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Best Engineering Universities in the USA

9 minutes reading time
Students interested in pursuing a career in engineering have many options to choose from the universities offering world-class research facilities and opportunities. This is why studying engineering in a place where technology is advanced is important. The USA is known for its excellent education institution, particularly in the field of engineering.

Many US universities have excellent engineering programs and advanced technology that are highly regarded worldwide. This is why studying at an engineering university in the USA is beneficial. It offers rigorous programs and world-class faculty. This article will explore some of the best engineering universities in the USA and what sets them apart from other institutions. 

Table of Contents

  1. Why Study Engineering in the USA?
  2. Top Countries in the USA for Engineering
    1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    2. UC Berkeley
    3. Stanford University
    4. Harvard University
    5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
    6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
    7. Carnegie Mellon University
    8. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
  3. QS World University Ranking for Engineering
  4. Conclusion
  5. FAQs

Why Study Engineering in the USA?

The US is the home of several top universities in the world. The US provides world-class faculty and a strong tradition of innovation to students. Here is why studying engineering in the US can be important.

1. Specialisations
In the US, engineering students usually specialise early in their academic program, although the number of specialisations offered varies by university. There are top engineering schools in the US and 14 engineering majors, such as environmental, aerospace, biosystems, chemical, and optical sciences. You are expected to choose a specialisation to focus on your interests and goals by the end semester.

2. Mentored by top researchers
Studying engineering in the US can benefit those interested in cutting-edge technology and learning from top researchers. The top engineering schools are known for their world-class research in sustainability, biomedical systems, defence, manufacturing, and materials. The universities have over 100 ongoing projects and hundreds of undergraduate engineering students working in their labs.

3. More earning
Studying engineering in the US has a higher chance of getting higher salaries than their peers in other nations. According to PayScale, Engineers in the USA earn an annual wage of approximately $76,061 higher than in other countries.

4. Work Permit
The United States government permits companies to hire foreign workers with expertise in "speciality subjects," including engineering, provided they possess an accredited undergraduate degree from a US educational institution.

You can work in the United States for six years with a Non-Immigrant Visa. Naturally, you must secure an employer willing to sponsor you. Still, this procedure is often faster and more prevalent among engineering students than applying for a Green Card.

Suggested Reads: Top Reasons to Study in USA

Top Countries in the USA for Engineering

Top universities provide valuable networking opportunities, which give you better job opportunities. Here are some of the best engineering universities in the USA.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is a renowned university with five schools focusing on scientific and technological research. Among these schools, the largest one is the MIT School of Engineering.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • The Energy Club at MIT is a highly sought-after organisation that offers a platform for you to discuss energy-related concerns.
  • MIT is also home to 33 varsity sports teams, the most extensive MIT athletic program among all Division III schools in the NCAA.
  • Over 70% of MIT classes have fewer than 20 students, enabling students to regularly receive personalised guidance and support from the esteemed faculty.
  • MIT nurtures its students' technology ideas into highly successful businesses.

Provinces

Cambridge, Massachusetts

QS Ranking 2023

#1st 

Courses offered

#1 Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical Engineering.

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$57,986.

2. UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is a public research university founded in 1868 and the first state university to be granted land. The Colleges of Engineering is one of the best schools among its other 14 schools, worldwide renowned for its excellence in engineering education.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • They offer a dynamic, interdisciplinary, hands-on education.
  • An impressive alumni list includes 35 Nobel Prize winners, 41 MacArthur Foundation "Genius Grant" recipients, and the founders of over 270 companies.
  • A dynamic group of individuals who are enthusiastic, curious, and entirely devoted to their academic pursuits.
  • The International study and research programs, including access to the Gump Field Station.

Provinces

Berkeley, California

QS Ranking 2023

#5

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$14,226 (in-state)

3. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private college established in 1885. The campus is located in a suburban area, covers 8,180 acres, and follows a quarter-based academic calendar.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • This university is renowned for its exceptional STEM programs, producing many Nobel Prizes and Fields Medal winners.
  • Stanford University has 36 varsity teams, 33 club sports, active Greek life, and community service opportunities.
  • The Stanford community currently has 21 Nobel laureates.
  • Renowned for its theatrical and musical groups, such as the Ram's Head Theatrical Society and the Mendicants.

