From the clean water we drink and the bridges we cross to the smartphones in our pockets and the medical devices that save lives, engineers are the architects of our modern world. Choosing to pursue a degree in engineering is a commitment to a challenging but incredibly rewarding career path, one that empowers you to solve real-world problems, innovate, and build a better future.
The first step on this journey is choosing the right college; a place that will provide you with the foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional opportunities to succeed.
With so many universities offering excellent programs, finding the perfect fit can seem like a major challenge in itself. At Remitly, we want to help you navigate the big decisions that will shape your career. This guide will explore the popular colleges for engineering majors, highlighting everything from the world-renowned industry leaders to excellent and affordable engineering schools, so you can find the best option to support your goals.
What to look for in a top engineering program
Before you start looking at school names, it’s important to understand the key ingredients of a great engineering education. The best programs offer a powerful combination of rigorous academics, practical experience, and a supportive community.
ABET accreditation
This is the single most important factor to look for. ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program is often a requirement for obtaining a professional engineering license (PE license) and is a signal to employers that your education has met the highest industry standards.
Strong co-op and internship programs
Engineering is a practical, hands-on field. The theory you learn in the classroom is vital, but you also need to apply it. The best engineering schools have deep connections with industry partners and offer a whole range of co-op (cooperative education) and internship programs. These opportunities allow you to gain paid work experience, build your resume, make professional connections, and often lead directly to a full-time job offer after graduation.
Modern labs and hands-on research facilities
You can’t learn to be a great engineer just from a textbook. Look for schools that invest in their facilities, offering students access to modern, well-equipped labs, and computer facilities. A great program will also provide opportunities for students to take part in faculty-led research, allowing you to contribute to the latest projects and explore your field.
A supportive and collaborative student environment
Engineering school is famously tough. A supportive environment can make all the difference. Look for colleges that offer strong academic support systems, such as tutoring centers and peer-led study groups. A collaborative, team-oriented culture rather than a cutthroat, competitive one will better prepare you for the modern engineering workplace, which values teamwork.
Top US colleges for engineering majors
These universities are globally recognized as the top US engineering schools. They are known for their innovative research, distinguished faculty, and impressive student body that goes on to lead in every sector of the industry.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is synonymous with engineering excellence. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, its programs in nearly every engineering discipline, from mechanical and aerospace to chemical and electrical, are consistently ranked number one in the world. MIT’s culture is defined by its intense, hands-on approach to problem-solving and its motto, “mens et manus” (mind and hand). It is a hub for students who want to tackle the world’s most difficult technical challenges.
Stanford University
Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford’s School of Engineering is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. It has world-class programs in computer, electrical, and bio-engineering. Stanford’s deep ties to the tech industry provide students with unparalleled access to internships, guest lecturers, and career opportunities at the world’s most influential companies.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
A public university located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has built a formidable reputation as one of the largest and most respected engineering colleges in the US. It is renowned for its massive co-op program, which places thousands of students in paid, long-term positions at companies across the country. With top-ranked programs in industrial, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, Georgia Tech is a leader in producing career-ready engineers.
University of California, Berkeley
As one of the world’s top public universities, UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering offers an elite education in a diverse and dynamic environment. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, its programs in civil, environmental, and electrical engineering are distinguished. Berkeley is known for its research and a student body that is passionate about using technology to address social and environmental issues.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is a small, private university in Pasadena, California, with an intense focus on science and engineering research. It offers a deeply theoretical and challenging curriculum for students who want to work at the very boundaries of knowledge. Caltech’s programs in aerospace engineering (it manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and mechanical engineering are among the best in the world.
Affordable and accessible engineering schools
You don’t have to attend a coastal school with a high price tag to get a world-class engineering education. These public universities are known for offering exceptional programs at a more affordable cost, potentially providing an incredible return on investment.
