The best engineering schools in Alabama are contributing to the workforce and the development of the industry by providing students with high-quality undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of engineering fields. However, not all engineering schools in Alabama provide the same robust curriculum.
Where you get your engineering education matters. With this in mind, we have created a list of some of the best engineering schools in Alabama. Included are important details like tuition, graduation rate, and programs available for each school. We have also listed the institutions according to reputable Alabama engineering school rankings.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Alabama
To choose the best engineering school in Alabama, consider each school’s admission requirements and academic expectations, as well as your own personal and professional goals and objectives. It is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Visits to campuses and advice from family members and school advisors can also be helpful.
It might be difficult for a first-time college student to figure out which factors are the most relevant when searching for a school. Following are a few factors that you may want to look into specifically before making up your mind.
Employment Opportunities
Going to college for the purpose of obtaining the education necessary to land a good job is probably the top reason why people go to college. Get in touch with the school’s career services office to ask about internship placement, the big employers in the region, and the employment rates for engineering programs of interest.
Later in this article, we will give you an overview of the job outlook for specific types of engineers in Alabama, as projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is important for any student to know what to expect and aim for when choosing a school.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Availability
Tuition is only one part of the overall cost of attending college, which varies widely from school to school. The cost of attendance will also include any school and department fees, room and board, transportation, books, loan fees, and many other miscellaneous expenses.
If you are planning to study a certain field of engineering, you should inquire about the costs involved with the specific program, department fees, and books and other necessary supplies. With this, you can also inquire about what financial support services are available to students.
Student-To-Faculty Ratio
Another key consideration is the number of students per faculty member at the school. The amount of one-on-one time and attention you get in a classroom, for example, can be influenced by the size of the group. So when it comes to this ratio, the smaller the better.
Alabama Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Alabama?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | PhD in Civil Engineering | #64 |
| University of Alabama-Huntsville | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #102 |
| The University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Master of Science in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering | #116 |
| University of Alabama-Birmingham | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | PhD in Civil Engineering | #152-200 |
| Tuskegee University | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering | PhD in Materials and Science Engineering | #17 (Regional Universities South) |
| University of North Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | Master of Science in Applied Manufacturing Engineering | #27 (Regional Universities South) |
| Alabama State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | N/A | #70 (Regional Universities South) |
| University of West Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | N/A | #93 (Regional Universities South) |
| Alabama A&M University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #104-137 (Regional Universities South) |
| University of South Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #299-391 (National Universities Ranking) |
Alabama Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Alabama
To rank the best engineering schools in Alabama, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Alabama Explained
There are many options when it comes to both public and private educational institutions to study engineering in Alabama. Most of these schools offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and several also offer doctoral degrees.
Honorable mentions for schools that didn’t quite make our list of the best engineering schools in Alabama go to Samford University and Jacksonville State University. Continue reading to learn more about our Alabama engineering school rankings in greater detail.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Alabama
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Alabama provide either one or both of two types of degree programs. Associate degrees span two years for most schools, and bachelor’s degrees require four years of studying to graduate. Here are some of the best engineering associate and bachelor’s degree schools in Alabama.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Alabama
- Bevill State Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Systems Technology. After earning a degree in electrical systems, graduates are eligible to work as electricians in renewable energy resources, industrial plant operations, residential buildings, and more.
- Bevill State Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Mechanical Maintenance Technology. This program enables technicians to identify problems using computer-aided diagnostic technologies and vibration-based equipment. It involves electrical, electronic, and computer programming skills necessary to independently maintain complex equipment.
- Calhoun Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing: Aerospace Technology/Structures & Assembly. This degree includes laboratory lessons in propulsion design and installation or welding. The program prepares students for employment in the aerospace industry and associated fields.
- Coastal Alabama Community College | General Studies: Chemical Engineering Pathway. This program is designed for individuals who intend to transfer to a four-year school to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. The curriculum provides the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at the majority of four-year universities.
- Shelton State Community College | Associate in Science in Chemical Engineering. This associate degree program in chemical engineering works as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields. Students can use a provided guide to determine which courses are best to take given their educational and career aspirations.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Alabama
- Auburn University | Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. This 125-credit program prepares students for careers in industry, academia, and professional aerospace organizations.
- University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. This program requires 120 to 124 credits and emphasizes the design, construction, and maintenance of structures, as well as their ability to withstand natural disasters.
