15 Best Engineering Schools in the US

Keep reading to find out the 20 best engineering schools in the US that have the most cutting-edge technology, top-notch education and faculty for the smartest minds.

With so many different engineering schools in the US and even more competition to get into these colleges, it may seem very intimidating trying to start the process. Don't worry, though, and we've compiled this list of the 15 Best Engineering Schools in the US and a little bit about each one to help you get an easy start and help make a real impact on people's lives in the future. 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location: Cambridge, MA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $53,450 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #1 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, and the School of Engineering is very popular among MIT students and makes up about 45% of the graduates there. MIT was incorporated in 1861. The faculty is some of the best and plays an important role in molding of the students' minds and helping them shape their future. MIT has cutting-edge research and education that go hand in hand. MIT is a powerhouse for engineering in the US, and the university has an array of engineering subjects like Aerospace, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Biomedical, & Environmental engineering. Amongst the best engineering schools in the US, MIT has a rewarding reputation for its Electrical Engineering and Computer Science course. But! Cracking your way through and winning the hearts of the MIT admissions team can be a little tough, as it has a competitive acceptance rate of 4%.

In terms of employability, the chances of securing a high-paying job at a top firm are quite bright. On an average, an MIT graduate earns up to $116,000 per year at companies like Apple, Google, McKinsey, Boeing, US Navy, Accenture, and Ford Motor Company. 

2. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, CA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $56,169 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #3

Stanford University is filled with creativity, innovation and discovery and is very well known, especially for its school of engineering. Opened in 1891, through development and application, they have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation. It took years for Stanford to make its way to the top, to be recognised as one of the top-tier best engineering colleges in the US. Engineering students at Stanford usually take up different courses like Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Aeronautics, Bioengineering, etc. Out of all the courses, Aeronautics, Computer Science, and Mechanical are the most sought after. Most of the admits at Stanford University come with an acceptance of around 4% which means it's extremely competitive. By being one of the top engineering colleges in the US, a Stanford Graduate is offered an average package: $ 112,000 (USD) at big MNCs like Google, Apple, Meta, HSBC, and American Express. 

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Location: Pasadena, CA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $56,364 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #6

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has produced some of the brightest minds and most innovative tools. JPL for NASA is managed by Caltech, which sends probes into the solar system to explore the planets. A number of astronomical observatories and research facilities are also owned and operated by them. There is no doubt that CALTECH is one of the best engineering colleges in the US for Aerospace, Astronomical, and Astronautical Engineering. Apart from its fine expertise in astronomy, CALTECH is also a host to other engineering courses like Chemical, Civil, and Environmental Health Engineering. Just like MIT and Stanford, Caltech has a low acceptance rate of 4% which shows just how much blood, sweat, and tears would go in to make it to their admit list, but of all is worth it. Why? Most CALTECH engineering graduates can ask for an average base salary of $112,166 (USD), along with an impressive network at companies like Meta, SpaceX, and various prestigious research labs.

4. University of California – Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, CA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $26,544/ year. 

University Rank: QS Ranking #6

The University of California – Berkeley is one of the three best engineering schools in the US. It offers hands-on experiences and learning and values creativity and imagination while challenging conventional thinking. They are all about social commitment and want to make a change in the world and engage in groundbreaking research. Their welcoming and dynamic faculty is some of the best in the world. 

Their acceptance rate is 15% which is not too bad. 

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $50,100/ year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #52

Recognized as one of the best engineering colleges in the USA due to its innovation, excellence and impactful pursuits, it has produced a number of strong engineers and researchers that are determined to find solutions to global problems. The School of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University are welcoming, and they make sure to create an enriching and inclusive environment for all their students. The application fee is $75, and the acceptance rate is 14% which is pretty decent for being one of the best engineering schools in the US. The fees of these universities may seem steep, so find out how to get scholarships to study in the US.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $29,140 /year for out-of-state students and $14,064 /year for in-state students.

University Rank: QS Ranking #88

With over 50 different degree tracks at all levels, there is something for everyone here at Georgia Tech, one of the top engineering schools in the USA. Their impact reaching far beyond their classroom is something they strongly believe in. They have built up their reputation and are deserving of being among the top engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $85, and the acceptance rate is 18% which is amazing. 

