The best engineering schools in North Carolina teach both soft and technical skills through comprehensive curricula, helping you advance in your career. As a prospective student, it is crucial to research the best schools to determine what aligns with your needs. Your choice of engineering university is important for more than just creating a memorable experience, it can help influence the types of jobs you get after graduation.
In this article, we list the best engineering schools in North Carolina to help you narrow your search, accompanied by salient factors that must be considered before applying for admission. You’ll also find North Carolina engineering school rankings, job opportunities after graduation, and the degree programs each school offers.
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in North Carolina
To choose the best engineering school in North Carolina for you, you should consider your career goals, the school’s accreditation status, and curriculum content. Learning how the engineering school is making progress on these fronts is a good way to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Career Goals
The biggest issue you want to be sure of is your career goal. Aside from knowing you want to study an engineering program, you should also consider how the program’s specialization pathways align with which industry you want to work in. Weigh the curriculum against market demands and your engineering career interests. You’ll find information about the school’s employment outcomes and the internship or research opportunities available to students on the program’s page.
Accreditation
In the United States, only schools with accreditation are considered legitimate because the accrediting body ensures that the school is held to high standards. This way, potential employers can be sure that you have received an exceptional education. It is difficult to further your education if the school you attend is not regionally or nationally accredited.
Curriculum Content
Find out what the school teaches you during the academic program and make sure that it is teaching in-demand subjects. It should both broaden your experience and align with your career goals. Engineering degree programs are evolving rapidly, so you must receive the most up-to-date education.
North Carolina Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in North Carolina?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering | 9 |
| North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering | 26 |
| University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Environment Sciences and Engineering | 28 |
| Fayetteville State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | 77 |
| East Carolina University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | 213 |
| University of North Carolina- Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Computer Engineering | 227 |
| North Carolina A&T State University | Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 277 |
North Carolina Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in North Carolina
To rank the best engineering schools in North Carolina, 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.
Best Engineering Schools in North Carolina Explained
The top 10 best engineering schools in North Carolina include North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Western Carolina University. Below is the comprehensive list of the 10 best engineering schools in North Carolina, with rankings, statistics, and program-specific information to give you a well-rounded understanding.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in North Carolina
The best undergraduate engineering schools offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in North Carolina include Duke University, North Carolina State University-Raleigh, and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. below is a comprehensive list of all the undergraduate engineering schools in North Carolina.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina
- Central Piedmont Community College | Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. This program teaches students the fundamentals for landing entry-level jobs in electrical engineering. You learn maintenance, integration, and installation.
- Stanly Community College | Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology-Automation and Control. The associate degree curriculum prepares students for technician roles. You’ll build, design, troubleshoot, and install production, development, and electronic components, systems, and equipment.
- Wake Community Technical College | Associate of Science in Engineering. Students can transfer to a four-year engineering program at a university with this associate degree. The program teaches the basics of several engineering fields and requires a commitment of 60 credit hours total.
- Catawba Valley Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology. This program teaches the skills needed for the installation, servicing, and maintenance of computers, networks, peripherals, and equipment. The courses include subjects like mathematics, electronics, physics, and programming.
- Wayne Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. The curriculum of this program helps students pursue a four-year degree program in engineering, while also preparing students for entry-level positions in various engineering fields.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in North Carolina
- Duke University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This in-person program prepares students for a mechanical engineering career. It provides foundational knowledge for advanced engineering courses by reinforcing and establishing the principles of physics and mathematics. It is a four-year program and requires 34 units.
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. The engineering program prepares students to enter technical careers in software development, computational science, information systems, electronic commerce, and networking. It requires 62 credit hours.
- North Carolina State University-Raleigh | Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This program teaches students chemical and biomolecular subjects through active practical classroom, laboratory, and real-world challenges. It prepares you to work in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The curriculum trains students on the concepts, analysis, and design techniques of the field. It requires 120 credit hours, and you’ll learn the skills needed to work as a power engineer, robotic system engineer, or process engineer.
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC | Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology. This program gives students a strong understanding of automotive principles, performance modeling and testing, mobility design, and more. It has a total number of 120 required credits to be completed in four years.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in North Carolina
Some of the best graduate engineering schools includes schools that offer master’s degree and doctoral degree programs. The best graduate schools for engineering include North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. This graduate school program prepares its master’s students for careers in space systems and aircraft design, manufacturing, and analysis. It requires 30 credit hours and also has an online learning experience for non-thesis students only.
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program provides students with advanced, independent research opportunities in mechanical engineering. It further prepares you for practice in consulting, industry, or government service.
- East Carolina University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This two-year program provides you with biomedical engineering expertise through its curriculum and trained workforce of leaders. You’ll also engage in multidisciplinary research.
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte | Master of Science in Computer Engineering. This program teaches students the implementation, construction, and maintenance of software and hardware of computer systems and equipment. It covers the science and technology of design and prepares you for senior-level roles in the field. It requires a total of 78 credits to graduate.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace. The PhD is for students with a strong interest in independent research and study of the aerospace engineering field. It requires 72 credit hours and has a minimum of 18 hours of letter-graded courses beyond the master’s degree study.
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill | Doctor of Philosophy in Environment Sciences and Engineering. This course prepares students for careers in applied research and management in environmental sciences and engineering. You could also start a teaching career with this degree. The areas taught include global environmental health and exposure biology.
- North Carolina A&T State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. This graduate program prepares students for a career in electrical engineering. It is made up of four different areas including Computer Engineering, Electronic and Optical Materials and Devices, Communications and Signal Processing, and Power Systems and Control.
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. You will get doctorate-level education in the practice, academia, and research aspects of the civil engineering field. The school’s PhD program supports students through its unique centers and facilities.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in North Carolina
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in North Carolina are different for undergraduate and graduate students. The general requirements include a completed application, application fee, transcripts, and test scores. Below is a breakdown of the requirements for both undergraduate and graduate admissions.
Engineering Schools in North Carolina: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit an engineering supplementary essay.
- Submit a recommendation letter.
- Send in your high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
Engineering Schools in North Carolina: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Submit your online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit test scores and college transcripts.
- Submit an engineering supplementary essay.
- Provide recommendation letters.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in North Carolina?
No, it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in North Carolina, but it does depend on the acceptance rate of the school. Universities with higher rates of acceptance are easier to get into. However, they may not be as highly recognized in the job market as schools with lower rates, since lower acceptance rates typically mean the school is more competitive. Be sure to check its reviews before enrolling in any school.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in North Carolina for Engineering
- East Carolina University | Acceptance Rate: 88%. The school has a total enrollment of 23,056 and offers bachelor’s degree programs in mechanical, environmental, electrical, and biomedical engineering.
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte | Acceptance Rate: 80%. The University of North Carolina-Charlotte is a top public research university. The best programs include the Bachelor of Science programs in Systems Engineering and Computer Engineering.
- Fayetteville State University | Acceptance Rate: 79%. Fayetteville State University offers both undergrad and graduate engineering programs. Its acceptance rate of 79 percent indicates the majority of students are accepted.
- North Carolina A&T State University | Acceptance Rate: 57%.This public school has a total enrollment of 11,130, with engineering programs in automotive engineering technology, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. A 57 percent acceptance rate means the majority of students get in, but it is significantly harder than the previously mentioned institutions.
- North Carolina State University-Raleigh | Acceptance Rate 46%. The school has 12 colleges, offering 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. Its 46 percent acceptance rate means that only a minority of applicants are accepted.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in North Carolina
The best online schools for engineering in North Carolina are Duke University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, East Carolina University, Greenville, and North Carolina A&T State University. The schools offer relevant and highly sought online programs in the engineering field.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 96% | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering |
| University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill | 90% | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering |
| University of North Carolina- Charlotte | 59% | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering |
| East Carolina University- Greenville | 57% | Master of Science in Software Engineering |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 50% | Master of Science in Civil Engineering |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in North Carolina
The most affordable colleges for engineering in North Carolina offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. Included in this list are Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in North Carolina With Financial Aid
To attend a top engineering school in North Carolina, you must consider your budget and financial aid options. Postsecondary school degrees are expensive, but there are many options available to cut down those costs. One of these options is scholarships. Below are five engineering scholarships for North Carolina students.
Best Engineering Scholarships for North Carolina Students
- CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship Program | Amount: $5,000. The Council of the Great City Schools, in collaboration with Bernard Harris, launched this scholarship so high school seniors have the resources needed to pursue STEM degrees. The $5,000 scholarship award is presented to four African American or Hispanic STEM program students.
- Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship | Amount: $3,000. The Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship offers $3,000 cash incentives to final-year engineering students interested in non-destructive testing. Applicants must present an application form, program of study outline, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and an original essay detailing their career aspirations.
- IEEE Charles LeGeyt Fortescue Scholarship | Amount: $24,000. The scholarship award offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is offered through a trust fund and should be used to cover one year of graduate work in electrical engineering at an accredited US school. Eligible students are those with Bachelor’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering from recognized US schools.
- Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. The Lockheed Martin Scholarship program is for US students from underrepresented communities who wish to pursue degrees in engineering or computer science. This year, $10,000 renewable scholarship awards were offered to 200 students planning to enroll or already enrolled in full-time engineering programs in US accredited institutions.
- Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships | Amount: $3,000 to $10,000. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers offers scholarship awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 to first-year undergraduate students in ABET-accredited bachelor’s programs with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning career prospects. You need a 3.0 GPA and a class standing in the top 30 percent to be eligible.
North Carolina Employment Outlook for Engineering
According to the North Carolina Commerce analytics, engineering jobs have a projected growth of less than one percent annually, with an estimated opening of 6,079 jobs yearly. Considering North Carolina’s employment outlook, obtaining an engineering degree at one of the top schools in North Carolina will increase your chances of landing a high-paying job.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in North Carolina
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $152,040 |
| Network Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $112,120 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $88,610 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $109,020 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $103,750 |
Best Engineering Jobs in North Carolina Explained
The best engineering jobs in North Carolina include computer and information systems manager, network engineer, mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer, and electrical engineer.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in North Carolina I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what engineering school in North Carolina you go to. Choose a school with an accredited engineering program, low tuition cost, a curriculum that aligns with your career goals, and a delivery method that works for you.
Also, keep an eye on the acceptance and graduation rates, which are an indicator as to how competitive the school is to get into and how many people successfully complete the program. The school ranking should also be noted.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in North Carolina FAQ
It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. If you want a program that takes only half the time, then an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering might be better for you. Associate degrees take between one and two years and can help you get entry-level jobs.
Electrical engineering master’s degree holders work in information technology, circuit design, and many other facets of the field. Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering may work with circuits, motors, renewable energy sources, or communication systems to design, create, and test new technologies.
It is hard to get a job with a chemical engineering master’s degree in North Carolina, as there’s high competition with many qualified candidates. However, it’s possible to find employment right after graduation if your specialization is in high demand and you’ve built a strong network. Staying updated on trends and developments and preparing for chemical engineering job interviews will also help you get the job.
Yes, most of the engineering schools in North Carolina are accredited nationally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. All of the schools in our article are accredited and will be a worthwhile investment in your education.
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