If you have decided to pursue an engineering career, there are many reputable engineering schools in Virginia to choose from. The college landscape in Virginia is changing due to the rise of online education, and engineering schools in Virginia are responding with innovative engineering degree programs.
Trying to find the right school for you can be a stressful time. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best engineering schools in Virginia, alongside our Virginia engineering school rankings. We’ve provided information on each school’s academic offerings, admission requirements, tuition rate, and more so that you can choose the school that’s right for you!
How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Virginia
To choose the best engineering school in Virginia for you, you should consider the tuition rate, the learning format, and the school’s career services. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing an engineering school because each one has a different approach to education.
Below are three tips to help you choose between different types of engineering degree programs so that you can find the best engineering school in Virginia for your needs.
Cost
When it comes to choosing the right engineering school, the cost is an important consideration. The cost of tuition and fees varies between each school of engineering. However, many schools offer financial aid programs for prospective students, and some schools have scholarships available for exceptional students who demonstrate financial need or academic promise.
Format
The learning format of the program can be either on-campus, online, or hybrid. You need to decide which learning format will fit your lifestyle and needs better. If you are planning to work while studying, then online classes are recommended because they allow you to work during your free time and still achieve your goals.
On the other hand, if you have no plans for working while studying, then an on-campus program would be more suitable for you as it will help you get involved with college life. On-campus learning lets you meet a range of people and make lifelong friends who share similar interests with you, contributing to a worthwhile college experience.
Career Services
Ideally, career services at your school of engineering will help you find volunteer opportunities and give you career advice specific to your engineering discipline, whether you’re studying chemical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. They’ll also help you develop your professional network and teach you how to present yourself at interviews.
Additionally, good career services will help you find graduate programs and funding. If you want to achieve an advanced degree, like a doctoral degree, career services can connect you with the right organizations that will provide funding for your studies. Plus, they’ll advise you on the graduate degrees that would best fit your needs and goals.
Virginia Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Virginia?
| Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering | PhD in Aerospace Engineering | #13 in Engineering Programs (doctorate offered) |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering | N/A | #22 in Engineering Programs (no doctorate) |
| Virginia Military Institute | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | N/A | #29 in Engineering Programs (no doctorate) |
| University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | #36 in Engineering Programs (doctorate offered) |
| George Mason University (Volgenau) | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | PhD in Information Technology with a Mechanical Engineering Concentration | #86 in Engineering Programs (doctorate offered) |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering | #114 in Engineering Programs (doctorate offered) |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Master of Science in Electronics Engineering | #129 in Engineering Programs (no doctorate) |
| Old Dominion University (Batten) | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Master of Science in Civil Engineering | #147 in Engineering Programs (doctorate offered) |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | N/A | #185 in Engineering Programs (no doctorate) |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | PhD in Engineering | #216-239 in Engineering Programs (no doctorate) |
Virginia Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Virginia
To rank the best engineering schools in Virginia, 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 Virginia Explained
The best engineering schools in Virginia give students various opportunities to excel in the engineering field. Most of these schools offer both bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees in engineering to help students advance and get high-paying engineering jobs. Below are the best schools in Virginia that offer engineering programs with their details and rankings broken down.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Virginia
Below is a list of the best undergraduate engineering schools in Virginia. We’ll cover associate degree programs in engineering, as well as engineering bachelor’s degree programs that include many different subfields of science and technology.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Virginia
- Northern Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. This program at Northern Virginia Community College is designed for those who want to later pursue a bachelor’s degree in various engineering fields, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, and naval architecture.
- Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. This Associate of Science program at Tidewater Community College is a transfer program that prepares students to take a four-year program at a university. You’ll learn various topics, including mechanical and electrical engineering, circuits, and materials science.
- Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. This associate degree program is for creative students who want to learn engineering concepts and apply the principles of science, mathematics, economics, and social sciences to solve real-world problems.
- Germanna Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering – Electrical Engineering Concentration. The associate degree offered at Germanna Community College focuses on electrical engineering and allows you to transfer to a four-year college upon completion. You will study advanced mathematics, physics, and a variety of electrical and computer engineering courses.
- John Tyler Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering. John Tyler Community College’s engineering associate degree program teaches students to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems. They will work in teams to interpret data using the latest engineering software, before possibly transferring to a four-year university.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Virginia
- James Madison University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering. James Madison University’s BS in Engineering lets students work on real engineering projects and work with tools that engineers use in the field. Students solve problems by turning ideas into prototypes. They also work with engineering professionals for projects in partnerships with industry leaders.
- Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Electrical engineering students at Christopher Newport University are trained to develop their skills in designing electrical devices and systems. They either specialize in building digital systems, communication and signal processes, or control and instrumentation.
