Engineering is a highly sought-after and lucrative sector that offers numerous high-paying jobs without a degree. But if you are looking for an engineering degree, you can choose from several world-class universities, including some of the best engineering schools in California.
To make your mark as an engineer, you must first choose the college that will best help you develop your skills and gain new ones. This article highlights several engineering schools in California, their programs, and the job prospects that each level of education offers you. Our California engineering school rankings will help you with your school search.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in California
To choose the best engineering school in California for you, you should consider the cost, flexibility of programs, and availability of academic support. You might also want to review factors like barriers to admission and specialization options. The following section expands on these pivotal factors.
Cost
The cost of attendance differs across each school and includes more than just tuition. You should research the prices of housing, meal plans, books, and any other items required for your major. It is also recommended to check for the availability of financial aid, which could help reduce the cost of tuition and other related expenses.
Barriers to Admission
All universities publicly list their qualifications to guide prospective applicants, including international students. This helps applicants understand whether they are eligible or qualified to take a program. Sometimes schools offer specialized resources for students.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a crucial factor when considering which school to apply for. If you are working full-time, it’s best to consider schools that offer hybrid or fully-online programs. This way, you’ll be able to effectively balance school and work. If you’re a full-time student with lots of time to spare, you may even consider an accelerated degree program to maximize your time.
Specialization Options
If you’re unsure what engineering sector you want to dive into, a school with broader specialization options might benefit you. For example, if you want to specialize in aerospace engineering, you should look for schools that offer aerospace engineering programs because a generalized engineering curriculum might not suit your needs.
Employment Opportunities
Most times, your future career is dependent on your interest or field of study. The best engineering schools in California offer resources for students like seminars, student resource building programs, and student body associations to help you move along your chosen career path. Some schools can even help you secure a spot in one of the top engineering companies.
California Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in California?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering | #2 |
| University of California – Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences | Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering | #3 |
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #4 |
| University of California – San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Bioengineering | #11 |
| University of Southern California | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | #15 |
| University of California – Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #16 |
| University of California – Santa Barbara | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering | #28 |
| University of California – Davis | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering | #35 |
| University of California – Irvine | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Software Engineering | #43 |
| University of California – Riverside | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering | #82 |
California Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in California
To rank the best engineering schools in California, 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 California Explained
There are many top colleges and universities to choose from if you want to pursue a degree in engineering. To make the process of picking a school easier for you, we put together the following section that covers some of the best engineering schools and programs California has to offer.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in California
The next section covers some of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California. An undergraduate engineering education, be it for an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, gives the foundational education you need for your chosen field.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in California
- Bakersfield College | Associate of Science in HVAC Technology. Students in this program are prepared for entry-level positions in the fields of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The program gives a foundational education in HVAC system troubleshooting and repair.
- Butte College | Associate of Science in Engineering. This program encompasses the building blocks of engineering education. It provides interdisciplinary opportunities and a compact learning experience covering engineering graphics and programming.
- Merced College | Associate of Science in Automotive Technology. This curriculum equips aspiring engineering students with the knowledge and abilities needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair modern automobiles. Although the program is not directly in the engineering department, it is certified by Automotive Service Excellence.
- Pasadena City College | Associate of Science in Engineering & Technology. Students in this program can pursue diverse programs of study through the Engineering Technology specialization. It provides high-achieving students the chance to study complex engineering disciplines like architecture and biochemical engineering.
- Ventura College | Associate of Science in Water Science. The Associate of Science in Water Science program prepares engineering students for careers in the municipal potable water and wastewater industries. It is a popular major due to the range of opportunities available to degree holders.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in California
- Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program helps mechanical engineering students gain knowledge, self-discovery, and personal development. The curriculum provides in-depth learning opportunities in four major areas, including design and sustainability.
- University of California – Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This program covers the fundamentals of natural sciences and teaches students to analyze and solve engineering problems. Math, chemistry, physics, and science courses are usually included.
- University of California – San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering. This program combines civil, mechanical, geotechnical, and other related engineering disciplines, with a focus on structural design and analysis. It takes about four years and 148 credit units for full-time students to complete this program.
- California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering. This program covers two tracks, one in environmental physics and one in environmental chemistry. Each track includes laboratory research, data analysis training, and a multidisciplinary curriculum.
- University of California – Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. This program’s curriculum covers all aspects of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Chemical engineering degree recipients will be prepared for professional work in the development, design, and operation of chemical processes and equipment.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in California
The next section covers some of the best graduate engineering schools in California. The next point of learning after undergraduate engineering degrees is a graduate program, be it for a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. This level of education gives you advanced knowledge in your chosen field.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in California
- Stanford University | Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics. This advanced program teaches all the skills required to excel in the aerospace field. Although an MS is not required for Stanford’s PhD program, the MS in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering covers specific industry-based topics required in the field.
- University of California – Berkeley | Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering. UC Berkeley is renowned for its biomedical engineering master’s degree program. It covers all essential topics and skills and bridges the gap between medicine and engineering.
- Stanford University | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program offers the chance to obtain in-depth knowledge and skills in advanced manufacturing. It aims at producing the leading engineers and researchers needed to improve products and manufacturing processes through industry-oriented smart manufacturing.
- University of California – Los Angeles | Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. This program provides students with strong analytical and technical abilities in a variety of civil engineering specialties. This program is taught by research-active academics and practicing engineers.
- University of Southern California | Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. This program was created with industry input and includes a study of petroleum geology. The program produces world-class petroleum engineers who are ready to work in the upstream oil and gas industry.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in California
- Stanford University | PhD in Bioengineering. This biomedical engineering PhD program is aimed at preparing students for careers in the public sector, the commercial sector, or academia. Graduates work in academic institutions as well as in business and other institutions in high-level research and development positions.
- University of California – Berkeley | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. This PhD program consists of intense coursework and significant research components. Students must complete the required credit hours for the course work and present, submit, and defend a thesis.
- California Institute of Technology | PhD in Space Engineering. This doctoral degree program prepares students for the spacecraft engineering industry. It provides courses that meet industry standards and prepares students to enact research and innovation in the field.
- California Institute of Technology | PhD in Mechanical and Civil Engineering. Students in this program must choose a field of specialization for their dissertation, such as geoinformatics, hydraulics and water resources engineering, and infrastructure engineering. Students must submit and defend a thesis.
- University of California – Davis | PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering. This program covers biological and agricultural engineers’ work to improve the natural world by achieving goals like safer food, cleaner water, and cleaner air. Research work on a specific topic is usually covered in the course of this program.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in California
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in California are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate admissions require high school GPAs, standardized test results, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency tests for international students. Graduate admissions require undergraduate academic credentials and GRE scores, among other requirements.
Engineering Schools in California: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Test Scores including SAT and ACT
- Letters of recommendation
- High school report or transcript
- Application Fees
Engineering Schools in California: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Official transcript of an undergraduate degree
- Letters of recommendation
- Relevant standardized tests such as GRE
- Resume
- Personal statement
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in California?
Yes, it is quite hard to get into a school for engineering in California. California is home to a lot of internationally recognized colleges, which means it is a very competitive market. The best engineering schools in California acceptance rates range from 5 to 66 percent. Below is a list of schools with high acceptance rates and open admissions. However, these schools are usually less valuable in the job market.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California for Engineering
- Southern California Institute of Technology | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This is a for-profit private university founded over 35 years ago. It is very easy to get into because it is open to everyone and does not require test scores or an application fee. Its most popular degree program is electronics.
- Long Beach City College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Long Beach City College was established in 1927, and since then it has provided educational programs with a commitment to excellent student learning in a diverse and vibrant environment. It is easy to get into because it has no application fee and doesn’t require test scores.
- National University | Acceptance Rate: 89%. This is a non-profit, private university established in 1971. It is an authorized leader in several degree programs and has a wide variety of course offerings. It is easy to get into, especially for students with a GPA of over 2.5.
- University of California – Riverside | Acceptance Rate: 66%. This is a public research facility established in 1907. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. It is very easy to get into, boasting an acceptance rate of 66 percent.
