Top Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania
1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is an Ivy League university known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research. Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a wide range of engineering programs, with particular strengths in bioengineering, computer science, and materials science. Penn’s emphasis on collaboration between disciplines, combined with access to cutting-edge laboratories, provides students with unique opportunities to innovate. Penn Engineering is also closely tied to Wharton, one of the top business schools in the world, allowing engineering students to engage in entrepreneurship and leadership development. The school’s location in Philadelphia gives students access to a growing tech and healthcare sector, as well as opportunities for internships and job placements.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #19 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 23,000+ (approximately 3,500 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular, Computer, Electrical, Materials Science, Mechanical, Systems, and Networked & Social Systems Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Robotics and Data Science.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 6%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1480-1560 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 325+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
- William Hewlett – Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP).
- Andrea Mitchell – NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent.
- Ruth Porat – CFO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company).
- John Sculley – Former CEO of Apple and Pepsi.
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Overview
Carnegie Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, is one of the top institutions in the world for engineering and technology. The College of Engineering at CMU is particularly renowned for its research and innovation in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. CMU’s focus on interdisciplinary education allows students to work at the intersection of engineering, computer science, and business. The university’s engineering curriculum is rigorous, and students are encouraged to participate in hands-on research projects and internships. CMU’s close ties to industries in Pittsburgh and across the world give students excellent opportunities for job placements post-graduation.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #4 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 14,500+ (approximately 4,500 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials Science, and Engineering & Public Policy.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering fields, including Robotics, Software Engineering, and Data Science.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 14%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1490-1560 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 325+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Andy Warhol – Iconic artist and founder of the pop art movement.
- John Nash – Nobel Prize-winning mathematician.
- Vinod Khosla – Co-founder of Sun Microsystems and prominent venture capitalist.
- James Gosling – Creator of the Java programming language.
- Randy Pausch – Computer scientist and author of The Last Lecture.
3. Lehigh University
Overview
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a private research university known for its strong engineering programs and focus on hands-on learning. Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in traditional and emerging engineering fields. Lehigh’s engineering programs emphasize real-world problem-solving, with students participating in projects that range from developing sustainable energy systems to advancing healthcare technologies. Lehigh’s integrated learning experiences and small class sizes foster a collaborative environment. The university also has strong connections with industries, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and technology, which provide students with internships and employment opportunities.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #47 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 7,000+ (approximately 2,500 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 50%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1480 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Lee Iacocca – Former CEO of Chrysler, known for saving the company from bankruptcy.
- Terry Hart – Former NASA astronaut.
- Roger Penske – Entrepreneur and owner of Penske Corporation and Team Penske.
- Paul Guilfoyle – Actor, known for his role in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
- John W. Fisher – Former CEO of Ball Corporation.
4. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Overview
Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, is one of the largest public research universities in the United States and is home to a world-renowned College of Engineering. Located in University Park, Penn State’s College of Engineering is known for its breadth of programs, research output, and strong connections to industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy. Penn State engineers are highly sought after for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Penn State offers students a comprehensive education that prepares them for leadership roles in engineering and technology.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #33 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 88,000+ (approximately 11,000 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biological, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, and Nuclear Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Cybersecurity and Renewable Energy.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 54%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1250-1430 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Guion Bluford – First African American astronaut to travel to space.
- Ken Frazier – Former CEO of Merck & Co.
- John Cappelletti – Heisman Trophy-winning football player.
- Ross Perot – Business magnate and former presidential candidate.
- Laura Tyson – Economist and former chair of the U.S. President’s Council of Economic Advisers.
5. Drexel University
Overview
Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, is a private research university known for its co-op programs and experiential learning opportunities. Drexel’s College of Engineering is one of the largest private engineering colleges in the country, offering students a variety of engineering disciplines with a strong emphasis on practical experience. Drexel’s cooperative education program allows students to gain real-world work experience by alternating periods of academic study with full-time employment in their field. The university’s close ties to Philadelphia’s tech, healthcare, and finance sectors give students excellent opportunities for internships and employment.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #78 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 24,000+ (approximately 5,500 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Architectural, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Robotics and Systems Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 79%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1200-1390 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Paul Baran – Pioneer of packet-switching technology, which became the foundation for the internet.
- Norman Joseph Woodland – Inventor of the barcode.
- Karen Quinlan – A figure in the right-to-die debate in the U.S.
- Dorian Taylor – Entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- John Langdon – Graphic artist and creator of the ambigram, popularized in Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons.
6. Villanova University
Overview
Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic university with a highly regarded College of Engineering. The Villanova College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on fostering technical expertise, ethical leadership, and a commitment to innovation. Villanova’s engineering programs emphasize hands-on learning through research, design projects, and internships, providing students with real-world experience. Villanova’s small class sizes and close faculty-student interaction create a collaborative environment, and the school’s commitment to service-learning gives students the opportunity to apply their engineering skills to benefit local and global communities.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #105 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,000+ (approximately 1,600 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Water Resources and Sustainable Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 28%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1340-1470 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Jill Biden – First Lady of the United States and educator.
- Maria Bello – Actress known for her roles in Coyote Ugly and The Cooler.
- Howie Long – NFL Hall of Fame defensive end and sports analyst.
- Brad Ingelsby – Screenwriter of HBO’s Mare of Easttown.
- Don McLean – Singer-songwriter known for his hit American Pie.
7. Bucknell University
Overview
Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong engineering programs. Bucknell’s College of Engineering offers a rigorous curriculum that combines technical education with a liberal arts foundation. The university’s small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and emphasis on hands-on learning create a supportive environment where students can thrive. Bucknell offers a range of engineering disciplines, and students are encouraged to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs. Bucknell’s focus on sustainability and innovation helps prepare graduates for leadership roles in a variety of industries.
U.S. News Ranking
- National Ranking (Engineering): #114 (2023)
Student Statistics
- Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 3,700+ (approximately 700 in engineering)
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate Degrees: Master’s in select engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 34%
Average SAT and GRE Scores
- Average SAT Score: 1280-1450 (middle 50%)
- Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)
Famous Alumni
- Philip Roth – Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
- Ralph Waite – Actor known for his role in The Waltons.
- Chris McCandless – Subject of the book and film Into the Wild.
- Les Moonves – Former CEO of CBS Corporation.
- Peter Balakian – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer.