The field of engineering and technology has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, which has created a need for qualified engineering professionals who can handle complex engineering projects. The best engineering schools in Texas produce engineers who can meet this need.
Although there are numerous engineering schools in Texas, this article highlights the engineering schools in Texas that offer excellent programs, are equipped with cutting-edge technology, and stand at the top of the Texas engineering school rankings.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Texas
To choose the best engineering school in Texas for you, you should consider factors such as cost, student-to-faculty ratio, employment opportunities, location, flexibility, graduation rate, retention rate, career goals, and academic reputation. Find a breakdown of some of these factors below.
Cost
Cost is one of the most critical attributes to consider when choosing an engineering school in Texas. You may want to prioritize schools that offer excellent engineering programs at lower prices. It’s also important to check whether an institution has financial aid options and how readily available these options are for students.
Location
When choosing an engineering school, it is important to check the location and see how close it is to you. Living close to your institution offers many benefits. You can easily get to campus on time and spend less on transport and attending an institution close to you can help lower the cost of your tuition.
Flexibility/Convenience
It is also important to check which learning formats a school offers and find schools that match your preferred learning format. You may want to consider colleges with online courses. Online learning allows you to have the privilege of attending classes from the comfort of your home or anywhere else. This also contributes to your comfort and convenience while attending classes.
Texas Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Texas?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #10 |
| Texas A&M University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering | #15 |
| Rice University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Chemical Engineering | #27 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #64 |
| University of Houston | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering | #71 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering | #79 |
| Texas Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering | #95 |
| Baylor University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #121 |
| Southern Methodist University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | #121 |
| University of North Texas | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Energy Engineering | Master of Science in Mechanical and Energy Engineering | #131 |
Texas Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Texas
To rank the best engineering schools in Texas, 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 Texas Explained
The best engineering schools in Texas include The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University. The list below details the best programs available at these and other highly-ranked engineering schools in Texas.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Texas
These are the best undergraduate engineering schools in Texas. These schools are recommended for students looking to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree or break into entry-level positions in the field of engineering.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Texas
- Northwest Vista College | Associate of Science in Math and Engineering. Northwest Vista’s engineering program provides both a solid theoretical background and hands-on experience. Students can complete two years of STEM, math, and engineering courses at Northwest Vista College and transfer these credits to a bachelor’s program.
- North Central Texas College | Associate of Science in Engineering Technology. Students in this program are trained in engineering technology like Autodesk software to create 2D and 3D drafting models. The program is designed to meet worldwide industry standards.
- Houston Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Science. Students can complete the first two years of a four-year BS in Engineering through this program at HCC and then transfer to a university of their choice to complete their engineering degree.
- Central Texas College| Associate Degree in General Engineering. The Associate Degree in Engineering program is offered in partnership with the engineering department at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. This two-year program can prepare you for the next step in your engineering education and career.
- Austin Community College District | Associate Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The Engineering Associate of Science Degree is a transfer degree based on the Electrical Engineering Field of Study Curriculum. It covers the fundamental information taught in the first two years of a four-year degree.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Texas
- Rice University | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This is a diverse and interdisciplinary undergraduate program that offers students several degree options. For example, students at the bachelor’s level can pursue either a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the same field.
- The University of Texas, Austin | Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. Students in this program learn to solve problems and design new processes and workflows in the oil and gas production industry. Students use advanced computer technologies and methods to learn to evaluate potential oil and gas reservoirs.
- Texas A&M University College Station | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This undergraduate degree program offers a modern and comprehensive curriculum that helps prepare biomedical engineering students for meaningful employment in different sectors, from manufacturing to medical research.
- Texas Christian University | Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. Students of this program can choose either an electrical or mechanical emphasis. Both of the available areas of emphasis include a liberal arts component and core engineering courses that promote an interdisciplinary foundation in engineering.
- Trinity University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science. Through hands-on experience and the completion of engineering projects, this eight-semester engineering design program prepares students for the interdisciplinary demands of the engineering field.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Texas
If you’re looking to get a Master’s Degree or PhD in Engineering or you’re an engineering professional looking to advance your career and gain new skills, you should be looking at engineering graduate programs. Below is a list of the best graduate engineering schools in Texas to obtain a Master’s Degree or PhD in Engineering.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Texas
- Rice University | Master of Bioengineering. Rice’s Master of Bioengineering is a widely-recognized, professional non-thesis degree that provides you with in-depth training. They offer two degree concentrations in applied bioengineering and global medical innovation.
- The University of Texas at Austin | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. Obtaining a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from UT Austin opens up a lot of professional opportunities. Students in this program learn the leadership skills they need to succeed in engineering practice, research, and education.
- Texas A&M University College Station | Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Texas A&M University students engage in highly applied research in the areas of biomass utilization, process safety, and hydrocarbon processing as well as fundamental research in nanotechnology, life sciences, and molecular simulation.
- Southern Methodist University | Master of Science in Network Engineering. This school’s network engineering graduate program provides hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates are able to successfully manage complex telecom systems and offer new opportunities for enhancing efficiency.
- Baylor University | Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering. Obtaining your MS in Mechanical Engineering from Baylor University equips you with the fundamental technical, communication, and teamwork skills you need to succeed in your chosen career.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Austin | PhD in Electrical Engineering. This PhD program provides doctorate students with substantial knowledge in the field of electrical engineering. It is ranked as the ninth-best graduate electrical engineering program in the country by US News & World Report.
- Rice University | Biomedical Engineering. Rice University’s biomedical engineering doctoral program trains students in advanced analytical and engineering skills, preparing them to solve challenges at the frontiers of human health and biotechnology.
