Colleges 2018: Top 10 Engineering Colleges in the United States

If you love math and science, and making the world a better place with the help of technology is your idea of an ideal career, then engineering is the right higher education path for you. There are various branches of engineering to choose from namely: mechanical engineering, computer science, aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, and many more.

Engineering Education in the U.S.

There are many schools in the U.S. that offer a variety of engineering programs, with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as doctorate programs. The education landscape is constantly evolving. For instance, more universities are in the process of introducing new degree programs that combine engineering with management. President Charles M. Vest’s talk on U.S. Engineering Education in Transition discusses the direction that engineering education should take.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is a great source for reviewing universities, their various programs and the status of accreditation. Engineering jobs are estimated to be one of the highest paying jobs in the country; this is based on statistics put together by the U.S. Department of Labor. Engineers are in demand internationally to making it a viable career option.

Top Engineering Colleges in the U.S.

Without further ado, here are some of the top ranking engineering colleges in the U.S., and their highlights.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ranked as No.1 engineering college in the US for the second consecutive year, MIT is the best launch pad for engineering aspirants to have an amazing career ahead.

  • Top-ranked engineering college in the world
  • Private research university
  • Research centers and outreach programs
  • B.S., M.S., Ph.D. degrees
  • Tuition fees: $49,892 per year (full-time) 

2. Stanford University School of Engineering

Holding its spot in our ranking from the last year, Stanford School of Engineering is the next best US engineering college after MIT.

  • Labs and research centers
  • Research programs and a commitment to solve global problems
  • Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 9-10 engineering streams
  • Interdepartmental and interdisciplinary programs
  • Tuition fees: $49,617 per year (full-time)

3. Georgia Institute of Technology (↑3)

Making a huge jump from our last year’s rankings, Georgia Institute of Technology finished 3rd in the list of top engineering colleges of 2018.

  • Public research university
  • WIE program for female students
  • Diversity leaders through the Center for Engineering Education and Diversity
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program encourages entrepreneurship
  • Tuition fees: $12,418 per year (in-state, full-time); $33,014 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

4. Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering (↑1)

Renowned for its engineering programs, Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering improves its ranking by one spot in our list of best engineering colleges.

  • Ranked as one of the best engineering colleges by the U.S. News & World Report (2016 & 2017), Business Insider (2015), and the Guardian (2015)
  • Multidisciplinary degree programs and traditional majors
  • Honors research program
  • Research centers and institutes
  • Tuition fees: $53,910 per year (full-time)

5. UC Berkeley College of Engineering (↓2)

Though UC Berkeley College of Engineering dropped down on our list by two places, it is still one of the most sought-after engineering colleges in the country.

  • Top three engineering schools in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)
  • Departments are ranked between one and ten
  • Engineering undergraduates can gain experience at the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation and Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology
  • Options include a single major, joint majors, double majors, simultaneous degrees and minors
  • Tuition fees: $14,098 per year (in-state, full-time); $42,112 per year (out-of-state, full- time)

6. California Institute of Technology (↓2)

Popularly known as Caltech, California Institute of Technology ranks 6th in our list of top ten engineering college in the US.

  • A private university with Division of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Departments include aerospace, applied physics & material science, computing mathematical sciences, electrical engineering, environmental science & engineering, mechanical & civil engineering, and medical engineering
  • Financial aid for graduate and doctoral students
  • Around 300-strong faculty on a full-time basis
  • Tuition fees: $49,908 per year (full-time)

7. Cornell University College of Engineering

Cornell College of Engineering is the new entry in our list this year. Ranked at 7th place, Cornell attracts thousands of engineering aspirants from across the world.

  • Many national research centers on campus like the Center for Nanoscale Systems, the Cornell Center for Materials Research, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source etc.
  • Over 100 interdisciplinary centers, institutes, laboratories for enhancement of student learning.
  • Undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 9-10 engineering streams
  • Tuition fees: $52,853 per year (full-time)

8. University of Michigan College of Engineering

Michigan Engineering is climbing up the charts of top engineering colleges in the country and is ranked at #8 on our 2018 list.

  • It has over 14 departments of engineering including unique courses like Climate & Space Sciences Engineering, Nuclear Engineering etc.
  • Procured investments of up to $248 million on research activities done by a collaboration of students and teachers.
  • Has over 606 world-class faculties.
  • Tuition fees: $47,476 (out-of-state), $14,826 (in-state)

9. Princeton University School of Engineering and Applied Science

Apart from being a part of the prestigious ivy league, Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Science has carved a name for itself in the field of engineering education in the US.

  • Students can choose from over 6 departments of engineering
  • SAT/ACT scores are must for getting an admission
  • With great emphasis on research, Princeton supports research on 11 interdisciplinary areas such as Applied Physics, Data Science, Bioengineering etc.
  • Tuition fees: $47,140 per year (full-time)

10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (↓3)

Down but not out of our list is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was ranked 7th last year but settles for the 10th spot in our 2018 rankings.

  • Private research university
  • Degrees up to Ph.D.
  • Dual-degree program in Innovation, Leadership and Engineering Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering research
  • Tuition fees: $15,868 per year (in-state, full-time); $31,998 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

These are just some of the top engineering colleges that offer programs and research that can contribute to your growth as an engineer. Needless to say, a degree from one of these universities will give you a huge advantage in the job market.