Top Engineering Schools in Ohio
Ohio State University – College of Engineering
Overview
Ohio State University (OSU) offers one of the top-ranked engineering programs in Ohio and the nation. Located in Columbus, OSU’s College of Engineering provides a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The school emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, co-ops, and research projects, offering strong connections to industry leaders across various sectors. OSU is known for its cutting-edge research in fields like materials science, robotics, and renewable energy, making it an attractive destination for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #30 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Over 10,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Biomedical, and Civil Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Average SAT Score: 1350–1450
- Average GRE Score: 164 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- John Glenn – NASA astronaut and U.S. Senator.
- Les Wexner – Founder of L Brands.
- Jim Lovell – Apollo 13 astronaut.
- Bob McDonald – Former CEO of Procter & Gamble.
- William Saxbe – Former U.S. Attorney General.
Case Western Reserve University – Case School of Engineering
Overview
Located in Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is home to the renowned Case School of Engineering. Known for its rigorous programs and research excellence, CWRU offers a variety of engineering degrees, including chemical, biomedical, and electrical engineering. The university is recognized for its innovative approach to engineering education, with close collaborations between the engineering school and the medical, law, and business schools. Students benefit from interdisciplinary learning and are often involved in research aimed at solving real-world problems in fields like health technology and energy sustainability.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #47 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: 2,800 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Civil Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average SAT Score: 1400–1510
- Average GRE Score: 162 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Paul Buchheit – Creator of Gmail.
- Craig Newmark – Founder of Craigslist.
- Herbert Dow – Founder of Dow Chemical Company.
- Andrew Bremer – First Asian-American governor of the Federal Reserve.
- Leonard Case Jr. – Philanthropist and benefactor of the Case Institute.
University of Cincinnati – College of Engineering and Applied Science
Overview
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is renowned for its cooperative education (co-op) program, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country. UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including mechanical, aerospace, civil, and chemical engineering. The co-op program allows students to alternate between classroom study and paid work placements, providing them with valuable hands-on experience before graduation. The college is highly regarded for its research output in aerospace engineering, robotics, and materials science.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #80 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: 5,000+ engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1260–1390
- Average GRE Score: 160 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Neil Armstrong – First person to walk on the moon.
- George Rieveschl – Inventor of Benadryl.
- Joseph Strauss – Chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Sundar Pichai – CEO of Google.
- John Quinlan – Former CEO of Dun & Bradstreet.
University of Dayton – School of Engineering
Overview
The University of Dayton (UD) is a private Catholic university in Dayton, Ohio, known for its strong engineering programs, particularly in aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The School of Engineering emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to participate in internships, co-op programs, and research. UD is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy research, with a dedicated center for energy research and technology. The school fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging innovation and ethical leadership in engineering.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #61 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average SAT Score: 1210–1360
- Average GRE Score: 158 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Rex Tillerson – Former U.S. Secretary of State and CEO of ExxonMobil.
- Charles Kettering – Inventor of the electric starter for automobiles.
- Joseph Desch – Developer of early computer systems during World War II.
- Mike Turner – U.S. Congressman from Ohio.
- David Bradley – Inventor of the “Control-Alt-Delete” command.
University of Akron – College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Overview
The University of Akron is known for its College of Engineering and Polymer Science, offering specialized programs in mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering as well as polymer engineering. The university is recognized globally for its research in polymer science, making it an ideal destination for students interested in materials engineering. Akron’s location in the industrial Midwest provides students with opportunities for internships and collaborations with regional industries. The College of Engineering focuses on practical education, ensuring students graduate with hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #123 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Around 2,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Polymer, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 1100–1280
- Average GRE Score: 157 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- John Heisman – Pioneer of American football and namesake of the Heisman Trophy.
- James C. Kennedy – Former CEO of Cox Enterprises.
- Walter Jones – Former NFL offensive lineman.
- John T. Hoggard – Founder of the Akron Beacon Journal.
- Robert Abel – Pioneer in computer graphics and animation.