Best Engineering Schools in the United States

America’s leading engineering schools are known for advancing scientific discovery, developing practical technology and preparing students to solve complex global problems. With strong research programs, accomplished faculty members and access to modern facilities, these institutions regularly appear on lists of the best engineering schools.

Whether your interest is aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical or environmental engineering, these universities offer exceptional academic pathways for graduate and undergraduate students.

Note: Rankings are based on the 2023–2024 U.S. News & World Report list of the best engineering schools. Costs and enrollment figures refer to master’s programs at these institutions.

15. University of Southern California (Viterbi)

Location: Los Angeles, California

Year founded: 1905

Per credit cost: $2,309

Enrollment in master’s program: 5,732

Bottom Line: University of Southern California (Viterbi)

The University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering is recognized for strong engineering education, high-impact research and broad academic flexibility. It consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the United States.

Viterbi offers undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as aerospace, biomedical, civil, electrical and computer engineering. Graduate and Ph.D. students may study on campus, online or through a combination of both formats.

14. Johns Hopkins University (Whiting)

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Year founded: 1913

Annual cost: $60,480

Enrollment in master’s program: 2,604

Bottom Line: Johns Hopkins University (Whiting)

The Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University serves undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering, along with several other disciplines.

The school places strong emphasis on advanced research, technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students work with respected faculty members who are active in research and scholarship across important engineering fields.

13. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, New York

Year founded: 1865

Annual cost: $29,500

Enrollment in master’s program: 2,617

Bottom Line: Cornell University

Cornell University is known for a demanding curriculum, distinguished faculty and modern facilities. Engineering students can pursue areas such as biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental and mechanical engineering.

The school encourages creativity, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in engineering and related industries.

12. University of California, San Diego (Jacobs)

Location: La Jolla, California

Year founded: 1964

Annual cost: $11,700

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,565

Bottom Line: University of California, San Diego (Jacobs)

The Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego offers programs in bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering and other technical fields.

Students benefit from respected faculty, advanced facilities, hands-on learning opportunities, industry connections and support for entrepreneurial ideas.

11. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)

Location: Urbana, Illinois

Year founded: 1868

Annual cost: $19,320

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,812

Bottom Line: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)

The Grainger College of Engineering gives undergraduate and graduate students many options, including aerospace, civil, computer science, electrical, mechanical and bioengineering.

Its alumni have founded or co-founded major technology companies, including Yelp, YouTube, Tesla and Oracle, reflecting the school’s strong connection to innovation and entrepreneurship.

10. Texas A&M University, College Station

Location: College Station, Texas

Year founded: 1880

Per credit cost: $287

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,380

Bottom Line: Texas A&M University, College Station

Texas A&M University offers engineering programs in areas such as aerospace, chemical, civil, computer science, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering.

The university has numerous on-site laboratories and research facilities. It also works with the Texas Engineering Experiment Station on engineering research projects.

9. University of Texas at Austin (Cockrell)

Location: Austin, Texas

Year founded: 1894

Annual cost: $10,554

Enrollment in master’s program: 2,395

Bottom Line: University of Texas at Austin (Cockrell)

The Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin offers 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs across multiple engineering disciplines.

Known for selectivity and academic strength, Cockrell continues to appear on national lists of top engineering schools and remains a strong choice for students pursuing an engineering degree.

8. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Year founded: 1807

Annual cost: $29,466

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,800

Bottom Line: University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s engineering program is widely respected for education, research and innovation. Its graduates are regularly sought after by employers.

Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial and operations engineering, and mechanical engineering.

7. California Institute of Technology

Location: Pasadena, California

Year founded: 1891

Annual cost: $60,657

Enrollment in master’s program: 548

Bottom Line: California Institute of Technology

Caltech has the smallest master’s enrollment on this list, which helps create one of the strongest faculty-to-student ratios among these engineering schools. Its alumni and faculty have also earned significant recognition, including Nobel Prizes.

The engineering program offers a broad selection of disciplines for undergraduate and graduate students, including aerospace, chemical, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Year founded: 1885

Annual cost: $14,064

Enrollment in master’s program: 4,784

Bottom Line: Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech offers programs for undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer science, electrical, industrial, materials science and mechanical engineering.

The school emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced research, giving students an engaging environment in which to build technical skill and creativity.

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Year founded: 1905

Annual cost: $52,100

Enrollment in master’s program: 4,843

Bottom Line: Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering offers programs in biomedical, chemical, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics engineering.

Students may also take engineering courses in countries such as Chile, Portugal and Japan. The school offers an accelerated master’s program in Engineering and Technology Innovation Management that can be completed in one year, and undergraduates can also pursue an accelerated master’s after graduation.

4. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

Year founded: 1869

Annual cost: $10,842

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,495

Bottom Line: Purdue University

Purdue University’s College of Engineering offers coursework in aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer science, electrical, industrial, mechanical and materials engineering.

Its alumni often move into careers in industry, academia and research. Notable graduates include Neil Armstrong, the first astronaut to walk on the Moon; Charles Ellis, who helped design the Golden Gate Bridge; and John Atalla, who created the personal identification number, or PIN.

3. University of California, Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Year founded: 1868

Annual cost: $11,700

Enrollment in master’s program: 2,673

Bottom Line: University of California, Berkeley

At Berkeley, a master’s degree in engineering generally takes about two years to complete, though an accelerated option can take about one year. Graduate students must complete two minors, but those minors do not have to be in engineering.

Berkeley also offers engineering students access to 40 research centers and institutes, supporting work across a wide range of technical and scientific areas.

2. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California

Year founded: 1891

Annual cost: $66,297

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,469

Bottom Line: Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the world’s leading engineering schools, offering programs in bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and more.

The university has a close association with Silicon Valley and has had a major influence on the modern technology industry. Companies founded or co-founded by Stanford alumni include Google, HP, Cisco and PayPal.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Year founded: 1861

Annual cost: $57,590

Enrollment in master’s program: 3,222

Bottom Line: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT currently holds the top position among engineering schools on this list. Its campus includes 20 research centers that support work in many areas, including cancer research, ocean engineering and soldier nanotechnologies.

Students with entrepreneurial goals can enter a $100,000 competition for the chance to win start-up funding. Professionals already working in engineering who want to shift their focus can explore the MIT Career Reengineering Program, which includes a semester-long course, a research project or internship, and career workshops.