Engineers use mathematical prowess and technological skill to solve the world’s problems. Though there are many engineering specialties, the engineering field fundamentally focuses on innovating problem-solving strategies to improve our future.
In 2023, the average cost of an associate degree in engineering was $3,885, and a bachelor’s degree program cost $30,884, including room and board. Most engineering careers require a postgraduate degree, which costs an average of $20,513 in the same year.
Graduates from engineering degree programs earned a median wage of $91,420. Specialized engineers can earn even more, including chemical engineers (who earn a median wage of $112,100) and aerospace engineers (who earn a median wage of $130,720).
How to Choose an Engineering Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Engineering is a multi-faceted and ever-changing field of science encompassing over 50 subspecialties, all of which fall into five main branches. Your degree depends on the type of engineering you’re interested in studying and the career you plan to pursue after graduation.
- Chemical engineering uses the foundations of chemistry in manufacturing processes like plastics, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
- Civil engineering focuses on designing, building, and operating city and community infrastructure, including streets, traffic flow, bridges, and water supply systems.
- Electrical engineering applies an understanding of electrical power to systems we use every day, such as electric motors, communication, and renewable energy.
- Industrial engineering solves common problems in different workplace settings by understanding statistical analysis and workflow patterns.
- Mechanical engineering integrates physics into the design and operation of machines and machine systems, including all types of engines and mechanical processes within buildings.
One of these branches includes your specific area of study. For example, a degree in environmental science involves the study of civil engineering, while computer engineering falls under an electrical engineering focus. Once you decide where your engineering interests lie, choose an Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science in that specific engineering field.
Research schools and programs
The engineering program and school you choose should be accredited by both a programmatic and institutional agency. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and similar agencies regularly assess schools for academic rigor and accessibility. Engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) assure future employers that your degree meets professional standards and make it easy for you to transfer credits to another accredited program.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, take some in-person and virtual tours as you make your decision. Analyze other aspects of the school besides the engineering program. Does the campus seem like a place you’d like to spend the next few years? If you need housing while you complete your degree, do the housing options fit your needs? These considerations will guide your choice.
Prepare for tests and applications
The SAT and ACT are standard entrance tests for engineering programs. For an associate or bachelor’s degree, postgraduate engineering programs typically require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for industrial engineering programs, or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for biomedical engineering programs.
Additional application materials include:
- A personal statement or letter of intent
- Letters of recommendation from past professors or employers
- Sealed transcripts that show a minimum GPA
- Math and science prerequisite courses
Select your program
The right program for you depends on the field of engineering you’re studying. Students seeking a specific area of study, such as biomechanical engineering or management science and engineering, should look into programs that offer that exact degree or coursework. Schools with general engineering programs and faculty members can guide you toward a specialty if you have yet to decide what type of engineering is right for you.
Note that undergraduate degrees, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, are an excellent opportunity to explore elements of engineering that you may not have considered majoring in before. After exploring the type of science you’re interested in, spend postgraduate years on focused, specialized work in a specific area of engineering.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Before deciding on your school and engineering program, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA considers your financial needs to determine how much assistance you can receive. Your school’s financial aid office can also help you find funds for your education, including grants and scholarships for engineers.
Best 50 Accredited Engineering Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best engineering degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organization that assesses engineering programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of engineering degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Engineering Degree Program?
No matter what degree level you’re earning, an engineering program involves a rigorous curriculum built on the foundations of math and science. It includes lab work, cohort discussions, research projects, data analysis, and large class lectures. Postgraduate engineering degrees take students through industry internships and a final thesis project to present what they have learned — and how they’ll implement it in their careers.
Specialized engineering programs focus on the skills and knowledge needed in those fields. However, every engineering program will likely require students to take fundamental courses.
Potential courses you’ll take in an engineering degree program
- Physics. Students learn about the principles of physics, including Newton’s Laws, vectors, units of measurement, types of work and energy, kinematics, and motion. They apply their mastery of these concepts to engineering projects and problem sets.
- Statistics. Data analysis, probability, inference, and regression models are just a few skills students take on in a statistics class when pursuing an engineering degree. They conduct experiments using the scientific method and analyze the results based on their expectations and hypotheses.
- Calculus. Since they use calculus in nearly every type of engineering, students need to master the basic concepts before moving on to more complex math courses. Topics in a calculus course include limits and continuity, approximations, differentiation of functions, mean-value theorems, and curve sketching.
- Engineering analysis. An engineering analysis course applies mathematical problem-solving skills to engineering queries and builds on the concepts covered in linear algebra. They use modeling, simulation, experimentation, and research projects to solve these problems with a math-focused mindset.
Engineering Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an engineering degree program?
Visit your engineering program’s admissions website for all application details and instructions. It should include deadlines and needed materials, including entrance test scores, a minimum GPA, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For additional application questions, contact your school’s admissions office or a program representative.
How much does an engineering degree cost?
In 2023, an engineering associate degree cost an average of $3,885, a bachelor’s degree in engineering cost $17,709 ($30,884 including room and board), and a master’s degree in engineering cost an average of $20,513. These costs may vary based on your location, choice of school, housing needs, and educational materials.
How long does it take to earn an engineering degree?
The average timeline for an undergraduate degree in engineering is two to four years, depending on your degree. A two-year associate degree typically requires 60 credit hours, while a four-year bachelor’s degree takes around 120 credit hours to complete. Postgraduate engineering degrees can range from one to three additional years, depending on the program’s internship and credit hour requirements.