteorology . To graduate, students need to complete 128 credit hours in core engineering and climate courses, plus concentration and elective courses. The program is geared toward students who are interested in understanding the impact of climate change and weather on society.
• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences . To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in this field, you will need to complete 128 credits of coursework. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for nuclear and radiation applications in governmental, industrial, medical, and environmental contexts.
• Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering . This degree requires students to complete 128 credit hours in order to graduate. Students will tackle the fundamentals of engineering mechanics in relation to designing and constructing marine systems and vehicles from the onset of their program.

University of Michigan Engineering Key Takeaway

An engineering education from the University of Michigan draws from various engineering departments to create holistic and robust programs that both challenge and inspire.

University of Washington was founded in 1861 on eight acres of land as the Territorial University of Washington. Its first university degrees were offered 15 years later due to the population demographics. Today, the university has three campuses, with a 2021 enrollment of 6,069 students in its 18 schools and colleges.

University of Washington Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
• US News Ranking: 59
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 29

Best University of Washington Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering . This program teaches students how to design, develop, test, and produce aircraft and spacecraft, as well as how to use aerodynamics to improve upon earthbound objects like race cars and golf balls. The degree takes about 180 credits to complete over four to six years.
• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering . This program requires 180 credit hours and takes four to six years to complete. Core curriculum content covers understanding the design, structure, and function of various materials as well as testing, and processing them. Students in this program can choose a nanoscience and molecular engineering option.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This program takes a minimum of four years to complete and requires 180 credit hours. Project-based learning and inclusiveness prepare graduates for leadership opportunities in diverse chemical engineering careers.
• Master of Science in Bioengineering . This is a thesis-based master’s program. Students will apply their knowledge of science and engineering to come up with solutions to biomedical problems. This program consists of 36 credit hours, which takes about two years to complete.
• PhD in Human Centered Design and Engineering . This 90-credit program engages students in studying how technologies are designed, implemented, and evaluated, including their effects. The first two years will be spent covering core coursework, after which the rest of the time will be dedicated to research.

University of Washington Engineering Key Takeaway

The University of Washington is a good place to study engineering due to the variety of specializations, the different options for concentrations, and the academic degrees available.

1. Arizona State University. Arizona State University is a school that has been repeatedly recognized for innovation in education and research. It has consistently received top 10 rankings in various higher-education categories. As a school offering online education, ASU provides distance learners with the same quality of education as its on-campus students.
2. Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University has long held a strong reputation as a leader in research and innovation. The university offers a wide variety of engineering-based degrees at the master’s level in both traditional and emerging fields in engineering.
3. Old Dominion University. Old Dominion University has been a pioneer and leader in distance learning nationally, offering online education for more than 35 years now. The university also offers a wide variety of online programs, at all levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate.

1. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is a two-year community college that is autonomous and comprehensive. You can get college credit for relevant life experiences. The college also has strong partnerships with four-year colleges and universities enabling students to transfer smoothly into a full degree program.
2. Pittsburgh Technical College. Pittsburgh Technical College provides hands-on project-based education, providing students with the relevant experiences and skills required by employers. All students participate in internships or employer partnership programs before they graduate.
3. Texas State Technical College. Texas State Technical College is a two-year institution offering certificate and associate degree programs in more than 20 fields. The most popular programs offered are in engineering technologies and other engineering-related programs. Additionally, students can benefit from earning credit for life experiences and from using the school’s extensive placement services.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT is a university that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees with a focus on technological and scientific research. With a history of excellence and quality education, the university is ranked second nationally by US News & World Report.
2. Stanford University. Stanford University is a prestigious university offering quality education out of seven schools. Its school of engineering has long been at the forefront of innovation and research. The university seeks to empower students to make meaningful contributions in our complex world.
3. University of California, Berkeley. UC Berkeley offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering fields. By applying creativity to emerging technologies, students are at the forefront of innovation, leadership, management, and entrepreneurship.

1. California Institute of Technology. California Institute of Technology is known for its engineering and science programs. It offers more than 30 graduate programs in its engineering schools, ranging from biology- and chemistry-based engineering, to physics, mathematics, and science-based studies.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Institute of Technology offers one of the best engineering programs nationwide. Its engineering graduate program offering is in a variety of fields including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, and environmental engineering. Its graduate programs are ranked seventh by US News & World Report.
3. University of Illinois. The University of Illinois is a public university offering a wide variety of graduate programs. Its engineering offering includes plasma, aerospace, railways, and autonomy and robotics. The university’s Master of Engineering (MEng) program is geared toward students wishing to pursue professional careers.

1. Columbia University | Combined Plan. The Combined Plan program allows students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree of their choice for three or four years and combine it with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering for an additional two years.
2. Dartmouth | Dual-Degree Program. The dual-degree program at Dartmouth is designed to allow students pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees at other universities to also earn a Bachelor of Engineering degree by completing an additional year at Dartmouth after finishing their BA program.
3. University of Notre Dame | Engineering Dual-Degree Program. The engineering dual-degree program at the University of Notre Dame enables students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering as they pursue undergraduate studies at another university.

1. Drexel University | BS/MS in Engineering. Drexel’s accelerated program allows students to accelerate the attainment of their engineering master’s degree as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees. The program applies to engineering programs such as mechanical, civil, chemical, architectural, and environmental engineering.
2. Northeastern University | Accelerated Bachelor/Graduate Degree Programs. Northeastern University offers students an opportunity to earn graduate credits as they pursue their bachelor’s degrees. Students take the relevant courses and apply the credits toward both their undergrad and graduate programs.
3. University of Central Florida | Accelerated BS-MS Program. The University of Central Florida offers undergraduate students in their junior or senior years an opportunity to take 12 graduate credits toward their graduate degree. This shortens the time that would have been required to earn both degrees had they taken the programs separately.

The best engineering associate degree jobs are hands-on positions that require technical skills. Technicians and technologists in engineering often hold associate degrees and play an important role in supporting engineers in fulfilling their roles.

Top Engineering Careers With an Associate Degree

• Aerospace Engineering Technician: $73,580
• Electrical Engineering Technologist: $63,640
• Mechatronics Technician: $60,360

Engineering jobs with a bachelor’s degree typically involve the design and development of equipment. These roles also involve problem solving and include ensuring the efficient running of equipment and systems.

Top Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Petroleum Engineer: $130,850
• Aerospace Engineer: $122,270
• Nuclear Engineer: $120,380

Engineering jobs with a master’s degree are usually in senior leadership roles. The jobs typically entail the inception and management of high-level processes and projects, from the design aspects to the management of staff and funds.

Top Engineering Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Senior Principal Engineer: $144,705
• Principal Systems Engineer: $132,642
• Senior Software Engineer: $121,138

For those with doctorate degrees in any field of engineering, the jobs available tend to fall under research work in large government or privately funded research facilities, or academia and institutions of higher learning.

Top Engineering Careers With a PhD

• Semiconductor Applications Engineer: $110,505
• Senior Research Scientist: $104,914
• Senior Process Engineer: $103,870

There are many engineering internship opportunities available to students at different times of the year. Whether you are pursuing an associate or a master’s degree, you can take advantage of them to enhance your learning.

In order to be considered for an internship, you will first need to ensure that you meet the application requirements and then complete the application and submit it before the deadline. Internship opportunities are usually seasonal and based on the needs of a company.

Top Engineering Internships

• Terumo BCT, Inc., Engineering Undergraduate Intern: $62,000
• Hottinger, Bruel, and Kjaer (HBK) Engineering Intern: $58,000
• AltaGas Engineering Intern: $26/hour