Choosing to pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) can be a strong investment for your future. These fields are at the forefront of innovation, tackling the world’s biggest challenges and opening doors to high-demand careers with competitive salaries. From developing life-saving medicines to designing the technology of tomorrow, a STEM education can be your launchpad to making a real impact.
But with thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, how do you choose the right one? The answer isn’t always about picking the most famous name. The best program is the one that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.
At Remitly, we believe in helping you navigate the big decisions that shape your future. This guide will explore a wide range of popular colleges for STEM majors, from world-renowned powerhouses to accessible public universities and supportive environments perfect for international and first-generation students.
What makes a great STEM college?
First, it’s important to understand what you should be looking for in a STEM program. A great STEM education is about the entire ecosystem of learning, research, and opportunity that a university provides.
World-class academic programs and faculty
A top STEM college will have rigorous, well-respected programs in your chosen field, taught by faculty who, in many cases, are leaders and active researchers in their own right. Look for schools with specializations, modern lab facilities, and a curriculum that is both challenging and up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
Hands-on research opportunities
STEM is not a spectator sport—the best learning happens by doing. Many great STEM schools provide opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in real research, whether it’s working in a professor’s lab, participating in a summer research program, or completing a senior thesis project. This experience is invaluable for graduate school applications and for your career.
Strong industry connections and internships
A degree is only as valuable as the opportunities it opens. The best colleges for engineering and science have deep connections with leading companies in their fields. They host career fairs, bring in guest lecturers from the industry, and have extensive internship programs that allow students to gain real-world experience—and often a job offer—before they even graduate.
A supportive and diverse campus environment
STEM programs can be challenging. A great college provides a strong support system, including tutoring, academic advising, mentoring, and collaborative study spaces. For many, especially international and first-generation students, finding a campus that is welcoming and diverse is just as important. A community where you feel you belong can be the key to your success.
Top-ranked STEM universities
These universities are globally recognized as the top STEM universities in the US. They are known for their research, renowned faculty (including Nobel Prize winners), and a highly competitive and innovative student body. While admission is extremely selective, they set the standard for STEM education.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is widely considered one of the most famous engineering and technology schools in the world. Its reputation is built on a culture of intense, hands-on problem-solving and a relentless drive for innovation. Students at MIT are known for their “hacker” culture of building and creating. With world-class programs in many engineering disciplines, computer science, physics, and biology, MIT is a hub for ambitious students who want to invent the future.
Stanford University
Stanford University is in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering strong ties to the tech industry. Its STEM programs, particularly in computer science, electrical engineering, and bioinformatics, are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Stanford’s entrepreneurial culture is a defining feature—many students and faculty have gone on to found tech companies. For students who want to be at the center of the tech universe, Stanford is the place to be.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is a small, private university in Pasadena, California, with a significant impact on the world of science. It’s an elite research institution focused primarily on science and engineering. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, undergraduates have unparalleled access to research opportunities in fields like theoretical physics, astronomy (Caltech manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and quantum science. It is an intense, deeply academic environment for the most dedicated science and math students.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a force in fields where technology and creativity intersect. It’s especially renowned for computer science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. CMU’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to combine their technical skills with studies in arts, design, and business, creating well-rounded innovators.
Affordable STEM colleges
You don’t need to attend a private university with sky-high tuition to get a world-class STEM education. Many public universities offer highly ranked programs, strong research opportunities, and diverse student bodies.
University of California, Berkeley
As the flagship campus of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is widely regarded as one of the top public research universities in the world. Its College of Engineering and programs in computer science, chemistry, and physics are globally respected. Its campus, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, offers students a diverse, socially engaged community alongside elite academics.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech is a public technological university with a strong reputation for engineering excellence. It’s one of the largest and most respected engineering and computing colleges in the country. The school, based in Atlanta, has a strong focus on co-op programs and internships, ensuring that students get practical, hands-on experience with major corporations before they graduate. Its strong reputation and more affordable public tuition make it a popular choice.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
UIUC in central Illinois is a massive public research university with a world-class reputation in engineering and computer science. Its Grainger College of Engineering is very highly regarded, with top-ranked programs in everything from civil engineering to computer engineering. UIUC is known for its state-of-the-art research facilities and a collaborative, down-to-earth student body.
University of Washington (UW)
The University of Washington is in Seattle, a major tech hub home to Amazon and Microsoft. It offers strong opportunities for students interested in software engineering, bioengineering, and health sciences. The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is one of the best in the country, and its city location provides direct access to internships and careers at leading tech companies.
Diverse and supportive STEM colleges for immigrant and first-gen students
For many students, especially those who are the first in their family to attend college or are coming from another country, finding a supportive and welcoming environment is an important factor. These schools are known for being both excellent in STEM and great places for a diverse student body to thrive.
Purdue University
Purdue, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a large public university with a strong focus on STEM and a sizeable international student population. It’s well-known for its top-ranked engineering programs, especially in aerospace engineering (it’s known as the “Cradle of Astronauts”). Purdue’s more affordable tuition and welcoming, diverse community make it one of the most popular choices for international students seeking a top-tier STEM education in the American Midwest.
Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, has earned a reputation for being highly innovative. It has a large and diverse student body, including many first-gen and international students. ASU has strong engineering programs and is a leader in fields like sustainability and solar energy. It also offers a wide range of high-quality online STEM degrees through its ASU Online campus, providing greater flexibility.
The City University of New York (CUNY) System
For students seeking an urban experience at an affordable cost, the CUNY system is a strong option. Schools like The City College of New York have strong, accredited engineering programs and a mission to serve the diverse population of New York City. CUNY provides an accessible on-ramp to high-quality STEM education for many first-generation and immigrant students.
A path to the future
The right STEM college can be the launching point for a life of discovery, innovation, and impact. Whether you dream of building rockets at a top-tier powerhouse, developing sustainable technology at an affordable public university, or breaking barriers as a first-generation student at a supportive institution, there is a good fit for you.
Ultimately, the name on your degree matters less than what you do with it. The best college is the one that provides you with the knowledge, hands-on opportunities, and supportive community you need to turn your passion for STEM into a meaningful and successful career. By researching your options thoroughly, you can choose a school that will not only educate you but also empower you to shape the future.
FAQs
Do I need to attend an Ivy League school for a STEM career?
No, absolutely not. While Ivy League schools have excellent programs, many of the top-ranked and most respected STEM universities in the US— like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech—are not in the Ivy League. Many of the highest-paying STEM jobs go to graduates of top public universities like UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and UIUC, who often graduate with less debt and more hands-on experience.
What’s the best major in STEM for job security?
Fields related to technology and data are consistently in high demand. Majors like computer science, software engineering, data science, and statistics have strong long-term job prospects. Engineering disciplines, especially computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, also tend to offer good job security and competitive starting salaries.
Can I start at a community college and transfer to a top STEM school?
Yes. This is an increasingly popular pathway. Many students complete their first two years of foundational math and science courses at a more affordable community college and then transfer into a four-year university as a junior. Many states have “2+2” transfer agreements that guarantee admission to a state university if you meet certain academic requirements at the community college.
Are STEM majors harder than other majors?
STEM majors are known for being rigorous and time-intensive. The coursework often involves complex problem-solving, advanced mathematics, and extensive lab work. However, “harder” is subjective. If you have a genuine passion and aptitude for the subject, and if you make use of the academic support systems available at your college, you can absolutely succeed.