US Engineering School Rankings: What the Lists Measure

The best engineering schools in the US include top research universities known for strong programs, high job placement, and deep industry ties.

Examples often cited in US engineering school rankings include MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Purdue University. These schools lead in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Strong research funding, employer demand, and hands-on training set them apart. Program strength still varies by major, so the best choice depends on how well a school fits a student’s goals in engineering education.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

- US engineering school rankings track research, funding, and reputation, not daily classroom experience or personal fit.

- Top schools stay similar year to year, but strengths can differ by department.

- Regional schools often offer strong job access that rankings do not show.

- Global rankings focus on research, while US rankings better reflect undergraduate study.

- Rankings work best when used with long-term academic and career planning.

How US Engineering School Rankings Work

Rankings use academic surveys, research funding, and student outcomes from graduate programs and undergraduate tracks. Each system weighs these factors differently. This is why school positions can shift across lists.

Families use rankings as a starting point. Rankings do not show class size, advising access, or daily support. They help compare schools at a high level.

Top Engineering Schools in the US for 2026

The top engineering schools in the US include private research universities and large public universities. Many of these schools also appear on lists of the top private colleges in America due to strong research and hiring demand.

US Engineering Rank 2025	WUR Engineering Rank 2025	University	Overall	Research Quality	Industry	International Outlook	Research Environment	Teaching
1	1	Harvard University	97.5	97.6	97.1	93.7	99.6	96.5
2	2	Stanford University	96.4	98.6	100	86.4	95.3	97
3	3	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	96.2	97.9	100	87.9	93	99
4	5	University of California, Berkeley	95.8	98.8	100	86.5	98.5	91.2
5	7	California Institute of Technology	95.5	93.9	100	76.8	99.1	97.2
6	8	Princeton University	94.5	97.4	92.6	88.6	93.6	94.7
7	15	Georgia Institute of Technology	90.3	94.8	99.8	78.8	93.7	82.5
8	16	University of California, Los Angeles	88.8	96	95.8	85.7	88.9	80.5
9	18	Yale University	88.3	91.5	76.6	87.3	86.5	90.6
10	19	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	86.6	84.7	88.2	73.6	90.2	87.8
11	20	Carnegie Mellon University	86.1	98	81.2	77.6	86.2	77.8
12	24	Cornell University	83	90.8	74.3	81.7	80.6	80.5
13	25	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	82.6	80.2	97.9	60.9	88.7	80
14	28	Columbia University	81.6	89.8	98.6	89.5	74.9	73.6
15	29	University of Texas at Austin	81	92.9	91	54.7	80.8	73.6
16	30	Purdue University West Lafayette	80.7	72.6	95.1	74	85.6	81.3
17	32	Northwestern University	77.7	94.1	76.4	82.3	70.9	67.9
18	34	University of Pennsylvania	77.2	87.6	84	84.4	73.3	67.2