- University of Alabama-Huntsville | Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Through its required 128 credits, this program solidifies students’ foundations in the mechanical engineering field. It combines engineering and material science principles to teach students how to develop, analyze, and produce mechanical and thermal systems for a variety of applications.
- University of Alabama-Birmingham | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Students in this program learn how to plan, design, build, and evaluate buildings, bridges, and roads through structural and construction engineering management.
- University of South Alabama | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. Courses in this engineering program provide students with a thorough understanding of digital logic and systems theory. The electrical and computer engineering design lab allows students to pursue a design project of their choosing.
Best Online Associate Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-bachelors-degrees
Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Alabama
The best graduate engineering schools in Alabama provide degrees through two types of programs. Master’s degrees are earned in approximately two years, while doctoral degrees require closer to four years to complete. Here are 10 of the best graduate schools for engineering in Alabama.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Alabama
- Auburn University | Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering. This program requires a minimum of 30 semester credits, which includes a maximum of six credit hours of thesis work. Master of Science thesis candidates must successfully defend their thesis after completing their research.
- University of Alabama-Huntsville | Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Students can tailor this program to their specific interests by taking a concentration in communications, control theory, digital signal processing, antenna theory, electronic engineering, or VLSI design. An advisor in the department can also recommend a minor in computer engineering or other engineering disciplines.
- The University of Alabama | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The school offers two pathways for this degree: coursework alone or coursework plus a thesis. There is also a distance learning option.
- University of Alabama-Birmingham | Master of Science in Materials Engineering. Materials engineering has applications in almost every scientific field, making graduates of this master’s degree program highly employable.
- University of South Alabama | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. This program provides advanced knowledge in modern engineering principles and techniques, allowing graduates to make innovative contributions to the field.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Alabama
- Auburn University | PhD in Civil Engineering. This research-based degree is awarded in acknowledgment of a student’s mastery of civil engineering studies and significant contribution through the doctoral dissertation.
- University of Alabama-Huntsville | PhD in Aerospace Systems Engineering. This program requires a dissertation-based research project. Both the qualifying exam and dissertation defense are included in the program’s final comprehensive exam.
- The University of Alabama | PhD in Civil Engineering. Graduate-level coursework and research under the guidance of a faculty adviser are required for this degree. The accelerated master’s program at the university allows qualified undergraduates to be eligible for early admission into the PhD program.
- University of Alabama-Birmingham | PhD in Civil Engineering. Students who have won a high level of scholarship and are capable of independent and unique research are encouraged to apply to this program. They will work closely with department faculty but can also work with UAB faculty outside the department and other industry professionals.
- Tuskegee University | PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. This degree prepares students for careers in industry and government laboratories. An interdisciplinary team of academic members with experience in various fields works as advisors to students.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees
Best Online PhD Programs
[query_class_embed] online-phd-in-*subject
Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Alabama
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Alabama are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Every school has its own unique admission requirements, yet there are some common requirements you can expect for all of them.
Engineering Schools in Alabama: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Submit the online admission application along with the application fee.
- Provide proof of previous education with your high school and college transcripts.
- Submit your official ACT/SAT scores (minimum scores may differ for every school).
- Meet a minimum GPA requirement.
- Meet a minimum age requirement to enroll, which is 17 or 18 for most schools.
Engineering Schools in Alabama: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Submit an admission application and pay the non-refundable fee.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Meet a minimum GPA requirement.
- Submit your GRE scores and meet the school’s minimum score requirements.
- Submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an updated resume.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Alabama?
No, it is not that hard to get into a school for engineering in Alabama. The top engineering schools for undergraduate students presented in the list above have acceptance rates that vary from 61 to 99 percent.
That gives you a very good chance of being accepted. Some schools even have open admissions, but their degrees aren’t usually regarded as highly as those from the more competitive schools. Here is our list of the easiest schools to gain admission to in Alabama for engineering programs.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Alabama for Engineering
- Alabama State University | Acceptance Rate: 99%. The admissions process at Alabama State University is not selective, and the university has an acceptance rate as good as an open university. It offers academic programs in a range of different disciplines including business, health sciences, liberal arts, education, and more.
- University of West Alabama | Acceptance Rate: 93%. With a 93 percent acceptance rate, UWA is another school that’s easy to get into. It accepts new students all year long for the spring, fall, and summer semesters. There are 60 undergraduate programs and 20 graduate programs offered through its five colleges.