- Virginia Military Institute | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Virginia Military Institute’s BS in Civil Engineering is an ABET-accredited program that allows students to pursue different subdisciplines related to civil engineering. Graduates of this program are eligible for entry-level engineering jobs in the government or in the military, but may also opt to work in a professional setting.
- Virginia Tech | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering. Virginia Tech’s aerospace and ocean engineering students are exposed to the international scene by spending a semester abroad. While students are encouraged to choose one concentration, they are allowed to major in both fields and utilize both disciplines to solve problems.
- University of Virginia | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. University of Virginia’s undergraduate program in chemical engineering uses an outcomes-based curriculum. Upon graduation, students may apply and take professional licensure in another US state through the state’s licensing board or agency.
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Virginia
Below is a list of the best graduate schools for engineering in Virginia. By attending the right graduate engineering school, you can get a master’s degree or PhD that will take you to the top of your field. Whether you want to specialize in software engineering, robotics, or mechanical engineering, there are dozens of options in Virginia.
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Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Virginia
- University of Virginia | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. University of Virginia’s master’s program in biomedical engineering helps students collaborate with some of the best engineers in the industry for various research activities. You can finish the degree in 18 to 24 months and it requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and six credits from your master’s thesis.
- Norfolk State University | Master of Science in Electronics Engineering. Norfolk State University’s master’s program in electronics engineering requires 15 credits of core courses. Students enrolled in a thesis program need nine elective credits and six credits of thesis courses. Non-thesis students need to complete 12 elective credits and three credits on their project.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Graduate students enrolled in the MS in Engineering with a concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering will have a broad foundation in engineering knowledge paired with advanced research experience. Students can pursue careers in the professional industry or in the government.
- Old Dominion University (Batten) | Master of Science in Engineering – Civil Engineering. The MS in Engineering program at Old Dominion University is designed for both full-time and part-time students. You can choose to specialize in various fields aside from civil engineering, like geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering.
- Virginia Tech | Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This MS program is offered in the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. You’ll learn different areas of civil engineering practice, like construction geotechnical engineering, structural engineering and materials, transportation, and geospatial engineering.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Virginia
- Virginia Tech | PhD in Aerospace Engineering. This research-oriented degree program lets the student focus on one or more specializations, including dynamics and control, ocean engineering, applied physics, and space engineering. Students are required to submit final dissertations, which are usually industry or government-sponsored.
- George Mason University (Volgenau) | PhD in Information Technology with a Mechanical Engineering concentration. George Mason University’s PhD program in Information Technology covers all aspects of IT and branches of engineering associated with information. Students are required to earn a minimum of 72 credits and submit an original research project.
- University of Virginia | PhD in Biomedical Engineering. This research-based program helps graduate students become experts on a specific research topic and have a fulfilling career in research and development. The timeline of the program depends on how long the student works on their research, its progress, and whether they pursue other activities.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | PhD in Chemical and Life Science Engineering. This program provides students with advanced learning and knowledge through in-depth research on chemical and life science engineering. Graduates may pursue careers in research and development or in academia.
- Old Dominion University (Batten) | PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Old Dominion University’s PhD in Mechanical Engineering prepares students to pursue careers in teaching, consulting, or research and development. Students will work with technology industries, research organizations, and government agencies on vital research projects.
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Virginia
The basic admission requirements for engineering schools in Virginia are different for undergraduate and graduate students. You can read about the basic admission requirements for Virginia colleges and universities, below.
Engineering Schools in Virginia: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Fill out an application form on the school’s website and pay any application fee required.
- Submit your official high school transcript or its equivalent.
- Submit your SAT or ACT scores, if required.
- Submit at least one letter of recommendation.
- Submit a personal statement essay.
Engineering Schools in Virginia: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Fill out an online application form and submit an application fee, if required.
- Gather all transcripts from previous institutions attended.
- Submit letters of recommendation.
- Submit a statement of purpose, if required.
- Submit GRE or GMAT scores, if necessary.
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Virginia?
No, getting it is not hard to get into a school for engineering in Virginia, but it may be difficult to get into a specific program. Some schools have open admissions, which means that they accept all students who meet the minimum requirements. Schools with open admissions are typically technical schools and community colleges in Virginia.
Meanwhile, other schools have competitive admissions with an acceptance rate below 50 percent. These four-year universities and colleges require applicants to submit an application and transcript, along with letters of recommendation and standardized test scores.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Virginia for Engineering
- Old Dominion University (Batten) | Acceptance Rate: 95%. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 95 percent for its programs. While it does not implement open admission, the high acceptance rate indicates that it is easy to get into this university.
- Norfolk State University | Acceptance Rate: 91%. Norfolk State University is one of the easiest universities in Virginia to get into. It has a 91 percent acceptance rate, which means it does not have a competitive admissions process.
- Virginia Commonwealth University | Acceptance Rate: 91%. Virginia Commonwealth University’s acceptance rate is tied with Norfolk State University, with a 91 percent acceptance rate for its programs. The school offers various degrees in engineering.
- George Mason University | Acceptance Rate: 89%. George Mason University is a public research university and one of the biggest universities in Virginia with a high acceptance rate. If you meet the requirements for admission, you are sure to get an offer.
- James Madison University | Acceptance Rate: 80%. James Madison University is one of the less selective universities in Virginia. It offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering that you can apply to. However, the school does not have graduate programs for engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Virginia
The best online schools for engineering in Virginia are Virginia Tech Online, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University because they offer students a flexible yet quality education. Below are five of the best accredited online schools in Virginia for engineering with each school’s respective graduation rate, sourced from NCES, and its top engineering program.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech Online |
85% | Master of Science in Ocean Engineering |
| George Mason University | 74% | Master of Science in Systems Engineering |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 68% | Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering |
| Old Dominion University | 58% | Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering |
| Liberty University | 34% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Virginia
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Virginia are John Tyler Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and Germanna Community College. Below, we’ve listed five of the most affordable colleges for engineering in Virginia with their average annual tuition costs and a few details about their available payment plans.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Virginia With Financial Aid
If you’re looking to attend one of the top engineering schools in Virginia, you may be wondering how to do it with financial aid. One way is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is a form that helps determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans.
You may also be eligible for state financial aid through state grant programs, such as the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG), Virginia Commonwealth Award (VCA), or Two-Year College Transfer Grant (T2CG).
Best Engineering Scholarships for Virginia Students
- Davenport Leadership Scholarship | Amount: $7,000. This scholarship award is given to US citizens or permanent residents. There are no financial aid requirements to be eligible for this award. However, the interview process takes into consideration the academic and extracurricular activities of the applicant.
- Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association Scholarship | Amount: $3,000. This scholarship award is given to students enrolled in degree programs related to water resources. It is awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Presidential Scholarship | Amount: $8,000. The Presidential Scholarship is offered to students of Virginia Commonwealth University. It covers the cost of tuition and other fees with a maximum amount of $8,000 per semester.
- The Granville P. Meade Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. This scholarship award is given to students with high academic achievement who are financially unable to pay for their education. Virginia high school seniors can benefit from this scholarship, provided that they attend Virginia’s public or private schools for college.
- Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program | Amount: $293,000 for non-Virginian students, $157,000 for Virginian students. These scholarship awards are given to talented incoming college students. The awards cover the entire cost of attendance at University of Virginia. Awardees are nominated by their high schools and no one may apply directly for either of the scholarships.
Virginia Employment Outlook for Engineering
Virginia’s STEM industry is a major part of the state’s economy and there is a high Virginia employment outlook for engineering. According to the Virginia Department of Education, the percentage of STEM job growth in Virginia is higher than the national average for STEM job growth across the US, at 7.6 and 4.9 percent, respectively. The state’s diverse range of STEM industries include aerospace, biotechnology, defense, nuclear physics, and more.
In addition to engineering and technology jobs, the Commonwealth also has a high concentration of jobs in science and mathematics. A large percentage of these positions require advanced degrees, but there are still plenty of opportunities for those who only have an associate degree or entry-level training.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Virginia
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $130,080 |
| Electronics Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $121,850 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $102,620 |
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $97,790 |
| Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,930 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Virginia Explained
The best engineering jobs in Virginia are varied, ranging from aerospace engineering to construction management to systems engineering. If you’re looking for a job in the field of engineering, Virginia is an excellent place to start your search. Below are the top five high-paying engineering jobs in Virginia.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Virginia I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what engineering school in Virginia you go to. Your choice of engineering school in Virginia will be a major factor in determining your career path. A school that has a good reputation will offer you more opportunities for growth and development, as well as help you build connections with engineers who can give you their recommendations for future jobs.
Additional Reading About Engineering
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Best Engineering Schools in Virginia FAQ
Yes, you can work all over the world if you have an engineering degree. A degree in engineering is a great way to get your foot in the door at companies worldwide. Plus, having an accredited school or program on your resume will help you get a job anywhere in the country, and even around the globe.
Undergraduate engineering students typically take courses in engineering concepts, advanced math, physics, and fluid mechanics, among others.
Although there are a number of different companies that hire engineering graduates, some of the most prestigious and well-known include Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
No, there are no Ivy League schools in Virginia, but the state has a number of excellent universities and colleges.
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