Top Engineering Colleges in USA for International Students

 

Engineering is a field that propels society forward through technological advancement and problem-solving. The United States is home to some of the best engineering schools in the world. There are so many different engineering schools out there, and there is vast competition for the top programmes, though it is difficult to figure out where to apply. The Top 25 Engineering Schools in USA (and How to Apply) offers a challenging field of study, though there is a difference between

schools of engineering that exclusively focus on engineering fields such as mechanical and computer engineering. There are numerous options available across the United States, it's essential to be aware of the top institutions that provide exceptional education and opportunities for aspiring engineers.

So to help you out, we’ve assembled a list of the top 25 engineering schools in the United States. These colleges offer a wide range of engineering programmes, from civil engineering to electrical engineering, and they also have strong research programmes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranks among the best engineering schools worldwide.It is often a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mit played a significant role in the development of many areas of modern technology and science.

To apply to the The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Follow the steps which are given below:

(1) Online application : Visit MIT's official website and create an account on the MIT Admission portal and this will allow you to access the online application.

(2) Personal information: Provide your personal details.

(3) Academic Backgroud : Fill all your academic sections of the application

(4) Standardized test : Enter your SAT or ACT scores in the Application and if you have taken any subject specific SAT 2.

Tuition & Fees: $60,156

Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,657

Acceptance Rate: 4%

 

Stanford University 

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. Stanford University boasts a prestigious engineering programme with a focus on interdisciplinary studies.

Stanford University is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world. 

To apply to Stanford University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research the programmes: Explore the Standford website and familiarise yourself with the programmes, departments, and majors offered.

(2). Review admission requirements: Check the admission requirements for the specific programme you are interested in.

(3). Prepare the required documents: Gather the necessary documents for the application.

(4). Financial Aid: Require all the financial aid, research, and understand Standford's financial aid policies, grants, scholarships, and application deadlines.

(5). Pay application fees: submit all the application fees as required by Standford.

(6). Submit Application: Double-check all the application materials for accuracy and completeness.

(7). Track the application status: After submitting your applications, you have to regularly check the online portal or the communication channels that have been provided by Standford to track the status of your application.

(8). Interview: Some of the programmes require interviews as part of the application process.

(9). Await Admission Decision: Standford will notify you of the admission decision before the deadline.

Tuition & Fees: $62,484

Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,049

Acceptance Rate: 4%

 

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university in Pasadena, California.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers a small and intimate learning environment, emphasizing hands-on research opportunities. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a small body, with an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,000 students.

To apply to The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) ,Follow the steps given below:

(1). Review Admission Requirements: Visit the Official Caltech website and review the admission requirements for undergraduate application.

(2). Complete the common application or Coalition Application: Caltech accepts the Common application test or the Coalition Application you have to choose on of these platforms and complete the process.

(3) Submit Transcript: Request official Transcript from the secondary schools you have attended.These trascripts will show your academic performance , courses taken and grades obtained.

(4). Standardized Tests: Caltech requires either the SAT or ACT scores from the applicants.

(5). Letters of recommendations: Caltech requires two letters of recommendations from teachers or other individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.

(6). Submit Supplimental Materials: Caltech may requires additional materials , like academic portfolio , research abstarct , or an art suppliment.

(7). Application Fee or Fee Waiver: Pay the application fee, unless you qualify for a fee waiver These Fee Waiver are availabe for eligible students.

Tuition & Fees: $63,255

Undergraduate Enrollment: 982

Acceptance Rate: 3%

 

Princeton University

Princeton University is a private ivy-covered research university in Princeton, New Jersey. It is one of the oldest universities in the country, founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey.

It is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of just 5.4% for the 2022–2023 session, and enrolls over 17,000 students.

To apply to Princeton University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research the requirements: Visit Princeton University's official website and review the admission requirements, deadlines, and specific instructions for the programme in which you are interested.

(2). Prepare the required documents: Gather all the documents for your application.

(4). Create an application account: Visit the admission portal and create an application account.

(5). Complete the common application and coalition application: This university accepts either the common application or the coalition application. You have to choose the platform that you prefer and fill out the sections.

(6). Request letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Write compelling essays: Princeton requires the applicant to submit several essays, which include personal statements.

(8). Submit the application and pay the fees: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $59,710

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,604

Acceptance Rate: 6%

 

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. This university was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools.

It is widely recognised for its programmes in computer science, engineering, robotics, business, public policy, and the arts.

To apply to Carnegie Mellon University, Follow the steps given below:

(1). Research programmes: Explore CMU's official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online application access: Access the CMU application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fees: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardized Test: Carnegie Mellon University requires the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of Recommendation:  You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Professional statements or essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Interviews: Some programmes at CMU may require interviews as part of the application process.

(9). Submit Application: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $63,829

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,509

Acceptance Rate: 11%

 

Duke University

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1838 and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.

It's a highly selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 5.9% for the 2023–2024 academic year.

