If you love the idea of using math and science to create or design things or the thought of solving technical problems fills you with joy, a career in engineering might be the right move for you. But before you set out on your journey to becoming a world-class engineer, one of your very first steps is college.
Many college hopefuls place Ivy League schools on a pedestal, and for a good reason. These schools are among some of the nation’s highest-ranked universities. But what about their engineering programs?
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Ivy League engineering schools, including the best Ivy League school for engineering, an overview of other worthwhile programs, and more.
While this may come as a surprise to some people, Cornell University has long been considered the best Ivy League school for engineering. Cornell is a popular Ivy League choice, mainly because its acceptance rate is generally the highest of all Ivies.
According to U.S. News World and Report’s ranking of the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, Cornell University claims the No. 13 spot ahead of any other Ivy League school. Additionally, Cornell claims the No. 21 spot in Best Global Universities and No. 17 in Best National Universities.
Cornell’s website also claims the school is “the largest and highest-ranked engineering program in the Ivy League.” A claim of that magnitude is pretty difficult to argue. So, what makes Cornell Engineering so special? First, the program has 14 majors and 20 minors sure to fit the interests of any engineering student. The majors include:
The school also offers a host of exciting minors, including:
All of these options lead Cornell to have one of the world’s broadest engineering curricula. First-year students all begin with general engineering studies in their first year before choosing their major for their second year.
The school also offers Cornell Engineering Project Teams, providing a unique learning experience focused on collaboration. Undergraduate students independently lead and run these teams to solve complex world problems and gain the necessary experience to make their marks in the engineering world. The school currently supports 31 project teams, the largest national program of its kind.
Along with all these excellent offerings and opportunities, Cornell also:
Beyond the rankings and based on the program’s breadth, focus on innovation and collaboration, and student support, it’s clear to see why Cornell University is the best Ivy League school for engineering.
Because of their prestige, resources, world-class faculty, and program offerings, all Ivy League engineering programs may suit your needs: they are all excellent schools. Below we’ll look at each Ivy League school’s engineering program in-depth.
Cornell Engineering, started by Ezra Cornell in 1865, is the top Ivy League school for engineering. It offers a wide range of majors for undergrads and grads.
Undergraduate majors offered by Cornell Engineering:
Cornell Engineering works closely with other schools, such as Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech in NYC, which helps students learn from different areas of study.
Consistently ranked among the top engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report, Cornell Engineering currently sits at the #13 spot. It's known for giving a top-notch education and focusing on new ideas. Students leave ready to solve real-world problems.
Princeton University claims the No. 23 spot in Best Engineering Schools. The school’s engineering program has six departments to choose from:
The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton’s mission is “to educate future leaders in engineering practice, research and education, business and finance, public service, and other professions.” Other characteristics that make the program stand out include:
Princeton states that there is “no ideal type of Princeton applicant.” However, the school is interested in students who take the most challenging courses available, display curiosity, and demonstrate excellence in math and science.
Harvard University claims the No. 23 in Best Engineering Schools, along with its reputation as one of the most widely recognized U.S. universities. Students interested in engineering learn at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
The five primary engineering areas at SEAS are:
These areas of interest can be pursued to gain a Bachelor of Arts or Science: the differences lay in curriculum and other projects.
The purpose of the program is to “educate future leaders with the technical background necessary to develop and critically evaluate the next wave of engineering innovations, to apply these innovations to important local and global problems, and to make informed decisions about them in a societal context.”
Harvard’s liberal arts environment and focus mean you’ll have the tools you need to excel in integrative areas of engineering. You’ll also have many opportunities for research as part of your coursework and independent study.
The most distinguishing factor about the program is that you’re not enrolled in a separate school or science, encouraging students to seek an innovative and multidisciplinary education.
Yale University claims U.S. World News and Report’s No. 42 spot in Best Engineering Schools. The Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science offers eight disciplines between these six engineering departments:
Yale states that, unlike other tech schools, engineering students will also take non-engineering subjects with liberal arts majors to gain a multi-faceted undergraduate education. Engineering students at Yale learn soft skills like effective communication; as a result, allowing them to better network and excel in any field they choose, whether it’s tech, academic, business, government, or any leadership position.