- Santa Clara University | Acceptance Rate: 51%. This private university was established in 1951 and has consistently provided high academic excellence since then. With an acceptance rate of 51 percent, it is easier to get into than most top colleges in California.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in California
The best online schools for engineering in California are Stanford University, the University of California – Berkeley, the University of Southern California, the University of California – Los Angeles, and the University of California – San Diego. The following section ranks these schools based on graduation statistics provided by the NCES.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 96% | Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| University of California – Berkeley | 93% | Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| University of Southern California | 93% | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
| University of California – Los Angeles | 92% | Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
| University of California – San Diego | 89% | Master of Science in Systems Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in California
The most affordable colleges for engineering in California are California State University – Los Angeles, California State University – Dominguez Hills, California State University – Fresno, California State University – San Bernardino, and California State University – Northridge. These schools provide a decent educational experience while remaining budget-friendly.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in California With Financial Aid
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Help (FAFSA) as part of your admissions process will help you pay tuition at the top engineering schools in California. Financial aid is an ideal way to avoid student debt. You can also apply for any of the state’s other grants. Furthermore, there are many scholarships available to help you with your financial obligations.
Best Engineering Scholarships for California Students
- Cal Grant | Amount: Four years of tuition. The Cal Grant is a state-funded scholarship program for students who attend qualified schools. Some academic, financial, and general requirements including GPA and FAFSA must be met to receive this grant.
- Chafee Grant Program | Amount: up to $5,000. This grant is directed toward those in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18. It also covers students’ transportation and child care fees. It applies to all California schools as well as schools in other states.
- Golden State Education and Training Grant Program | Amount: $2,500. The Golden State Education and Training Grant (GSETG) Program provides a one-off grant to Californians who were laid off due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is specifically given to those enrolled in an educational program for upgrading skills.
- Middle-Class Scholarship | Amount: Four years of tuition. Undergraduate students can get a Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) to attend a University of California (UC) or a California State University (CSU) campus. Students with a household income and possessions of up to $201,000 are eligible for the award.
- California College Promise Grant | Amount: Covers enrollment fee, books, and supplies. This grant waives enrollment costs for eligible California residents. However, separate applications are required for assistance with the purchase of books and supplies. Homeless youth and those qualified for non-resident tuition can also apply.
California Employment Outlook for Engineering
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers have a job outlook of eight percent over the next ten years. This reflects the wide range of employment prospects and research possibilities within the state.
Aside from its immense job prospects, engineering is a field with a wide range of applications. The job market isn’t likely to be saturated, as engineering is a vast discipline with several specializations and levels of expertise, which makes it highly lucrative and the go-to for an academic career.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in California
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in California |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $128,170 |
| Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $101,780 |
| Health and Safety Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,040 |
| Mining and Geological Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $97,090 |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,820 |
Best Engineering Jobs in California Explained
Engineering is an extensive discipline with several specializations and broad categories of expertise. Graduate earnings are extremely lucrative, but you can still earn a high annual wage with an undergraduate degree. From computer hardware engineers to health and safety engineers, here are some of the best engineering jobs in California.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in California I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in California you go to for engineering. The name and reputation of a school are factors that give an added advantage both academically and when entering the job market. Consequently, the weight of a degree from a world-renowned school will do you more favors than that of a school with a lesser reputation.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in California FAQ
The engineering schools in California are as good as those in New York. They both have world-renowned universities with top-notch facilities, diligent faculty members, and high rankings.
No, you can not attend an online engineering school in California without being a registered student of the school. You must be admitted and registered before you gain access to the program. The only courses open to the public are some seminar videos or specialized courses set aside for general use.
Yes, you can use a science-based associate degree to apply for a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many of the general education courses required for a bachelor’s degree are likely to be completed if you are not in a trade-specific or specialized associate program. This means you will only need to take upper-division courses and transfer the required credits.
A joint degree program is better than an accelerated degree or bachelor’s degree in academic terms. This is because it combines a bachelor’s and a master’s. An accelerated bachelor’s degree program simply reduces the amount of time spent obtaining your bachelor’s degree. Therefore, a joint degree is best if you plan to further your educational aspirations.
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