Best Engineering Graduate Schools for 2025: Top Ranked Programs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that roughly 800 occupations in the engineering field require a bachelor’s degree.¹ While getting a graduate degree is not required for most engineering positions, you would be in good company. The percentage of engineers who pursue an advanced degree is between 21%-37%, depending on the position. Here’s a breakdown of a few common roles:

• Software developers: 32% 

• Industrial engineers: 22%

• Mechanical engineers: 23%

• Electrical engineers: 29%

• Civil engineers: 29%

This is why prospective graduate students should first narrow down what they’re passionate about — it could be designing sustainable cities, advancing medical technology, or building smarter AI systems. Many graduate schools also encourage interdisciplinary studies, so you get a chance to address modern challenges that overlap across disciplines. For instance, if you decide to study Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, or Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, you can earn your degree in combination with a Master's in Public Policy.

To make this easier for you, we’ve put together a guide to help you explore all the options, comparing schools known for their programs, faculty, and graduate outcomes until you find the best graduate school for you. With so much at stake, your choice should be informed by accurate information — and tailored to your ambitions.

To get an advanced degree, you may have your eyes set on the best* engineering schools out there. After all, graduate degree programs at leading institutions genuinely connect students with opportunities that can significantly shape their engineering career. Studying Chemical Engineering at MIT, for instance, guarantees a semester at Practice School Stations at host company sites. 

Major advantages include: having access to renowned faculty and cutting-edge research facilities, benefiting from a career boost, and getting a comprehensive education. All these add up to a graduate experience that marries technical knowledge with the connections and confidence you need to excel in the engineering career you’re aiming for.

Faculty and research

It’s no secret that top engineering schools often host experts who are leaders in their fields. Besides learning from the best, which is always a welcome plus, students also get the chance to collaborate on groundbreaking projects, publish research, and learn in state-of-the-art labs. Some of the most impressive labs can be found at Stanford, where those enrolled in Bioengineering have access to a Cell Sciences Imaging Facility and a Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, while those pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree “play” in the Flow Physics and Aeroacoustics Laboratory or the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab.

Career boost

A top-tier engineering graduate school often opens doors to global industries and helps expand your professional network, as many retain close contacts with corporations, government agencies, and startups. What this means for their graduates includes the assurance of higher job placement rates and closer connections with industry leaders. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows 207,800 engineering manager roles in 2023², and 26% of the job postings advertised a master’s degree required. Plus, the average salary was $163,712, $18k higher than the average salary across all job postings.³ 

Comprehensive education

The best graduate programs balance advanced coursework with hands-on learning opportunities, as is the case with the Professional Master’s in Applied Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech. In addition to internships or capstone projects, graduate programs offer extensive support systems, such as career services and mentorship programs. Cornell, for instance, offers career services ranging from resources to internships and full-time jobs.

*“The best” depends on what specialization you want to pursue.

Finding the right engineering grad school starts with evaluating rankings and reputation. For example, you may want to review and compare graduation and student retention rates, employment statistics, academic reputation from official surveys, student-to-faculty ratio, class size, and acceptance rates. Then you’ll want to identify a program that matches your goals, interests, and needs.

Specialized program offerings

Some engineering schools excel in industrial engineering, and others lead in AI and computer engineering. That’s why, when choosing an engineering school, it’s important to consider whether the strengths of that program are in your chosen field — be it aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, or materials engineering — since relevant coursework, faculty expertise, and research opportunities increase when they align with your goals.

Faculty and research

Evaluate the faculty and research opportunities within the program. Are there professors whose work inspires you? Does the school offer labs or research centers dedicated to your field?

Campus and facilities

The right campus environment can make a difference in your learning experience. Modern labs, collaborative workspaces, and accessible facilities are essential for hands-on engineering education. Look for schools equipped with a variety of tools to support student learning, including manufacturing tools (lathes, saws, drill presses, etc.), digital tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, robots, and more. Some schools also offer resources like startup incubators or maker spaces.

Pro Tip: Use campus maps and virtual tours to get a sense of what’s available.

Alumni network and career placement

A strong alumni network can bring many opportunities for internships, job opportunities, and mentors. What you can do early on is look into the school’s career services, job placement rates, and success stories from graduates in your field.

There are four major branches of engineering: mechanical, chemical, civil and electrical, with sub branches of each discipline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) divides architecture and engineering occupations into 29 different specializations.⁴ With so many options available in graduate programs in engineering, choosing the right focus will affect what you’ll study and influence where you make your impact following graduation. Get inspired with some of the most popular choices among top specializations:

Mechanical and aerospace engineering

Mechanical engineering and aerospace programs can spell everything from advanced design to robotics and aerodynamics. You could create the next breakthrough in drone technology or perfect automation for industry. Either way, these programs attract those who love hands-on problem-solving.

Consider applying to: MIT, Georgia Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University

Electrical and computer engineering

If AI, cybersecurity, or data science is exciting to you, then this may be your lane. Programs in electrical engineering and computer sciences focus on the tech driving our digital world, teaching skills that translate to some of the fastest-growing fields out there.