- Texas A&M University-College Station | Chemical Engineering. The doctoral program in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University is a research-intensive program designed to prepare engineers to enter careers in the industry, government, or academia.
- Baylor University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering program is designed for students who are interested in engineering careers that require education beyond an MS or are pursuing careers in industrial research or academia.
- Southern Methodist University | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Electrical and Computer Engineering department at SMU offers two doctoral programs, one in electrical engineering and one in computer engineering. These research-intensive programs allow students to work with faculty advisors and gain problem-solving skills.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Texas
The basic admission requirements for engineering in Texas differ for undergraduate and graduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate programs require a minimum GPA and several letters of recommendation, but the requirements for graduate programs are usually more specialized.
Engineering Schools in Texas: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of an online application
- Official high school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- Application fee
Engineering Schools in Texas: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official test scores (GRE/GMAT)
- Professional and/or academic letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Completion of an online application
- Application fee
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Texas?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Texas. For most colleges, the acceptance rate is in the range of 90 to 100 percent. For universities, the acceptance rate is 50 percent or above.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Texas for Engineering
- San Jacinto College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This institution participates in a transfer compact that represents 77 percent of the Texas public universities offering mechanical engineering. This program guarantees the transfer of credits from a community college engineering program to a university.
- Northwest Vista College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This college offers a wide variety of engineering associate and bachelor’s programs. Some engineering programs to study there are computer science, biological sciences, and engineering technologies.
- Amarillo College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Amarillo College is one of the easiest colleges to apply to in Texas. One of the top engineering degrees this college offers is its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s program in computer science or software engineering.
- Lamar Institute of Technology | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Lamar Institute is another easy college to apply to. This school offers bachelor’s degree engineering programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, and electronics engineering.
- McLennan Community College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This college offers courses in engineering, science, and mathematics that are comparable to those you’d see in the first two years of a university engineering program.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Texas
The best online schools for engineering in Texas are Lamar University, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Tech University. Online learning may not be ideal for everyone, but many people prefer it for the flexibility it offers.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Rice University | 94% | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | 83% | Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 81% | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
| Southern Methodist University | 79% | Master of Science in Civil Engineering |
| Texas Tech University | 62% | Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Texas
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Texas are The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, El Paso Community College, Lee College, Palo Alto College, and Wharton County Junior College. Many colleges and universities in Texas offer affordable rates to in-state students.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Texas With Financial Aid
Getting financial aid to attend the best engineering schools in Texas usually involves filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for US citizens, a Texas Application for State Federal Aid (TASFA) for Texas residents, or an International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) for international students.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Texas Students
- Federal Pell Grant | Amount: Up to $6,895 per year. This is a financial aid program, designed by the US Department of Education to assist undergrad students. It covers tuition, room and board, and other educational expenses. Only US citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled in any US college may apply.
- Irene Wischer Scholarship | Amount: Up to $11,000 per year. This scholarship is designed for accredited colleges and universities for both undergraduates and graduates, preferably Christian students who have both demonstrated a need for financial assistance and academic potential.
- British American Foundation of Texas Undergraduate Scholarship | Amount: Varies. This is a program designed for British American college students and high school seniors residing in Texas who have been admitted to a four-year college. It covers all expenses including travel and insurance.
- Lighthouse Guild | Amount: $10,000. This program is designed for college-bound high school students and graduate students who are legally blind. It awards 10 to 15 scholarships that cover all healthcare services for one year.
- Hope Pierce Tartt Scholarship | Amount: Up to $5,000 each year for up to four years. This program is awarded to about 20 US citizens who have resided in Texas for 24 months and have maintained a 2.0 GPA as full-time students at non-tax-supported colleges or universities. It covers tuition, textbook costs, and course-related and equipment fees.
Texas Employment Outlook for Engineering
The Texas Workforce Commission predicts a 25 percent growth in Texas engineering jobs by 2024. An education in engineering prepares students for careers as network, software, senior principal mechanical, and manufacturing engineers. Engineering skills are in demand at companies like Aston Technologies, Toyota, Tesla, and Microsoft.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Texas
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $164,470 |
| Petroleum Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $151,420 |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $122,170 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $120,010 |
| Mining and Geological Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $118,840 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Texas Explained
The best engineering jobs in Texas are chemical engineer, petroleum engineer, environmental engineer, aerospace engineer, and mining and geological engineer. Other good engineering jobs are electrical engineer, electronic engineer, mechanical engineer, wood processing engineer, and computer engineer.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Texas I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Texas you go to for engineering. Many colleges in Texas offer a diverse range of engineering programs but some schools offer more resources than others. The engineering school you attend will, to a large extent, determine your chances of getting a worthwhile employment opportunity.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Texas FAQ
The best schools in Texas for mechanical engineering are Texas Tech University and the University of North Texas. The MS in Mechanical and Energy Engineering program at the University of North Texas is one of the best mechanical engineering programs in Texas.
The best undergraduate engineering programs in Texas are those offered by The University of Texas at Austin. UT Austin offers diverse undergraduate programs in subjects like environmental engineering and petroleum engineering, which are highly ranked among engineering programs in Texas.
The best graduate engineering programs in Texas are offered by The University of Texas at Austin. UT Austin offers an MS in Biomedical Engineering, which can be earned as a dual degree with a BS in the same subject.
Yes, Texas is good for engineering. It has some of the best engineering schools, including Texas A&M, Rice University, Baylor University, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas. Texas is also home to many leading technology companies, so staying local might be beneficial for your career search.
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