Pennsylvania is one of the best states for students looking to get a reputable engineering degree. The best engineering schools in Pennsylvania combine in-depth curricula and hands-on practical experience to prepare graduates for highly successful careers.
This article covers all you need to know about the best engineering schools in Pennsylvania. Our well-researched Pennsylvania engineering school rankings provide you with a road map you can use during your search for an engineering degree program.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Pennsylvania
To choose the best engineering school in Pennsylvania for you, you should consider the cost, the program’s employment outcomes, and how the degree fits in with your career goals. These factors are explained in more detail below.
Cost
When deciding on the best engineering school to attend, you should always consider the cost of tuition. Several schools provide a world-class educational experience at a very affordable cost. Many schools also ease the financial burden on their students with substantial financial aid packages.
Employment Outcomes
You should always research your prospective schools’ employment outcomes before you enroll in their engineering program. Graduating from a school with low employment rates will likely reduce your chances of getting a high-paying job after earning your degree.
Career Goals
Some schools have engineering degrees streamlined for specific engineering fields or concentrations. You should carefully consider the nature of your prospective school’s program and determine if it will be the best fit to enable you to achieve your career objectives.
Pennsylvania Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania?
Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
---|---|---|---|
Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Standard Program) | #6 |
Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering | #21 |
University of Pennsylvania | Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Computer Science) | PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering | #21 |
Lehigh University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | PhD in Computer Engineering | #45 |
Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | PhD in Materials Science and Engineering | #52 |
University of Pittsburgh | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | #56 |
Villanova University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | #96 |
Temple University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | PhD in Environmental Engineering | #131 |
Robert Morris University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Industrial Concentration) | Master of Science in Engineering Management | #187 (National Universities) |
Widener University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Master of Science in Robotics Engineering | #213 (National Universities) |
Pennsylvania Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania
To rank the best engineering schools in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania Explained
Many Pennsylvania universities offer undergraduate and graduate-level engineering programs. However, the best of these engineering schools provide students with a world-class educational experience that enables them to become leading voices in their industry. Some of the finest engineering schools and degree programs in Pennsylvania are listed below.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Pennsylvania offer either associate or bachelor’s degrees in various fields of engineering, from civil engineering to mechanical engineering. Take a closer look at some of the best engineering schools in Pennsylvania listed below.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
- Delaware County Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. This two-year, 67-credit-hour associate program is perfect for entry-level learners looking to study rudimentary math and engineering concepts before pursuing a bachelor’s degree or seeking junior-level engineering jobs.
- Community College of Beaver County | Associate of Science in Engineering. This two-year associate program covers information technology topics as well as math and physics concepts. Graduates of this program have a wide range of technical skills across various key engineering areas.
- Lehigh Carbon Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. Graduates of this 62-credit program can apply mathematical and scientific concepts to solve complex engineering problems. Graduates also have the basic research and analytical skills they need to pursue an engineering bachelor’s degree.
- Bucks County Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. Bucks County Community College is one of the best community colleges in Pennsylvania. Its 64-credit associate program covers essential topics like strength of materials and engineering design and produces skilled entry-level engineering professionals.
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | Associate Degree in Engineering CAD Technology. This four-semester, 73-credit program is valuable for students interested in pursuing careers or further education in engineering design. Students learn advanced math concepts and learn how to use software such as AutoDesk and AutoCAD.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Carnegie Mellon University is ranked as the seventh-best civil engineering school in the country by US News & World Report. This BS program requires students to complete 384 units of coursework covering mathematics, physics, and core civil engineering topics.
- Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This 189.5-credit program combines the theoretical and practical aspects of mechanical engineering to produce graduates capable of working in various in-demand industry sectors, such as biomechanics and infrastructure systems.
- Lehigh University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. This 131-credit chemical engineering program offers courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics and electives in the arts and social sciences. This program gives students the broad knowledge base they need for the chemical engineering industry.
- The Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Penn State University’s 131-credit BS in Mechanical Engineering program is structured to give students a strong background in mechanical engineering and other equally important topics in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
- Temple University | Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology. Temple University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering provides a 124-credit-hour undergraduate program for construction engineering students. This program includes a co-op program where students can gain practical experience.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Pennsylvania
Below, we compiled a list of the best graduate engineering schools in Pennsylvania. These universities provide the most comprehensive master’s and doctoral programs for people with an undergraduate degree looking to obtain more advanced knowledge in their various branches of engineering.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Standard Program). Graduate students in this program are expected to complete 97 units of coursework. Students can choose between a coursework-only track and a project track.
- University of Pennsylvania | Master of Science in Engineering (Systems Engineering). This 10-course-unit degree program includes concentrations in data science, system modeling, and systems design and optimization. It also includes a leadership course, which benefits students looking to occupy senior engineering roles.
- University of Pittsburgh | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. The University of Pittsburgh’s industrial engineering master’s program requires students to complete 30 credits of coursework. It includes core courses in operations research, probability and statistics, and manufacturing systems.
- Lehigh University | Master of Science in Computer Engineering. Students enrolled in this 30-credit-hour program must complete two courses in computer hardware and architecture and an engineering project. Students can also take courses in signal processing, software applications, and circuits and systems.
- Villanova University | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This master’s program combines essential subjects like thermal sciences and dynamics and controls with cutting-edge topics of study like nanotechnology and biotechnology. Students in this program are expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Carnegie Mellon University offers an advanced and direct PhD for people with master’s and bachelor’s degrees. The initial stages of this program are concentrated on advanced coursework, and the program culminates in an original research project.
- Drexel University | PhD in Environmental Engineering. Students in this 90-credit doctoral program have the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with Drexel University’s skilled faculty, whose expertise spans several areas, including green design, building energy efficiency, and the use of biotechnology for novel treatment processes.