19	37	Johns Hopkins University	75.9	82.9	86.9	74.3	74.9	67.4
20	42	University of California, San Diego	74.3	91.2	100	73.7	65.6	59.3
21	47	University of California, Santa Barbara	73.5	95.4	100	83.5	63	52.6
22	51	University of Washington	71.8	89.1	80.8	78.1	63.5	59.2
23	55	University of Massachusetts	71.2	88.2	87.8	80.8	54.5	64.4
24	63	Duke University	69.3	80.9	100	82	54.4	61
25	64	Texas A&M University	68.8	74	78.1	66.3	66.9	63.5
26	74	University of Wisconsin-Madison	65.7	75.6	72.3	71.2	58.7	59.7
27	76	Penn State (Main campus)	65	83.5	75	63.9	57.1	52.4
28	84	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	63.4	87.3	90.2	67.8	50.7	44.2
29	85	University of California, Davis	63.2	73.1	76.4	79.1	56.4	52.6
30	87	University of California, Irvine	62.8	92.6	96.3	84.9	44.3	37.2
31	89	Rice University	62.3	90.4	74.8	87.2	41.1	46.5
32	90	Brown University	61.6	84.1	71.5	74.5	40	55.8
33	99	New York University	60.3	90	72.9	87.9	44	36.9
=34	101–125	North Carolina State University	57.6–60.1	78.7	89.6	68.2	42.6	40.9
=34	101–125	Ohio State University (Main campus)	57.6–60.1	79.5	99.9	68.3	45.9	39.5
=34	101–125	University of Maryland, College Park	57.6–60.1	88.8	78.3	50.1	45.4	42.6
=34	101–125	University of Minnesota	57.6–60.1	68.4	99.6	57	51.8	49.1
=34	101–125	University of Southern California	57.6–60.1	79.3	70.6	73.8	48.1	45.8
=39	126–150	Boston University	54.5–57.4	73.6	76.2	74	37.3	42.2
=39	126–150	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	54.5–57.4	95	87	63.3	31.6	26.9
=39	126–150	University of Colorado Boulder	54.5–57.4	73.2	80.9	59.6	47.4	44.1
=39	126–150	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	54.5–57.4	91.1	73.7	62.3	34	35
=43	151–175	Arizona State University (Tempe)	52.2–54.4	77.6	77.8	76.1	31.5	35.6
=43	151–175	Michigan State University	52.2–54.4	78	73.7	73.7	36.3	35.8
=43	151–175	University of California, Riverside	52.2–54.4	91.4	75.1	81	27.6	26.8
=43	151–175	University of Notre Dame	52.2–54.4	74.9	84.3	70.3	31	37.7
=47	176–200	Northeastern University	50.0–52.1	85.6	68.5	84.1	26.3	28.2
=47	176–200	University of Arizona	50.0–52.1	65.8	76.2	64.7	44.1	35.5
=47	176–200	University of Delaware	50.0–52.1	72.2	99	70.7	33	32.6
=47	176–200	University of Florida	50.0–52.1	70	80.2	54.4	39.2	39
=47	176–200	Vanderbilt University	50.0–52.1	74.1	68.5	67.2	30.3	40.4
=52	201–250	Case Western Reserve University	46.7–49.9	74.4	73.6	71.5	28.8	29.5
=52	201–250	Colorado School of Mines	46.7–49.9	64.8	78.1	38.2	39.5	38
=52	201–250	Dartmouth College	46.7–49.9	71.9	79.5	65.7	25.1	39.6
=52	201–250	Drexel University	46.7–49.9	90	71.9	75.5	19.9	25.4
=52	201–250	George Washington University	46.7–49.9	77.6	64.3	72.6	21.9	32.9
=52	201–250	Stony Brook University	46.7–49.9	77.1	67.9	81.7	25.2	25.7
=52	201–250	University at Buffalo	46.7–49.9	78.9	78.9	83.3	28.3	26
=52	201–250	University of California, Santa Cruz	46.7–49.9	81.3	73.5	77.5	24	21.2
=52	201–250	University of Central Florida	46.7–49.9	65.8	95.3	46.7	35.2	31.3
=52	201–250	University of Houston	46.7–49.9	79.2	73.8	91.8	22.5	22.9
=52	201–250	University of Illinois Chicago	46.7–49.9	76.4	74	66.3	28.8	27.2
=52	201–250	University of Nebraska-Lincoln	46.7–49.9	79.9	69.3	75.3	22.1	25.5