To apply to Duke University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research Programmes: Explore Duke University's official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online Application: Access the Duke University application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fee: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardized Test: Duke University generally requires standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Personal Statements or Essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Application submission: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $66,172

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,640

Acceptance Rate: 6%

 

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is commonly known as Georgia Tech. It was founded in 1885 and is one of the top-ranked institutions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It has a strong alumni network with over 140,000 members.

To apply to Georgia Institute of Technology, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research Programmes: Explore the Georgia Institute of Technology's official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online application access: Access the Georgia Institute of Technology application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fee: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardized Test: Duke University generally requires standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Personal Statements or Essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Application submission: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

In-state tuition and fees: $11,764

Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,415

Acceptance Rate: 17%

 

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private university in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1876. This university is known for its excellence in education, research, and healthcare.

The university was named for its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur and Quaker philanthropist John Hopkins.

To apply to the , Johns Hopkins University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research Programmes: Explore the Johns Hopkins University official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online application access: Access the Johns Hopkins University application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fee: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardised Test: Johns Hopkins University generally requires standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Personal Statements or Essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Application submission: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $63,340

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,044

Acceptance Rate: 7%

 

Columbia University

Columbia University is a private lvy league research university in New York city, United States. It is one of the oldest and prestigious universities in the country. 

Columbia organized into four undergraduate schools and twelve graduate and professional schools.

To apply to Columbia University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research Programmes: Explore the Columbia University official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online application access: Access the Columbia University application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fee: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardised Test: Columbia University generally requires standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Personal Statements or Essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Application submission: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $65,524

Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,832

Acceptance Rate: 4%

 

Cornell University

Cornell University is a private Ivy league statutory land-grant research university  based in Ithaca , New York.

It was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White , and it is a large, primarily residential research University with a majority of enrollments in undergraduate programs. 

To apply to Cornell University, follow the steps given below:

(1). Research Programmes: Explore the Cornell University official website and research the programmes in which you are interested.

(2). Online application access: Access the Cornell University application portal. Create an account and fill out the application form accurately and completely.

(3). Application Fee: Pay the application fees.

(4). Transcripts: Request an official transcript from the secondary schools you have attended. These transcripts will show your academic performance, courses taken, and grades obtained.

(5). Standardised Test: Cornell University generally requires standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programmes.

(6). Letters of recommendation: You can reach out to teachers, mentors, etc. who can provide you with strong letters of recommendation.

(7). Personal Statements or Essays: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that reflects your motivation, experiences, and goals.

(8). Application submission: Review your application form thoroughly to ensure that all the sections are complete and accurate.

Tuition & Fees: $66,014

Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,735

Acceptance Rate: 7%

 

University of Michigan

 

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, established in 1817, is a public university. It has a substantial undergraduate population of 32,695 as of the fall of 2022, and it is located in a city setting with a campus sprawling across 3,207 acres of land. The university follows a trimester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, it is ranked as the 21st among National Universities. The tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $17,786, while out-of-state students are charged $57,273 for tuition and fees.

In-state tuition and fees: $17,786

Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,695

Acceptance Rate: 18%

 

Rice University

Rice University, established in 1912, is a private university. It has an undergraduate student body of 4,494 as of the fall of 2022, and it is located in an urban environment with a campus covering 300 acres of land. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, it is ranked 17th among National Universities. The tuition and fees at Rice University amount to $58,128.

Tuition & Fees: $58,128

Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,494

Acceptance Rate: 9%

 

Harvard University

Harvard University, established in 1636, is a private university. It enrolls a total of 7,240 undergraduate students as of the fall of 2022, and its campus spans across 5,076 acres. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Harvard University is ranked 3rd among National Universities. Tuition and fees at Harvard University amount to $59,076.

Tuition & Fees: $59,076

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,240

Acceptance Rate: 3%

 

University of California - Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, is a public university established in 1868. It has a total of 32,831 undergraduate students enrolled as of the fall of 2022, and it is located in an urban setting with a campus covering 1,232 acres of land. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, the University of California, Berkeley is ranked 15th among National Universities. For tuition and fees, in-state students pay $15,891, while out-of-state students are charged $48,465.

In-state tuition and fees: $15,891

Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,831

Acceptance Rate: 11%

 

Northwestern University Admissions

Northwestern University has a highly competitive acceptance rate of just 7%. Among the students accepted, 50% of those who provided test scores achieved SAT scores ranging from 1490 to 1570 or ACT scores between 33 and 35. However, 25% of admitted students surpassed these score ranges, while another 25% fell below these ranges. The application deadline for Northwestern University is in January.

Application Deadline: Jan. 2

Application Fee: $75

Acceptance Rate: 7%

 

Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering is a private college established in 1997. It enrolls a total of 386 undergraduate students as of the fall of 2022, and it is located in a suburban environment with a campus spanning 70 acres. The college operates on a semester-based academic calendar, and the cost of tuition and fees is $61,802.