If you’re looking for a more intimate learning style, the ratio of engineering graduates to professors is approximately 2:1, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside field experts, help with their research, and make other innovative contributions.
Columbia University is ranked No. 17 in Best Engineering Schools, not too far behind Cornell. At Columbia, 17 engineering areas of study lead to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree:
There are also more than 30 minor concentrations to choose from that may cater to your various interests.
In your first two years at Columbia Engineering, you’ll complete Columbia’s Core Curriculum, where you’ll learn the foundations of humanities, engineering, sciences, and math. You’ll complete technical, non-technical, elective, and some professional-level courses.
Columbia Engineering offers many research opportunities, and you’ll be involved in projects that require collaboration and teamwork from your first day onward. Whether you’re interested in studying abroad or finding an internship, Columbia Engineering has something for everyone.
Ranked No. 19 in Best Engineering Schools (tied with Columbia), the University of Pennsylvania is an excellent option if you're looking for a comprehensive engineering education. Penn Engineering has six departments:
At UPenn, you’ll learn to think like an engineer through the school’s innovative culture. The school boasts “world-acclaimed faculty, state-of-the-art research laboratories and highly interdisciplinary curricula offer an experience that is unparalleled.”
You’ll have opportunities to find research mentors and research experiences. You can work in research laboratories all year long. Penn Engineering’s research mission is “not only to have the highest scholarly standards within disciplines but also to be an international leader in interdisciplinary research across fields.”
If you crave an innovative undergraduate experience and cross-department collaboration, UPenn may be the school for you.
Ranked No. 55 in Best Engineering Schools, Dartmouth College’s small student population makes for a more personal and supported learning experience. Dartmouth has six program areas for undergraduate engineering students:
Dartmouth Engineering aims to “prepare the next generation of leaders to solve problems through engineering thinking, research, and innovation with human-centred impact.” The school encourages students to learn without boundaries, improve the human condition, learn by doing, enjoy a healthy environment, and aspire to entrepreneurship.
You’ll learn in small teams at Dartmouth and work with faculty, workshops, labs, and staff. The school offers three different bachelor’s degrees for engineering students: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Dual degree.
If a smaller campus and engineering education grounded in liberal arts appeal to you, Dartmouth is an excellent addition to your college list.
Brown University claims the #63 spot. The School of Engineering offers eight degree programs:
The School of Engineering aims to support Brown University’s overall mission by educating “future leaders in the fundamentals of engineering in an environment of world-class research.”
All engineering students combine their studies with Brown’s famous open curriculum to gain a comprehensive liberal arts understanding. Brown emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to pursue studies meaningful to their passions and career goals.
You can take various course combinations to lead to a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or a combined degree through the School of Engineering. If you value course customization and options, Brown and its open curriculum can give you the freedom you crave.
USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers a variety of programs covering different areas of engineering. Departments and Academic Programs at USC Viterbi School of Engineering:
From building and designing aircraft and spacecraft to working with computers and developing medical devices, students have many options to explore. These programs provide hands-on learning and opportunities to work with experts in the field, preparing students for success in their careers.
With support from knowledgeable faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities, USC Viterbi students are well-equipped to tackle real-world problems and make a difference in the world of engineering.
The University of California—San Diego (UCSD) was founded in 1960 and is located near the Pacific Ocean in San Diego's La Jolla community. It's known as the world's second-best research university.
Offering over 130 undergraduate courses, UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering includes six departments covering various engineering disciplines:
UCSD was ranked #12 for Best Undergraduate Engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. With a focus on innovation and hands-on learning, UCSD prepares students for success in engineering.
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest schools in the U.S. Known for its top-notch engineering programs, it offers 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate options. With over 20 research centers and a respected faculty, it ranks highly in national and global engineering rankings.
Within the Cockrell School of Engineering, students can choose from 11 undergraduate engineering majors, each designed to prepare them for careers in various industries:
Through hands-on learning, students at the University of Texas at Austin are well-prepared to become leaders in their fields.
Michigan Engineering, part of the University of Michigan, is housed within the nation's top-ranked public research institution. With nearly all 19 schools, colleges, and divisions excelling in their respective fields, collaboration thrives within this esteemed academic community.