=52	201–250	University of South Florida	46.7–49.9	72.4	89.6	86.1	27.6	22.2
=52	201–250	University of Virginia (Main campus)	46.7–49.9	69.7	79.7	63.3	31.5	33.9
=52	201–250	Washington University in St Louis	46.7–49.9	70.8	68.1	77.3	30.9	36.5
=67	251–300	Florida International University	44.7–46.6	83.4	62.3	61.5	22.8	20.3
=67	251–300	Florida State University	44.7–46.6	71.1	73.3	73.3	31.2	20
=67	251–300	Illinois Institute of Technology	44.7–46.6	76.1	67.3	75.4	25.2	24.4
=67	251–300	Iowa State University	44.7–46.6	68.8	87.4	46.2	26.9	30.4
=67	251–300	SUNY Binghamton University	44.7–46.6	71.8	74.9	50.1	27.2	28.6
=67	251–300	University of Kentucky	44.7–46.6	73.7	78.1	59.3	25.4	24.3
=67	251–300	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh campus	44.7–46.6	71.9	70.9	53.7	27.9	29.3
=67	251–300	University of Rochester	44.7–46.6	51.8	93.9	80.8	28.7	30.5
=67	251–300	University of Texas at Arlington	44.7–46.6	80.9	74.9	70.4	22.4	21.5
=67	251–300	University of Texas at Dallas	44.7–46.6	85.7	75.2	61.4	19.7	22.6
=67	251–300	University of Utah	44.7–46.6	63.1	77.6	46.4	33.2	29
=67	251–300	Washington State University	44.7–46.6	73.2	75.3	74.4	27	24.9
=79	301–400	Auburn University	41.3–44.6	74	70.9	59.9	22.2	21.6
=79	301–400	George Mason University	41.3–44.6	83.7	57.4	63.7	20.8	13.6
=79	301–400	Indiana University	41.3–44.6	67.1	96.7	77.9	21.4	19.5
=79	301–400	Missouri University of Science and Technology	41.3–44.6	72.1	85.8	65.6	23.9	19.9
=79	301–400	Mizzou - University of Missouri	41.3–44.6	66.6	69.6	67.1	21.9	21.8
=79	301–400	New Jersey Institute of Technology	41.3–44.6	72.9	63.1	88.4	17.4	18.1
=79	301–400	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	41.3–44.6	58.4	82.1	71.9	26.1	29.8
=79	301–400	Rutgers University – New Brunswick	41.3–44.6	72.5	70.3	66	26.2	22.5
=79	301–400	Stevens Institute of Technology	41.3–44.6	77.3	62.4	71.6	19.3	19.2
=79	301–400	Temple University	41.3–44.6	86.4	64.7	58.1	15.9	19.1
=79	301–400	The University of Texas at San Antonio	41.3–44.6	80.4	56.6	48.9	21.9	18.7
=79	301–400	The University of Tulsa	41.3–44.6	79.5	61.1	62.4	14.6	24.3
=79	301–400	Tufts University	41.3–44.6	70.4	76.7	61.6	21.8	25.1
=79	301–400	University of Connecticut	41.3–44.6	63.6	74.3	70.4	23.9	21
=79	301–400	University of South Carolina-Columbia	41.3–44.6	77.5	69.6	70.4	17.5	24.8
=94	401–500	Colorado State University, Fort Collins	38.3–41.2	56	86.3	55.5	25.1	23.7
=94	401–500	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University	38.3–41.2	65.1	53.2	53.4	23.2	23.2
=94	401–500	Lehigh University	38.3–41.2	52.6	68.3	76	20.4	30.3
=94	401–500	Louisiana State University	38.3–41.2	66.5	65.3	46.8	19.6	21.8
=94	401–500	Mississippi State University	38.3–41.2	77.2	55.1	60	19.3	18.8
=94	401–500	Texas Tech University	38.3–41.2	59.6	59.5	72.7	19.4	24.5
=94	401–500	University of Alabama	38.3–41.2	67.9	61.8	52.1	21.5	18.5
=94	401–500	University of Arkansas	38.3–41.2	60.8	66.6	49.6	24.5	22.9
=94	401–500	University of Georgia	38.3–41.2	64.8	81.3	55.7	25.8	17.5
=94	401–500	University of Iowa	38.3–41.2	58.9	88.1	60.7	22.9	23.3
=94	401–500	University of Miami	38.3–41.2	59.2	62.5	77.9	17.3	21.9
