States in the south, or the southeastern part of the US, offer some of the best engineering schools in the country. While that is a good thing, it could present a challenge if you are trying to decide which engineering school in the south to go to for your college education to get your Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Our lists of the best engineering schools in the south can help you make your decision. Offering highly ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, our list of engineering schools in the south offer high graduation rates, varied programs of study, and affordable tuition. We also considered southern engineering school rankings in choosing schools for our lists. Read on to find which awesome university is right for you.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in the South
To choose the best engineering school in the south for you, you should consider the school’s accreditation, cost, degree levels offered, employment opportunities, and reputation. Let’s explore these factors in detail to help guide your decision.
Accreditation
Getting a job post graduation is one of the main reasons why people go to college. Attending a school that is accredited plays an important role in determining how easily you can land a job after graduation. Many employers only recognize degrees from accredited schools.
Programs can be accredited too. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation for engineering schools in the US. You may want to find programs accredited by ABET to help guide your choice.
Cost
Attending college can be expensive, so putting costs into consideration is imperative. It’s recommended that you look at the tuition and associated fees for the programs you intend to pursue to see which schools fit your budget. Choosing a public college will help to save you some money, and you can also seek financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, or grants.
Degree Levels Offered
It probably goes without saying, but make sure that the school offers the degree level you want and keep in mind that your best pick, usually, will be a school that offers many or even all possible degree levels. That way, moving from one degree level to a higher one will be easier after completing your program. You might start out thinking you’ll only pursue one degree, but this way you’ll be covered if you change your mind.
Employment Opportunities
You want to choose a school that offers excellent opportunities for employment after graduation. Internship programs and various career services can prepare students for gainful employment after graduating and help provide plentiful options for a rewarding career. You can also look into the job placement rate of students in your particular program.
Reputation of the School
Attending a school with a good reputation will set you up for better opportunities in the engineering world. You can check reliable rankings, like those by US News & World Report, and popular review sites to help gauge the reputation of the school. If the average review seems to be positive, it’s worth finding out more about the school.
Southern Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in the South?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering | Master of Engineering in Cyber Security | 27 |
| University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Master of Science in Systems Engineering | 36 (tie) |
| Vanderbilt University | Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering | PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 36 (tie) |
| North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering | PhD in Chemical Engineering | 36 (tie) |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Software Engineering | PhD in Biomedical Engineering | 36 (tie) |
| University of Arizona | Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | 52 |
| Clemson University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | PhD in Photonic Science and Technology | 56 (tie) |
| Auburn University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Aerospace Engineering | 56 (tie) |
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences Engineering | Master of Science in Environmental Engineering | 63 |
| University of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | PhD in Informatics | 96 |
Southern Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in the South
To rank the best engineering schools in the south, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering program 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. Read on to find out more about our list of highest-ranked universities in the south.
Best Engineering Schools in the South Explained
Now, let’s explore the best engineering schools in the south. We’ll look at each school’s rankings, accreditation, and top engineering programs. These details will give you an overview of these top schools, helping you choose wisely to start your college career off right.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in the South
The best undergraduate engineering schools in the south include the University of Florida, Arizona State University, North Arkansas College, and Montgomery Community College. These colleges and universities offer engineering associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in the South
- North Arkansas College | Associate of Science in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. This 62-credit program allows you to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in engineering or another science and mathematics major. An advisor guides you through selecting the right courses for your transfer.
- Montgomery Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Science: General Engineering. This associate degree program not only equips you to begin a career in engineering but also prepares you for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
- Albany Technical College | Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology. This associate degree program offers two tracks: the General Specialization and the Surveying Generalization. Although a small college, Albany Technical College provides an interactive and satisfying learning environment.
- Blue Ridge Community College | Associate in Engineering. Blue Ridge Community College in North Carolina offers a two-year Associate in Engineering program. Students are prepared for entry-level jobs in engineering or further education through a four-year program.
- Clinton College | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Environmental Technology. This AAS program has two major goals. One is to equip students with relevant knowledge and skills to land roles as environmental technicians. The other is to provide required credits for transfer to a four-year program.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in the South
- University of Florida | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. The University of Florida has a reputation as one of the best schools for undergraduate programs. This engineering bachelor’s degree program is fully accredited, and you can opt for the combined option, which allows you to work toward a master’s and a bachelor’s degree at the same time.
- Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Software Engineering. Arizona State University ranks as one of the best schools in the south, offering a vibrant campus and active student community. This bachelor’s degree has an accelerated option that allows you to work toward a master’s degree concurrently.
- Arkansas Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Studying at Arkansas Tech University provides you with a rewarding hands-on experience. This undergraduate engineering degree is ABET accredited.
- North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. NCSU is one of the few schools offering a solid undergraduate program in nuclear engineering. This 123-credit bachelor’s degree program prepares graduates for careers as nuclear engineers in the electric power industry and national laboratories and other industries.
- Auburn University | Bachelor of Biosystems Engineering. Auburn University has a reputable engineering undergraduate faculty. This Bachelor of Biosystems Engineering program trains students to be expert biosystems engineers to land in-demand jobs in the industry.
Best Online Associate Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-bachelors-degrees
"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 Graduate Schools for Engineering in the South
The best graduate schools for engineering in the south are top-ranking universities that offer accredited master’s degrees and PhDs in a wide range of engineering majors. Here are 10 of the best engineering schools in the south for graduate students to consider.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in the South
- University of Florida | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The master’s program has a 30-credit requirement, with 24 credits in coursework and six credits in thesis research. There is also a no-thesis option that has a comprehensive final exam.
- University of New Orleans | Master of Science in Engineering: Civil and Environmental Engineering. Many students opt for the University of New Orleans because of its affordability and financial aid opportunities. This graduate program takes between 18 and 24 months to complete and has a thesis option, with six credit hours required for the thesis, and a no-thesis option, with three credit hours required for a master’s project.
- University of Virginia | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. The University of Virginia is one of the top universities in the south. This master’s program requires a combination of graduate coursework and research work.
- West Virginia University | Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. This master’s degree program typically takes 24 months to complete. Students in the program are required to complete an oral presentation and a research proposal.
- Duke University | Master of Engineering in Cyber Security. Duke University has a long history of providing high-quality education to residents of the south and students all over the world. The Master of Engineering in Cyber Security program is offered both on campus and online.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in the South
- Mississippi State University | PhD in Computer Science. This doctoral program takes four years to complete, with 63 credits of graduate coursework and thesis research required. Studying at Mississippi State University offers the benefit of learning in an internationally diverse environment.
- University of New Orleans | PhD in Engineering and Applied Science: Mechanical Engineering. The University of New Orleans is an affordable university, and 77 percent of its students receive financial aid. This doctoral program requires 81 credits, with 30 credits in dissertation research and coursework making up the rest.
- Clemson University | PhD in Photonic Science and Technology. This doctoral program requires 36 credit hours of research work and 24 credit hours of graduate coursework. Studying at Clemson University gives you access to the university’s wealth of research funding.
- Arizona State University | PhD in Biomedical Engineering. According to US News & World Report, graduate programs at Arizona State University rank among the best in the United States. This doctoral program in biomedical engineering is a combination of graduate coursework and research.
- West Virginia University | PhD in Civil Engineering. This Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering program offers a structured program of study and dissertation research. West Virginia University has been home to 25 Rhodes Scholars, 46 Goldwater Scholars, 25 Truman Scholars, 70 Fulbright Scholars, and other high-achieving 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 the South
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in the south are different for undergraduate and graduate students. For undergraduate admission, the requirements include a completed application, high school transcripts, and an application fee. The admission requirements for graduate schools include a four-year bachelor’s degree, recommendation letters, GRE scores, and a resume. Admission requirements vary from school to school.
Engineering Schools in the South: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit high school transcripts to show proof of graduation, or GED scores.
- Submit ACT or SAT standardized test scores.
Engineering Schools in the South: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit all college transcripts to show proof of bachelor’s degree and GPA.
- Submit letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
- Submit GRE/GMAT scores, if required.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in the South?
No, it is not hard to get into an engineering school in the south. Many schools in the southeastern states have a high acceptance rate, meaning that a good percentage of applicants are accepted to enroll at the university. Following are some of the easiest engineering schools to get into in the south.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in the South for Engineering
- West Coast University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. West Coast University is a private university in Miami with a small student population. The university has several colleges offering degrees, including the WCU School of Engineering and Technology.