Tuition & Fees: $61,802

Undergraduate Enrollment: 386

Acceptance Rate: 19%

 

Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is a private college established in 1955. As of the fall of 2022, it has a total of 906 undergraduate students, and its campus occupies an area of 33 acres. The college follows a semester-based academic calendar, and it is ranked 16th among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. The cost of tuition and fees at Harvey Mudd College is $66,255.

Tuition & Fees: $66,255

Undergraduate Enrollment: 906

Acceptance Rate: 13%

 

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is a private university established in 1740. As of the fall of 2022, it has a total of 9,760 undergraduate students, and it is located in an urban environment with a campus covering 299 acres. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar, and it is ranked 6th among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Tuition and fees at the University of Pennsylvania amount to $66,104.

Tuition & Fees: $66,104

Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,760

Acceptance Rate: 7%

 

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a public university established in 1883. As of the fall of 2022, it has a total undergraduate enrollment of 41,309 students. The university is located in an urban setting with a campus spanning 431 acres of land. It follows a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked 32nd among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. In-state students are charged tuition and fees totaling $11,698, while out-of-state students pay $41,070.
 

In-state tuition and fees: $11,698

Undergraduate Enrollment: 41,309

Acceptance Rate: 31%

 

University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is a public university established in 1919. As of the fall of 2022, it enrolls a total of 32,423 undergraduate students. The university is located in an urban environment and occupies a campus area of 419 acres. UCLA follows a quarter-based academic calendar and is ranked 15th among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. In-state students are required to pay tuition and fees amounting to $13,752, while out-of-state students are charged $46,326 for tuition and fees.

In-state tuition and fees: $13,752

Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,423

Acceptance Rate: 9%

 

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private university that was established in 1880. As of the fall of 2022, it has a total of 20,699 undergraduate students. The university is located in an urban setting and occupies a campus spanning 226 acres. USC operates on a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked 28th among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. The cost of tuition and fees at the University of Southern California amounts to $68,237.

Tuition & Fees: $68,237

Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,699

Acceptance Rate: 12%

 

Brown University

Brown University, founded in 1764, is a private university. As of the fall of 2022, it enrolls a total of 7,639 undergraduate students. The university is situated in an urban environment and has a campus covering 146 acres. Brown University operates on a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked 9th among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Tuition and fees at Brown University amount to $68,230.

Tuition & Fees: $68,230

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,639

Acceptance Rate: 5%

 

purdue university - west lafayette

Purdue University—Main Campus, a public university founded in 1869, enrolls a total of 37,949 undergraduate students as of the fall of 2022. The university is located in an urban setting and boasts a spacious campus spanning 2,468 acres. Purdue University—Main Campus follows a semester-based academic calendar and holds the 43rd position among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. In-state students are charged tuition and fees totaling $9,992, while out-of-state students are required to pay $28,794 for tuition and fees.

In-state tuition and fees: $9,992

Undergraduate Enrollment: 37,949

Acceptance Rate: 53%

 

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, established in 1842, is a private university. As of the fall of 2022, it enrolls a total of 8,971 undergraduate students. The university is situated in a suburban environment and boasts a campus spanning 1,265 acres. University of Notre Dame follows a semester-based academic calendar and holds the 20th position among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Tuition and fees at the University of Notre Dame amount to $62,693.

Tuition & Fees: $62,693

Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,971

Acceptance Rate: 13%

 

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, established in 1867, is a public university. As of the fall of 2022, it has a total of 35,120 undergraduate students. The university is located in an urban setting and has a campus covering 1,783 acres. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign follows a semester-based academic calendar and is ranked 35th among National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. In-state students are charged tuition and fees totaling $17,572, while out-of-state students are required to pay $36,068 for tuition and fees.

In-state tuition and fees: $17,572

Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,120

Acceptance Rate: 45%

 

FAQ's 

Q1 How much of a percentage is required for foreign universities?

ANS.  The required percentage for foreign universities depends on the universities, country, and specific programme you are applying to. Different countries and universities have different educational systems and grading scales, so before applying to any universities, it is essential to research the specific requirements of each institution you are interested in.

Q2 How can we apply to the top engineering schools in the USA?

ANS. To apply to the top engineering schools in the USA, we need to:

(1) Research select schools.

(2) Check admission requirements.

(3) Prepare for standardised tests.

(4) Write a compelling application essay.

Q3 What are some scholarships and financial aid options available for engineering students?

ANS. There are several financial aid options available for engineering students.

Here are some common ones:

(1) Institutional Scholarships

(2)  National merit scholarships

(3) Professional and engineering organisations

(4) Government grants and scholarships

Q4  What are the exams that we can take to apply to foreign universities?

ANS.  There are several exams that you may need to take, depending on the country and the specific university or programme requirements.

(1) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

(2) IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

(3) SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

(4) ACT (American College Testing)