=94	401–500	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	38.3–41.2	70.3	63.9	45.1	20.1	19
=94	401–500	University of Toledo	38.3–41.2	71.8	71.1	66.3	16.8	16.9
=107	501–600	Oklahoma State University	35.8–38.2	59.7	60.5	69.4	16.5	17.7
=107	501–600	Syracuse University	35.8–38.2	59.2	63.9	60.5	16.7	24.4
=107	501–600	University of California, Merced	35.8–38.2	69.3	63.3	57.6	16.1	17.2
=107	501–600	University of Hawai’i at Mānoa	35.8–38.2	60.4	63.4	76.4	16.5	14.6
=107	501–600	University of Kansas	35.8–38.2	52.7	78.9	61.8	20.6	19.8
=107	501–600	Virginia Commonwealth University	35.8–38.2	48	95.4	40.4	23.4	22.7
=107	501–600	Worcester Polytechnic Institute	35.8–38.2	66	66.5	52.6	16.7	20.7
=114	601–800	Baylor University	30.6–35.7	47.4	56.7	47.9	16.5	18.9
=114	601–800	Florida Atlantic University	30.6–35.7	62	51.4	71.3	13	13.4
=114	601–800	Kansas State University	30.6–35.7	56.1	59.9	55.7	15.9	20.8
=114	601–800	Northern Illinois University	30.6–35.7	66	56.8	78.4	11.1	11.2
=114	601–800	Ohio University (Main campus)	30.6–35.7	47.8	68	46.1	19.1	21.1
=114	601–800	Rochester Institute of Technology	30.6–35.7	59.6	57.1	37.6	15.2	15.4
=114	601–800	South Dakota State University	30.6–35.7	64.2	39.6	51.1	13.9	14.1
=114	601–800	University of Alaska Fairbanks	30.6–35.7	48.3	44.9	76.4	18.6	20
=114	601–800	University of Colorado Denver /Anschutz Medical Campus	30.6–35.7	44	62.8	58.1	19.8	14.2
=114	601–800	University of Maryland, Baltimore County	30.6–35.7	60.9	60.5	58.9	13.8	20.1
=114	601–800	University of Memphis	30.6–35.7	56.1	47.3	41.1	15.1	20.5
=114	601–800	University of Rhode Island	30.6–35.7	61.1	56.1	59.6	16.4	17.6
=114	601–800	University of Texas at El Paso	30.6–35.7	50.3	52.6	58.8	26.3	17.1
=114	601–800	University of Wyoming	30.6–35.7	61.4	57.7	39.7	15.5	21.9
=114	601–800	Wake Forest University	30.6–35.7	55.1	77.8	44.4	12.4	22
=114	601–800	Wayne State University	30.6–35.7	53.6	73.7	57.2	14.5	22.4
=114	601–800	Western Michigan University	30.6–35.7	68.3	43.1	59.7	10.7	15.6
=131	801–1000	Clarkson University	25.6–30.4	34.3	67	54.1	13.8	20.1
=131	801–1000	Florida Institute of Technology	25.6–30.4	40.2	40.7	58	12.3	17.5
=131	801–1000	Georgia Southern University	25.6–30.4	54.8	35.3	42.8	10.9	7.8
=131	801–1000	New Mexico State University (Main campus)	25.6–30.4	37.4	56.2	49.7	18.6	18.5
=131	801–1000	Oakland University	25.6–30.4	39.5	54	56	13.5	17.1
=131	801–1000	Old Dominion University	25.6–30.4	49.1	41	42.8	13.4	18.9
=131	801–1000	Portland State University	25.6–30.4	40.2	53.5	54.9	17.9	17.2
=131	801–1000	Saint Louis University	25.6–30.4	36.1	42.9	51.6	15.2	18.9
=131	801–1000	San Diego State University	25.6–30.4	52	57	44.8	9.5	13.8
=131	801–1000	Southern Illinois University Carbondale	25.6–30.4	49.3	52.1	47.7	10.9	19.6
=131	801–1000	Texas State University	25.6–30.4	48.7	43.9	69.5	14.6	12.8
=131	801–1000	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	25.6–30.4	39.9	48.8	41.7	17.3	15.2
=143	1001–1250	Montana State University	19.5–25.5	24.1	52.3	37.5	14.6	14.2
=143	1001–1250	Rowan University	19.5–25.5	36.7	36.9	55.3	13.3	14.3
145	1251+	University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	9.4–19.4	27.1	21	52.7	8.4	11