Consider applying to: MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley

Civil and environmental engineering

Interested in building smarter cities or tackling sustainability challenges? From green construction to urban planning, environmental and civil engineering programs provide training that will equip you with the right tools to do just that: design infrastructure properly, with a focus on the future of the planet.

Consider applying to: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger), UC Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Texas, Austin (Cockrell)

Biomedical and chemical engineering

These specializations blend health sciences with engineering, giving you tools to solve big, real-world problems, like developing life-saving medical devices (biomedical engineering programs) or researching alternative energy materials (chemical engineering).

Consider applying to: MIT, Stanford University, Georgia Institute of Technology + biomedical programs at Johns Hopkins University (Whiting) and Duke University (Pratt)

To help prospective students get started with the right program, here are five engineering programs that made it to the top of college rankings in 2024 at some of the best engineering schools in the country:⁵

As you can also see from the above examples, engineering graduate school admissions are all different, but a few common pre-requisites stand out:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field such as physics or computer science

• Official transcripts indicating a good academic standing especially in mathematics and science subjects

• Several letters of recommendation from academic or professional references familiar with the applicant’s technical skills

While many schools require GRE scores, some programs do not. Because expectations vary between programs (and some even provide waivers) utilize a tool like the U.S. News Engineering School Compass to find engineering schools that don’t require the GRE. To benefit from a potential waiver, prospective students should have substantial work experience or exemplary academics.

Apart from test scores, applicants need to include, with the application, a statement of purpose stating particular academic and professional goals and how the program would fit into those aspirations. Some programs incorporate interviews into the admission process, where candidates can explain how they will fit into the program and speak about their goals with the faculty.

Pro Tip: For specific details, always refer to the admissions pages of target programs.

College rankings like those from U.S. News & World Report or QS World University Rankings can help you identify schools with strong programs, as they highlight factors like research output, faculty expertise, and graduate success.^5,6 However, they’re not the whole story. The best graduate school for you depends on how well a program fits your goals and interests — not just where it ranks.

We’ve highlighted five programs from the country’s top-ranked engineering schools, now it’s up to you to decide which is a good fit. Use rankings from reputable sources as a guide, but don’t stop there. Dig into program details, talk to current students, and look at what each school can offer your career.

These are 2024’s top graduate schools for engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report:⁵

And one more thing. While doing so, think about whether a public university or a private one is a better choice for you. The pros of public schools like Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley are that they offer lower tuition and strong connections to local industries, but private universities like Stanford and Johns Hopkins often offer smaller classes and larger research budgets, so the higher cost associated with their engineering schools is likely to pay off.

For the academic year 2023-2024, the National Center for Education Statistics reports the average tuition for graduate students at public postsecondary institutions is $11,827.⁷ While an engineering grad school degree can be a big investment, financial help can come to you in many forms. For instance, many universities and external organizations offer scholarships and grants specifically for engineering students. Two examples that come to mind are the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the IEEE Women in Engineering.

Federal loans are another common option, with lower interest rates than private loans and flexible repayment plans.

Pro Tip: Start your search early and explore several funding options to reduce costs. Many opportunities, especially fellowships and grants, have early deadlines.

With an engineering degree from a top graduate school, your career can go in any direction, from designing renewable energy systems to improving AI technologies and even engineering management.

If you’re coming from Purdue’s aerospace program, for example, you might end up at NASA or SpaceX, working on the next frontier of space exploration. And if robotics or autonomous systems are more your thing, schools like Carnegie Mellon and Stanford can set you up for jobs in Silicon Valley or major research labs.

Now, a big part of the success graduates see comes down to the connections they make. Top schools like Clarkson University have strong alumni networks — people who’ve been where you are and are ready to help. Career fairs at schools like Texas A&M are another great opportunity, as you meet recruiters who are specifically looking for engineering talent. This means you’re getting your name in front of the right people instead of applying blindly.

And then there’s the earning potential. Engineers are in demand, and that is reflected in their starting salaries, or as Michigan Tech puts it, “Engineers get top pay.” Computer hardware engineers, for example, often start around $77,000 a year, while petroleum engineers can expect close to $89,000 at the beginning of their careers. And if you want to earn even more, you can become an engineering manager.^8,9 Of course, where you work and what you specialize in will affect the numbers, but it’s safe to say engineering pays off.

One piece of advice: don’t wait until you graduate to start making connections. Use your school’s alumni success network, attend events, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

On your path to choosing the best engineering graduate school, keep your own goals in mind as you discover what each program has to offer. Start by doing individual research, checking out program websites and reputable ranking sources, visiting campuses, and talking to current students, as they’re often the best source for honest insights.

Ensure the programs you’re considering truly align with your long-term career aspirations. After all, your choice should reflect where you see yourself after graduation.

Once you’ve done your research, make a shortlist of schools that fit your needs, gather your application materials, and prepare for the admissions process.