You know you want to be an engineer. Maybe you even know what kind of engineer you’d like to be. Perhaps the toughest part is deciding which university you’d like to attend. With help from the ratings of U.S. News & World Report, we’ve compiled lists of the best undergraduate engineering programs broken down by field or discipline. Find out how U.S. News ranks its engineering programs here.
Top Undergraduate Engineering Programs
Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
#3: California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private institution that was founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 948, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 124 acres. Caltech focuses on science and engineering, and in addition to its undergraduate studies, offers top graduate programs in engineering and areas of science including biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics and physics. Companies such as Intel, Compaq and Hotmail were founded by Caltech alumni. Its tuition and fees are $54,600.*
Biological / Agricultural Engineering
#1: Purdue University – West Lafayette
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University—West Lafayette is a public institution that was founded in 1869. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,672, its setting is city, and the campus size is 2,468 acres. Purdue is made up of 13 schools and colleges, many of which serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Purdue’s esteemed School of Aeronautics and Astronautics within the College of Engineering has acquired the nickname “Cradle of Astronauts.” Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,992; out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,794.*
#2: Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Iowa State University is a public institution that was founded in 1858. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 29,621, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,813 acres. Iowa State is a land-grant institution, meaning faculty and students work on research projects that better the community as a whole. At the university’s Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, researchers work on air quality, biorenewable, crop and livestock, environmental and human health projects. Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,320; out-of-state tuition and fees are $24,508.*
#3 (TIE): Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
Cornell University is a private institution that was founded in 1865. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,182, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 745 acres. Cornell’s two largest undergraduate colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Notable alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author E.B. White and Bill Nye, the “Science Guy.” Its tuition and fees are $57,222.*
#3 (TIE): University of California – Davis
Davis, California
The University of California—Davis (UC Davis) is a public institution that was founded in 1905. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,872, its setting is city, and the campus size is 5,300 acres. UC Davis, one of 10 schools in the University of California system, was originally established as a farm school for UC – Berkeley. Among the school’s graduate programs are the highly ranked Graduate School of Management, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering and School of Veterinary Medicine. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,492; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,484.*
Biomedical Engineering
#1: Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private institution that was founded in 1876. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,064, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 140 acres. Johns Hopkins University is divided into nine schools, five of which serve undergraduate and graduate students. Hopkins’ graduate programs include the top-ranked Bloomberg School of Public Health and the highly ranked School of Education, Whiting School of Engineering, School of Medicine and the well-regarded Peabody Institute for music and dance. Its tuition and fees are $55,350.*
#2: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#3: Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University is a private institution that was founded in 1838. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,682, and the setting is Suburban. Duke University is divided into 10 schools and colleges, many of which serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Duke’s graduate programs include the highly ranked Fuqua School of Business, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, Sanford School of Public Policy and School of Nursing. Its tuition and fees are $58,198.*
Chemical Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
#3: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
Civil Engineering
#1: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
#2: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
#3: University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign is a public institution that was founded in 1867. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,915, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,783 acres. The university is comprised of 15 colleges and schools located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Its School of Information Sciences and College of Engineering are among the best in the country. Its in-state tuition and fees are $16,210; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,352.*
Computer Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private institution that was founded in 1900. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,947, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 153 acres. Carnegie Mellon is known for its programs in science and technology. Undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon have the opportunity to participate in research and can even receive grants or summer fellowships to support research in their field of study. Its tuition and fees are $57,119.*
#3: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
Electrical / Electronic / Communications Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
#3: Stanford University
Stanford, California
Stanford University is a private institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,087, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 8,180 acres. Stanford’s campus is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. Stanford offers a wide range of student organizations, including the Stanford Solar Car Project, which designs, builds and races a solar car every two years. Four of Stanford University’s seven schools offer undergraduate and graduate coursework, and the remaining three serve as purely graduate schools. Its tuition and fees are $53,529.*
Environmental / Environmental Health Engineering
