What is the best way to determine which schools have the best undergraduate engineering programs? There are tons of different sites that rank colleges overall, but how can I know if a top school is strong in engineering as well? Obviously the tech schools have strong programs. However, for schools like Lafayette or University of Rochester that are not known solely for engineering, how can I determine if their engineering program is on par with others?
Just as there are sites that rank universities, there also sites (often the same ones!) that rank individual schools/colleges, and even individual departments. Bear in mind that these rankings are based on specific factors that may or may not indicate whether or not a given department is best for you, but they generally indicate how hard the college or department is to get into.
For example:
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools
But that link is only for graduate schools. Where is there more information on undergraduate programs?
If you search that same site, they have undergrad listings as well. This is not difficult information to find. Have you tried googling “engineering school rankings undergrad”?
Yes, I have. And there are in fact zero legitimate sites to have full undergraduate rankings. That is why I posted this. Also, that site does NOT show undergraduate rankings. You have to be subscribed for that.
Well, these rankings are only worth what you pay for them and sometimes not even that…
The important thing about engineering degrees are as follows
- is the program ABET accredited. If it is not, don't attend
- Does the program do a good job of placing its students in internships and in jobs after graduation
Number 1 is easy to find out and number 2 needs to be asked at the university’s career center. Outside these two issues, you need to find a school that fits you and that has the program you want. Finally, find a school that is well matched to you academically. You want to do well so if you go to a school where you are in the lower 25% of admitted students, then you have a higher chance of struggling than if you go to a university where you are in the top 25%. You want to find a good fit academically too.
@xraymancs So would the same things apply if I were to go for graduate school afterwards?
Latest from Business Insider’s polling of its readers of undergrad schools…
http://www.businessinsider.com/best-computer-science-and-engineering-schools-in-us-2015-7
Sure, the criteria are the same. I know a lot of engineers who have worked for a few years before starting a Ph.D. program.