- University of Pennsylvania | PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This PhD program requires students to complete 10 units of coursework. Students must also complete in-depth, original research in any relevant area of chemical and biomolecular engineering, culminating in the submission of a PhD thesis.
- Temple University | PhD in Environmental Engineering. Students enrolled in Temple University’s PhD in Engineering program use modern laboratory tools to conduct research in areas like environmental biotechnology, nanoparticles, and advanced oxidation.
- University of Pittsburgh | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. This 72-credit doctoral program is an on-campus program for students looking to pursue research-focused jobs upon graduation. In addition to carrying out groundbreaking research, students also learn about critical decision-making concepts and engineering design topics.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Pennsylvania differ for undergraduate and graduate students. The unique requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs are listed below.
Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Online application, including an application fee
- Official high school transcripts or an equivalent
- Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay
Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Official college transcripts
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Pennsylvania?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Pennsylvania. Many schools in Pennsylvania have acceptance rates of more than 60 percent, which means that the likelihood of you getting admitted into your preferred program is high.
Some universities in Pennsylvania even have an open admissions policy. However, the majority of these schools are not highly rated by prospective employers, and as such, they cannot guarantee favorable employment outcomes for their graduates.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Pennsylvania for Engineering
- Bucks County Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Bucks County Community College is located in Newtown, Pennsylvania. It has an open admissions policy and offers an Associate of Science in Engineering to help graduates quickly transition into a four-year program.
- Community College of Beaver County | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Community College of Beaver County has a non-selective admissions policy, making it one of the easiest colleges in Pennsylvania for engineering students to get into. However, it should be noted that engineering students at this school can only get an associate-level degree.
- Lehigh Carbon Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent can be admitted into Lehigh Carbon Community College. This public institution provides several two-year associate degree programs in engineering and engineering technology.
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Acceptance Rate: 93%. Indiana University of Pennsylvania is one of the easiest schools to get into for engineering students seeking a bachelor’s degree. Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers undergraduate degrees in software and environmental engineering.
- Wilkes University | Acceptance Rate: 92%. Wilkes University offers master’s degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and engineering systems management. It also offers undergraduate programs in civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Pennsylvania
The best online schools for engineering in Pennsylvania are University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania State University, and Drexel University. All the graduation rate information in the table below was obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics.
School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
---|---|---|
University of Pennsylvania | 97% | Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science |
Lehigh University | 88% | Master’s in Chemical Engineering |
University of Pittsburgh | 81% | Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering |
The Pennsylvania State University | 71% | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering |
Drexel University | 68% | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Pennsylvania
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Pennsylvania are Slippery Rock University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The average annual tuition fees at these universities and their available programs are listed below.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania With Financial Aid
The top engineering schools in Pennsylvania offer financial aid options to students who might not be able to cover the entire cost of their tuition. Students in need of financial aid can receive federal assistance by filling out and submitting the FAFSA form. In addition, Pennsylvania also provides state grants, forward loans, and work-study programs.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Pennsylvania Students
- Society of Women Engineers – Lehigh Valley Professional Section Scholarship Program | Amount: $5,000. This scholarship is open to female high school seniors who intend to pursue an engineering degree post-graduation. Applicants must complete an evaluation form and submit an original essay.
- Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship | Amount: $2,500. The Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship is awarded to students from Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties who want to obtain environmental science or environmental engineering degrees.
- Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program | Amount: $2,000 for full-time students, $1,000 for part-time students. This scholarship program is open to students whose family income is below $110,000. Applicants must fill out the FAFSA and PA state grant forms, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, and complete at least 24 credits.
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship | Amount: Varies. This award is available to talented students who are Pennsylvania high school seniors with a track record of community service, leadership skills, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Awardees must also be attending a university in Pennsylvania.
- Hope Through Learning Award | Amount: $2,500. This scholarship is for residents of Allegheny County that have experienced homelessness during their time in high school. All applicants must be under 24 years old and pursuing their first higher education program.
Pennsylvania Employment Outlook for Engineering
Pennsylvania’s employment outlook for engineering and other job fields indicates that the state is a great place to land a job after graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.5 to 4.8 percent between January 2021 and April 2022.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Pennsylvania
Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $105,390 |
Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $102,450 |
Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $100,270 |
Civil Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $92,150 |
Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $91,520 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania Explained
The best engineering jobs in Pennsylvania pay attractive salaries and give employees the opportunity to apply their technical skills toward solving real-world problems. Some of the best engineering jobs available in Pennsylvania are listed below.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Pennsylvania I Go To?
Yes, it matters what school in Pennsylvania you go to for engineering. While there are several schools that offer engineering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, not all these schools provide their students with a top-quality education.
You must choose a school with a solid curriculum, experienced faculty, and a good reputation in your chosen industry. Choosing the right school will significantly affect your chances of securing a high-paying job upon graduation.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania FAQ
Yes, you can get an engineering job in Pennsylvania with an associate degree. There are many companies that hire people with an associate degree for entry-level roles. You could also apply for technologist or technician jobs at engineering companies.
It typically takes between three to six years to get a PhD in Engineering from a Pennsylvania University. The specific length will primarily depend on the nature of your program and how quickly you can meet your school or program’s graduation requirements.
Yes, many Pennsylvania universities offer a work-study option for students who need financial aid. You can find many work-study jobs that pay well and enable you to earn some extra money to cover your tuition or other living expenses.
Engineering majors can be challenging, especially if you have a problem with subjects like math and physics. However, by joining a program with a well-structured curriculum and putting in enough effort, you can grasp the essential concepts well. This can be the first step toward a successful engineering career.
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