Purdue University
Located in Indiana, Purdue is a massive public research university and a true engineering powerhouse. It is famous for its aerospace engineering program, earning it the nickname “Cradle of Astronauts.” With top-20 programs across almost every engineering discipline and a large, welcoming international student body, Purdue is a top destination for those seeking a high-quality, affordable education.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top public engineering schools in the US. It is a leader in fields like computer, civil, and materials engineering. The university is known for its state-of-the-art research facilities, including a world-class cleanroom lab, and a huge, active alumni network that provides strong career support.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, is known for its hands-on learning philosophy and strong sense of community. It has top-ranked programs in civil, environmental, and industrial engineering. The school’s motto, “Ut Prosim” (That I May Serve), is reflected in its focus on practical, real-world projects that benefit society.
Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU has earned a reputation for being one of the most innovative universities in the country. Its Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are large, diverse, and growing rapidly. ASU is a great choice for students interested in sustainable engineering, as well as those seeking flexible learning options through its respected online engineering programs.
The community college pathway to an engineering degree
One of the smartest and most affordable pathways to an engineering degree is to start at a community college. This route allows you to save a significant amount of money while preparing for the challenges of a four-year university program.
How 2+2 and 3+2 transfer programs work
These are formal agreements between community colleges and four-year universities.
In a “2+2” program, you complete your first two years of foundational coursework at the community college, covering subjects such as calculus, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering. If you maintain a certain GPA and complete the required courses, you are guaranteed admission as a junior into the engineering program at the partner university.
This is a fantastic way to access a top-tier program at a lower overall cost. At the end of it, you earn a bachelor’s degree.
In a “3+2” program, you spend three years at one institution (usually a liberal arts college), followed by two years at a second (usually a research university). This is a popular route for engineering students because it allows you to get the benefits of a liberal arts education before completing the specialized training needed for your future career.
With this program, you end up with two bachelor’s degrees.
Popular engineering majors
Engineering is a vast field with many specializations. Here’s a brief look at some of the most popular disciplines.
Mechanical Engineering
One of the broadest fields, mechanical engineers design, build, and test mechanical devices and systems of all sizes, from tiny medical implants to massive power plants.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure of our world, including roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, and water supply systems.
Electrical Engineering
This field deals with electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers work on everything from large-scale power grids to the microchips found in computers and smartphones.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers work at the intersection of hardware and software, designing and building the computer systems and components that power our digital world.
Biomedical Engineering
This discipline applies engineering principles to biology and medicine to create solutions for healthcare, such as prosthetic limbs, medical imaging devices, and diagnostic tools.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work on the cutting edge of flight and space exploration.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers use principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to design large-scale processes for producing, transforming, and transporting chemicals, materials, and energy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right engineering college is a big first step toward a future built on innovation and problem-solving. Whether you’re aiming for a top research university or a practical, hands-on program, what matters most is finding a school that fits your goals and supports your growth.
It’s not just about the name of the school. It’s about the real-world projects you’ll work on, the connections you’ll make, and the community you’ll be part of. When you focus on these key factors, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling engineering career.
FAQs
Do I need to attend a top-ranked school to become an engineer?
No. While top-ranked schools provide incredible resources and networks, what matters most to employers is that you graduate from an ABET-accredited program with strong hands-on skills. A dedicated student from a solid state university with great internship experience is often just as desirable, if not more so, than a student from an elite school with no practical experience.
Can I transfer into an engineering program from community college?
Yes, absolutely. The community college transfer pathway is a well-established and respected route into engineering. It can save you tens of thousands of dollars and allow you to prove your academic capabilities before transferring to a more competitive four-year university.
Are engineering degrees expensive?
They can be, especially at private universities. However, choosing an in-state public university is a much more affordable option. Also, because engineering is a high-demand field, there are many scholarships available specifically for engineering students from companies, professional organizations, and the universities themselves.
What’s the average salary for engineering graduates?
Engineering remains one of the most financially rewarding career paths. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers earned a median annual salary of $91,420 as of May 2023. That’s nearly twice the median wage for all occupations, which stood at $48,060. While earnings vary by specialty, fields like computer, petroleum, and electrical engineering often come with the highest salaries.