- Alabama A&M University | Acceptance Rate: 90%. AAMU’s acceptance rate of 90 percent makes it the third easiest school to get admission to in Alabama. It offers a variety of undergrad and grad programs via its four academic colleges.
- Auburn University | Acceptance Rate: 85%. With an acceptance rate of 85 percent, Auburn maintains a moderately selective admission process. The average SAT score for admitted students ranges between 1150 and 1320, and the average ACT score falls between 25 and 31.
- University of North Alabama | Acceptance Rate: 83%. This school’s acceptance rate is higher than many schools but low enough to be viewed as a form of selective admission. Good grades and the ability to demonstrate why you would be a good match for UNA are required for admission.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*school
Best Online Schools for Engineering in Alabama
The best online schools for engineering in Alabama offer various academic programs in different engineering fields. Here are the top five online schools for engineering according to their graduation rates. The graduation rates come from the US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | 77% | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
| The University of Alabama | 68% | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Alabama-Birmingham | 56% | Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering Management |
| University of Alabama-Huntsville | 54% | Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering |
| Alabama A&M University | 31% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Alabama
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Alabama are the ones with the lowest average annual costs. We have listed the best five colleges in Alabama with the most affordable education.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Alabama With Financial Aid
There are ways that you can subsidize your education at the top engineering schools in Alabama through financial aid programs. These opportunities include federal and state funding via FAFSA, Alabama student assistance programs, Alabama scholarship programs, etc., as well as aid opportunities from private organizations.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Alabama Students
- Alabama Student Assistance Program | Amount: $300 to $5,000. Financial support is made available to undergraduate students who are residents of Alabama through this need-based program.
- Bond & Botes Financial Hardship Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. The purpose of this funding is to help students overcome their student loan obligations. Two students will be awarded $2,000 each year to help cover their tuition.
- CollegeCounts Scholarship | Amount: $2,000 or $4,000. This aid is for first-time freshmen in Alabama who have demonstrated financial need and a desire to make a positive impact in the world. Students enrolled in four-year schools receive $4,000 in aid, while those enrolled in two-year schools receive $2,000 in aid.
- Linly Heflin Scholarship | Amount: $7,000 per year. This scholarship is for women in Alabama who are pursuing a four-year degree. Awardees receive $7,000 each year for four years or until their graduation, whichever comes first.
- Alabama Concrete Industries Association Foundation Scholarship | Amount: $8,000. Every year, the ACIF provides an $8,000 scholarship to two college seniors majoring in architecture, engineering, or building sciences at any university in Alabama.
Alabama Employment Outlook for Engineering
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Alabama employment outlook for all engineering and architecture majors is going to grow at a rate of 6 percent between 2020 and 2030. Here are some of the highest-paying engineering careers in Alabama in detail.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Alabama
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $121,370 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $109,090 |
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,450 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,930 |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $92,800 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Alabama Explained
The best engineering jobs in Alabama come with the highest salaries. In the table above, we listed the highest-paying engineering careers in Alabama. Below is more information about each of them.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Alabama I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Alabama you go to for engineering, because each school has its own pros and cons. Your decision will also be influenced by factors like the cost of tuition, graduation and acceptance rates, the university’s academic rankings, etc.
When making a decision, you can reference our lists of the best engineering schools provided above in this article. Whether you require an online engineering school or a specific type of degree, the schools listed here can help you narrow down your choices and make the right decision based on your own goals and preferences.
Additional Reading About Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/engineering-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/engineering-degree/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/software-engineering-associate-degrees/
Best Engineering Schools in Alabama FAQ
The number-one ranked engineering school in the US is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), according to US News & World Report, a reliable resource for school rankings. MIT is the best engineering school in the country, followed closely by Stanford University and the University of California-Berkeley, in the second and third spots respectively.
Yes, UAB, or University of Alabama-Birmingham, is a good engineering school. It is ranked among top colleges on the lists of the best engineering schools and best national universities for US News & World Report. It also offers a variety of engineering degree programs so students can explore a multitude of interests.
Sophomore year could be considered the most challenging year of engineering. This is because this is when you will likely begin taking engineering courses in your major, rather than just math, science, and other general education requirements.
Engineering has a high dropout rate because, after they begin an engineering program, many students discover that they do not like, or otherwise have difficulty with, courses involving difficult subjects such as differential equations, calculus, linear algebra, or physics.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