Provinces

Stanford, California

QS Ranking 2023

#2

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$56,169.

4. Harvard University

Harvard University is an Ivy League institution established in 1636. Harvard University is considered one of the most esteemed universities worldwide.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • Harvard has had eight US presidents as graduates, including FDR and JFK, and boasts notable alumni such as Thoreau and Keller.
  • Apart from academics, Harvard's sports teams participate in the Ivy League and have an annual football game against their rival Yale.
  • The Ivy League status in culture and the professional world is well-known, and Harvard is often considered the hub of elite education.
  • Harvard's innovation and technological progress history is impressive and not reflected by student headcount or school standings.

Provinces

Cambridge (Boston), Massachusetts

QS Ranking 2023

#8

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$57,261.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech is known for its undergraduate population of over 14,000 students. The School of Engineering offers various specialisations, including aerospace engineering and medical physics.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • The institute has highly regarded biomedical, electrical, electronic, and civil and structural engineering programs.
  • Georgia Tech was ranked #4 by US News & World Report in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs category for schools.
  • Georgia Tech prepares you for engineering jobs and emphasises leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  • Best values in American higher education due to its high academic quality and relatively low cost.

Provinces

Atlanta, Georgia

QS Ranking 2023

#16 

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$11,764 (in-state)

6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech is a small private college. With less than 1000 undergraduate students, It brings together brilliant minds and advanced tools to solve important scientific problems and issues society faces.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • Caltech is renowned for its world-class science and engineering programs.
  • You can work on research projects at the Science and Engineering Center and the Neuromorphic Systems Engineering Center.
  • CalTech, a traditional science powerhouse, offers a Division of Engineering and Applied Science for graduate students and a standalone chemical engineering program.
  • Caltech maintains a remarkably low teacher-to-student ratio of about 1:3.

Provinces

Pasadena, California

QS Ranking 2023

#6

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$60,864.

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution founded in 1900 and offers ten interdisciplinary majors and course-based and research-based graduate programs.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • Carnegie Mellon University is known for pioneering research, technology transfer, enterprise creation, and partnerships with corporations and institutions.
  • Culture makers, excellent education, and interdisciplinary and innovative research opportunities are available.
  • You can get the opportunity to expand your education globally by participating in study and research programs in Chile, Portugal, and Japan.
  • More than twelve degree-granting programs are offered globally, with satellite campuses located in Africa, Australia, Silicon Valley, and Qatar.

Provinces

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

QS Ranking 2023

#18

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$61,344.

8. University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois is a public university established in 1867. It's located in a city with a large campus of 1,783 acres. The University's School is known for its exceptional programs and is widely regarded as one of the best engineering universities in the USA.

Why is it a Popular Choice?

  • This university has the highest level of research activity.
  • Some famous people who attended this institution were Roger Ebert and Steve Chen.
  • The school's Fighting Illini competes in over 20 different varsity sports as part of the Big Ten Conference in NCAA Division I.
  • The first school to ensure all university services, courses, and buildings were accessible to people with disabilities.

Provinces

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

QS Ranking 2023

#31

Courses offered

Engineering and Technology

Duration

3-4 years

Tuition fees

$17,138 (in-state)

Suggested Reads: Masters in Chemical Engineering in USA

QS World University Ranking for Engineering

These are the top QS ranking universities in 2022 and 2023

World Universities 

2023

2022

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

#1

#1

Stanford University

#2

#5

University of Cambridge

#3

#3

University of Oxford

#4

#2

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

#5

#9

Imperial College London

#6

#7

ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

#7

#8

Harvard University

#8

#4

Tsinghua University

#9

#17

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

#6

#6

Suggested Blog: QS World University Ranking 2023

Conclusion

Engineering is a popular major in the US with many advantages. You can specialise early, allowing you to focus on your interests. Studying engineering in the US can be financially lucrative, as engineers in the US have higher salaries. Top US universities have excellent engineering programs with world-class facilities and researchers, offering opportunities for cutting-edge technology and research projects. All the universities mentioned above are among the best engineering universities in the USA, offering diverse programs and extracurricular activities.

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today! AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies, with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey to achieving your dream.

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