7. University of Michigan (UMich)

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $53,168 /year for out-of-state students and $28,338 /year for in-state students.

University Rank: QS Ranking #33

The University of Michigan is reimagining the way engineering is taught and closing gaps, and elevating teaching. With equity-centred values that guide the research done there and the expertise and experience of the faculty, the students are getting nothing but the best here and have appropriately been named one of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $75 for US residents and $90 for international students, and the acceptance rate is 20%, making it one of the easier universities to get into,

8. Johns Hopkins University 

Location: Baltimore, MD

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $58,720 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #28

The amazing faculty at Johns Hopkins University has contributed to groundbreaking research, and the university was named one of the top academic institutions for research and development by the National Science Foundation. They encourage the students to take on real-world challenges and create and learn with the cutting-edge technology and equipment that they provide. The College of Engineering has over 20 institutes and learning centres and, through partnerships and community, is one of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $75, and the acceptance rate is 8% which is low. 

9. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $10,842 /year for in-state students and $29,644 /year for out-of-state students.

University Rank: QS Ranking #129

Purdue University isn't catching up but is, in fact, leading the way in innovation and technological advancements, and through their creations and discoveries, they have made the world a better place already. They are dedicated to preparing their students for the competitive job market. Perdue University is definitely one of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $75, and the acceptance rate is one of the highest among engineering schools in the US at 69%.

10. University of California (UCLA)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $18,136 /year for in-state students and $33,238 for out-of-state students.

University Rank: QS Ranking #44

They are a public university focusing on research and knowledge that also has a close community and the perfect student life. No other university has achieved as much as UCLA in the first 100 years as them, and this is something they take pride in. They have played a role in shaping the world through their brilliant graduates. This is definitely part of the list of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $100, and the acceptance rate is 11%.

11. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $43,968 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #12

The students at the University of Pennsylvania is a world-acclaimed university with state-of-the-art technology for students to use and offer a hands-on experience like no other. Nothing drives them like technology and innovation, and they wish to transform the fundamentals of what future engineers are learning. This is definitely one of the best engineering schools in the US and the application fee is $90, and the acceptance rate is a low 6%. 

12. Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, IL

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $60,060 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #47

The faculty at Northwestern University does more than just teach; they empower the student and encourage them to ask questions and go the extra mile. They focus on leadership, personal development, entrepreneurship and collaboration. They aim to use the whole brain in the classroom as well as in real-life situations. They really are one of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $95, and the acceptance rate is 7%. Also, be sure to read up on daylight saving in the US before you go.

13. University of Texas 

Location: Austin, TX

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $10,554 /year for in-state students and $19,320 /year for out-of-state students. 

University Rank: QS Ranking #58

They have more than 20 research centres and a faculty that is outstanding. The University of Texas has launched some of the biggest and most accomplished leaders and pioneers, and they are part of everything from space exploration all the way to healthcare and energy. This is rightfully one of the best engineering schools in the US. The application fee is $90, and the acceptance rate is 29%.

14. University of Illinois Urbana

Location: Champaign, IL

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $18,998 /year for in-state students and $36,150 /year for out-of-state students.

University Rank: QS Ranking #64

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a campus with access to a range of different technologically advanced and innovative devices for the students to enrich their minds. The collaborative environment is what sets it apart from other universities and makes the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign of the best engineering universities in the US. The application fee is $90, and the acceptance rate is a high 60%. 

15. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY

Fees: The estimated approximate cost of the tuition will be $29,500 /year.

University Rank: QS Ranking #13

What began as a narrow discipline is now a very wide field that focuses on a variety of fields and different specialities. Engineering is the heart of Cornell University, and so it is one of the best engineering schools in the US. The students at Cornell aim to make a difference with their education in the near future, and the university has equipt them well for this. The application fee is $105, and the acceptance rate is 9%.

There you have it, the 15 best engineering schools in the US. They all have their own specialities and charm and, of course, acceptance rates, so choose wisely. Hopefully, this blog was helpful in your process. So Refer to the USA student visa guide, get your passports ready and make sure to make the most of your time studying in the US.