- North Arkansas College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. North Arkansas College is one of the foremost community colleges in Arkansas. With its open admission policy, the college makes it easy for students to access solid, affordable education.
- Albany Technical College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This open-admissions technical college in Georgia offers programs to prepare students for entry-level jobs in many industries.
- Florida Southwestern State College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Florida Southwestern State College is a private college with a stress-free admission process. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including dual-degree engineering programs.
- Clinton College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. A historically Black, Christian school in South Carolina, Clinton College was founded in 1894. It offers a 100 percent acceptance rate and a wide selection of academic programs.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*school
Best Online Schools for Engineering in the South
The best online schools for engineering in the south include Duke University, the University of Florida, and the University of Alabama.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 96% | Master of Engineering in Cyber Security |
| University of Florida | 88% | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| University of Alabama | 54% | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Memphis | 50% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in the South
The most affordable colleges for engineering in the south offer a variety of good education programs at a low cost. We’ve listed five of the most affordable engineering schools in the south below, starting with the most affordable.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in the South With Financial Aid
You can attend the top engineering schools in the south with the help of financial aid by applying for the various options available. This includes federal and state government student aid, aid programs available through individual schools, public and private engineering scholarships, and more.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Southern Students
- Florida Engineering Foundation Scholarship | Amount: $3,000. This scholarship is for students pursuing an engineering college education in Florida. To be eligible, students have to be enrolled in an ABET-accredited engineering program and be recommended by a faculty member.
- ASME Mechanical Engineering Scholarships | Amount: Up to $13,000. Students have to be enrolled in an ABET-accredited degree program to be eligible for this scholarship from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Students can begin applying for the 2022-23 scholarship on December 22.
- George B Hightower, PE Fellowship | Amount: $3,000. Offered by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), this scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate engineering students. You have to be an NSPE member and a US citizen to be eligible for the scholarship.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | Amount: Varies. The SWE awards varying amounts of scholarship aid to hundreds of students every year. The scholarships are awarded to women enrolled in engineering and engineering technology programs.
- SME Education Foundation Scholarship | Amount: Varies. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers offers scholarships in varying amounts to students in associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs.
Employment Outlook for Engineering in the South
If you are looking to study engineering in the south, then you may be interested in engineering employment in the south. Because the south contains many different states, we chose one, Florida, to use as an example. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs you are eligible for with a degree in engineering in the state of Florida.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in the South
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $114,720 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $107,070 |
| Nuclear Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $111,420 |
| Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $104,630 |
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $98,350 |
Best Engineering Jobs in the South Explained
The best engineering jobs in the south include computer hardware engineer, aerospace engineer, nuclear engineer, electronics engineer, and chemical engineer. These jobs are high paying and offer great benefits, and most of them have a strong job outlook.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in the South I Go To?
Yes, it matters what engineering school in the south you go to. The south has many engineering universities and colleges, but not all of them offer top degree programs or enjoy a solid reputation. This article discussed some factors you can consider in choosing the best engineering school in the south for you, including affordability, world and national rankings, program types and formats, and more.
You also might want to consider factors such as your overall college experience, how easy it will be to find a job after graduation, and what your life outside of school will be like while pursuing your degree. In the end, your goal is to receive the best education you can, with a conducive learning environment, supportive faculty, and top-quality programs.
Additional Reading About Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-schools-for-engineering/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/computer-engineering-degree/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-into-engineering-school/
Best Engineering Schools in the South FAQ
Yes, you can get an engineering degree completely online in the south. Examples from our list of the best engineering schools in the south that offer online degree programs include Arizona State University, Duke University, and Vanderbilt University. No matter which online program you choose, or which engineering field of study you choose, the staff at colleges in every city in the south will be there to help.
No, you do not always have to submit GRE scores to study engineering in the south. Some schools that do require these scores waived this requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check with your specific school before applying.
Prospective students looking to get a degree from an engineering school in the south can find information about engineering schools on the US News & World Report website.
Student life for an engineering student in the south looks very exiting and beautiful, thanks to the natural landscapes of the south. Whichever school in the south you choose, you will have rigorous coursework that demands a lot of your time. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t get some time off for extracurricular activities and a new social scene. The south provides a rich cultural experience and a wide variety of outdoor activities to explore, such as camping, hiking, and kayaking.
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.