The best engineering schools in the US for 2025 reflect growth in applied science and computing. Location and employer links now shape rankings more than before.

Top Undergraduate Engineering Programs by Major

Mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering support manufacturing, robotics, and flight systems. Electrical engineering and computer science drive power, hardware, and applied computing.

Strong programs also exist in chemical engineering, materials science, and civil engineering. These choices matter as much as a school’s name when selecting an engineering degree.

The #1 and Most Selective Engineering Schools

The most selective schools admit few students and draw large national interest. Schools such as the Institute of Technology, MIT, often rank at the top due to large research budgets and output. These signs show prestige but not increased chances of admission.

Why Purdue Engineering Is Ranked So High

Georgia Tech and Purdue both rank high due to applied research and employer demand. Purdue’s strengths in chemical engineering and industrial systems help students find steady career paths. Early access to research opportunities also improves outcomes.

Good Engineering Colleges vs Elite Engineering Colleges

Many good engineering schools offer strong training without a national brand. These focus on teaching access and job placement. Smaller classes often help students work closely with faculty.

Elite schools differ mainly in research size and funding. Students can still achieve strong results at mid-tier schools when the programs offered align with their goals.

Best Engineering Schools in the World vs the US

Global rankings focus on research output and citations. In the US, the University of California, Berkeley and UC Berkeley compete worldwide through work tied to Silicon Valley. This setting supports both study and applied research.

Using Rankings to Build a Strategic School List

Families often review published lists such as US engineering school rankings. An engineering degree should balance challenge with job access.

Rankings work best as one part of planning. Families often use a college application checklist to track each step. Knowing when colleges start accepting applications helps keep timing on track.

What Matters More Than Rankings in Engineering Admissions

Admissions review long-term work in math, science, and projects. Depth in engineering education matters more than short-term awards. Ongoing work in materials science or civil engineering shows a steady academic focus.

CollegeCommit Advisory Model

At CollegeCommit, we support students from 8th grade through 12th grade with structured planning and expert guidance. We don’t just advise – we engineer your child’s admissions edge through long-term academic planning and milestone tracking.

Our work supports Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Rolling. We serve families nationwide and globally through a fully remote model.

Ready to transform uncertainty into opportunity? Join our upcoming cohort at CollegeCommit: Where Preparation Becomes Placement.

Schedule your free private consultation today.

US Engineering School Rankings: How to Compare Top Programs

Key Takeaways

How US Engineering School Rankings Work

Top Engineering Schools in the US for 2026

Top Undergraduate Engineering Programs by Major

The #1 and Most Selective Engineering Schools

Why Purdue Engineering Is Ranked So High

Good Engineering Colleges vs Elite Engineering Colleges

Best Engineering Schools in the World vs the US

Using Rankings to Build a Strategic School List

What Matters More Than Rankings in Engineering Admissions

CollegeCommit Advisory Model

Average IQ of Ivy League Students

What Does Getting Deferred Mean for College?

How To Sign Up For Dual Enrollment In High School Programs

Cheapest Ivy League Schools: Costs Explained

Average IQ of Ivy League Students

Are Ivy League Schools Worth It?

Average College Tuition: How Much Does College Cost?

Key Takeaways

How US Engineering School Rankings Work

Top Engineering Schools in the US for 2026

Top Undergraduate Engineering Programs by Major

The #1 and Most Selective Engineering Schools

Why Purdue Engineering Is Ranked So High

Good Engineering Colleges vs Elite Engineering Colleges

Best Engineering Schools in the World vs the US

Using Rankings to Build a Strategic School List

What Matters More Than Rankings in Engineering Admissions

CollegeCommit Advisory Model

Related Posts

Average IQ of Ivy League Students

What Does Getting Deferred Mean for College?

How To Sign Up For Dual Enrollment In High School Programs

Cheapest Ivy League Schools: Costs Explained

Average IQ of Ivy League Students

Are Ivy League Schools Worth It?

Average College Tuition: How Much Does College Cost?