#1: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
#2 (TIE): Stanford University
Stanford, California
Stanford University is a private institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,087, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 8,180 acres. Stanford’s campus is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. Stanford offers a wide range of student organizations, including the Stanford Solar Car Project, which designs, builds and races a solar car every two years. Four of Stanford University’s seven schools offer undergraduate and graduate coursework, and the remaining three serve as purely graduate schools. Its tuition and fees are $53,529.*
#2 (TIE): University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is a public institution that was founded in 1817. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,318, its setting is city, and the campus size is 3,207 acres. The university boasts of Ann Arbor, only 45 minutes from Detroit, as one of the best college towns in the U.S. Michigan also offers highly ranked graduate programs, including the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Law School and Medical School. Its in-state tuition and fees are $15,558; out-of-state tuition and fees are $51,200.*
Industrial / Manufacturing Engineering
#1: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
#2: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is a public institution that was founded in 1817. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,318, its setting is city, and the campus size is 3,207 acres. The university boasts of Ann Arbor, only 45 minutes from Detroit, as one of the best college towns in the U.S. Michigan also offers highly ranked graduate programs, including the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Law School and Medical School. Its in-state tuition and fees are $15,558; out-of-state tuition and fees are $51,200.*
#3: Purdue University – West Lafayette
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University—West Lafayette is a public institution that was founded in 1869. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,672, its setting is city, and the campus size is 2,468 acres. Purdue is made up of 13 schools and colleges, many of which serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Purdue’s esteemed School of Aeronautics and Astronautics within the College of Engineering has acquired the nickname “Cradle of Astronauts.” Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,992; out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,794.*
Materials Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
#3: University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign is a public institution that was founded in 1867. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,915, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,783 acres. The university is comprised of 15 colleges and schools located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Its School of Information Sciences and College of Engineering are among the best in the country. Its in-state tuition and fees are $16,210; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,352.*
Mechanical Engineering
#1: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private institution that was founded in 1861. MIT offers degree programs in a range of subjects, though its mission statement emphasizes science and technology disciplines. The institution’s largest school by far, in terms of enrollment, is the School of Engineering, according to fall 2018 data from the MIT registrar. Its tuition and fees are $53,790.*
#2: University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, California
The University of California—Berkeley (Berkeley or Cal) is a public institution that was founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay and is a well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including a number of graduate and professional schools. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.*
#3: Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public institution that was founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Tech has six colleges, including its highly ranked graduate schools: the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. In-state tuition and fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,794.*
Petroleum Engineering
#1 (TIE): Texas A&M University – College Station
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University—College Station is a public institution that was founded in 1876. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 53,743, its setting is city, and the campus size is 5,200 acres. Texas A&M—a research institution—is an academic and athletic powerhouse in central Texas. The university has highly ranked graduate offerings through its Dwight Look College of Engineering. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,232; out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,726.*
#1 (TIE): University of Texas – Austin
Austin, Texas
The University of Texas—Austin (UT) is a public institution that was founded in 1883. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,804, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 437 acres. The University of Texas—Austin is one of the largest schools in the nation and is divided into 18 schools and colleges, one of which is the highly ranked Cockrell School of Engineering. UT also offers hundreds of study abroad programs, with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and China. Its in-state tuition and fees are $10,818; out-of-state tuition and fees are $38,228.*
#2 (TIE): Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge is a public institution that was founded in 1860. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,361, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 2,000 acres. Students at LSU can choose from many programs in more than a dozen colleges, with graduate degrees available in the E. J. Ourso College of Business, the College of Engineering, and several other fields. Its in-state tuition and fees are $11,962; out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,639.*
#2 (TIE): Pennsylvania State University – University Park
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University—University Park is a public institution that was founded in 1855. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,363, its setting is city, and the campus size is 7,958 acres. With around more than 1,000 clubs and organizations, there are broad opportunities to get involved in campus life. The land-grant institution, which originally was offered state land in exchange for agricultural courses and research, offers highly ranked graduate programs through the College of Education and the College of Engineering. Its in-state tuition and fees are $18,450; out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,514.*
*According to 2019 data.
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