Undergraduate and graduate programs offered by Michigan Engineering include:
The University of Michigan--Ann Arbor is ranked 7th in Best Engineering Schools according to the U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, a public institution founded in 1867, boasts 15 colleges and schools known for their academic excellence.
Among them, the School of Information Sciences and College of Engineering stand out as some of the best in the country. Notably, undergraduate engineering majors at The Grainger College of Engineering hold a prestigious rank of #7 overall, as per the U.S. News & World Report.
The undergraduate engineering majors offered at The Grainger College of Engineering include:
Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its innovative education. It offers ten interdisciplinary majors and both course-based and research-based graduate programs.
With 30 research centers on campus, it's a hub of innovation. The Carnegie Institute of Technology is especially well known for engineering, ranking #5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Departments within Carnegie Mellon University's Carnegie Institute of Technology include:
These departments focus on solving real-world problems for a better future.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the New Ivies, is a small, private institute with nearly 1000 undergraduate students. Students have opportunities to engage in research through various research centers, including the Center for the Science and Engineering of Materials and the Center for Neuromorphic Systems Engineering.
The departments within the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are:
The California Institute of Technology is tied for 7th place in the ranking of Best Engineering Schools.
All Ivy League schools have low acceptance rates, often in the single digits year after year. The easiest Ivy League school to get into for engineering isn’t all that easy. However, based on data trends, Cornell University is often regarded as the easiest school to get into, with its slightly higher average acceptance rate.
It’s difficult to ascertain acceptance rates for individual schools or colleges within an Ivy League university. Class profile data may tell you how many students enrolled in each school but probably won’t show you the breakdown of where students applied.
Ivy League schools currently have pretty low acceptance rates:
Based on this data, Cornell not only has the best engineering program of all the Ivies but also the highest acceptance rate, making it a worthwhile addition to your college list.
However, it’s important not to get too caught up in statistics: these numbers don’t reflect the quality or the number of applications these schools received. Remember, these schools are top-rated among U.S. and international students and have limited seats.
Ivy League engineering programs can be highly selective, and many students have questions as they go forward. Here are some common FAQs answered.
There is generally no minimum GPA requirement for Ivy League schools, but your GPA should be high to become a more competitive applicant. Of course, your GPA isn’t the only application component that matters, but engineering programs can be intense. Admissions committees want to make sure your track record shows you’ll be able to confidently handle the work college has to offer.
Most Ivy League schools don’t have prerequisite course requirements, but you should choose courses in high school that will help prepare you for the road ahead. Aim to take high-level math and science courses, and be sure to check program requirements before you apply if you need prerequisites.
For example, Cornell requires four units of math, one unit of physics, and one chemistry unit before students can apply.
It's always worth applying to schools you feel best suit your personality, aspirations, and educational goals. Even if these schools are considered a “reach” for you, many students get accepted at Ivy League schools every admissions cycle. Why can’t it be you?
Don’t feel limited to applying to just Ivy League engineering programs. There are many other outstanding undergraduate engineering schools, including MIT, Stanford University, Berkeley, and many more.
Deciding on a major can be challenging, especially if you’re interested in everything engineering! Many Ivy League schools don’t expect first-year students to pick a major right away; you usually have some time and can decide in your sophomore year.
Talk to your college advisor, do your research, and ask yourself important questions like, “Where do I want my education to take me? What would be most fulfilling to study? What are my goals?”
With a bit of guidance and the answer to these questions, the major you should choose should become clearer.
Ivy League acceptance rates are low: there’s no way to sugarcoat that fact. However, don't let statistics discourage you! The best thing you can do is put a lot of time and effort into crafting the perfect application.
Creating a compelling application can be challenging, but you don’t have to tackle it alone—that’s where our college admissions services come in! These experts know what admissions committees look for and can help you tailor your application in a way that grabs attention and shows why you’re an excellent candidate.
Ivy League engineering schools can be a great addition to your college list. These schools have the resources needed to ensure you get the comprehensive and advanced engineering training you need to succeed, no matter where your career path takes you.
Cornell University is often considered the best Ivy League school for engineering, and it’s also the easiest to get into. However, any Ivy League school is a great place to earn your undergraduate degree.
Before you apply, be sure to check program requirements and research if the school might be the right fit for you. You might want to check out what summer activities and internships they offer, to get a taste of what each school offers. Good luck!
