Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that studies the impact of technological advancement on the environment. Attending one of the best environmental engineering colleges can be advantageous to your career in the field. You will get a high-quality education and build the technical and non-technical skills that potential employers will covet.
This article will teach you about the best environmental engineering schools, programs, and career opportunities. You will learn how to choose the right university and how to fund your graduate study path. We’ll also show you how the best environmental engineering universities made our list.
Best Environmental Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Environmental Engineering Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person | #117 |
| Clemson University | SC | In-person | #75 |
| Columbia University | NY | In-person, online | #2 |
| Cornell University | NY | In-person | #17 (tie) |
| North Carolina State University | NC | In-person, online | #79 |
| Northwestern University | IL | In-person | #9 |
| Purdue University | IN | In-person | #49 |
| Rice University | TX | In-person | #17 (tie) |
| University of Cincinnati | OH | In-person | #148 |
| University of Houston | TX | In-person | #179 |
Environmental Engineering School Rankings: Best Environmental Engineering Colleges and Universities
This section covers the best environmental engineering colleges and universities. It includes reliable information on the school and the programs, such as the graduation rate, accreditation, ranking, curriculum, and degrees offered. Be sure to check each school’s website to find information about letters of recommendation, most popular major, application fee policies, and even campus life if you’re planning on attending in person.
The Best Schools for Environmental Engineering: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
There are different degrees that you can get in environmental engineering, including a community college certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a graduate certificate or professional certificate, and a doctoral degree. Following is a brief explanation of each program.
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Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Environmental Engineering Schools: Other Environmental Engineering University Rankings
The following are the best environmental engineering schools at different academic levels. These environmental engineering university rankings are based on several factors, including the curriculum, graduation rate, and cost.
Best Online Environmental Engineering Schools
- Old Dominion University. Old Dominion University is a public research institution founded in 1930. It is one of the largest universities by enrollment in Virginia. It is ranked by US News as having some of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in the US.
- Southern New Hampshire University. Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit institution founded in 1932. It offers over 200 online programs, from associate to doctoral levels. The BS in Environmental Science program offers hands-on experience to help the students hone their skills.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research institution and the flagship university of the University of Illinois system. It was founded in 1867 and offers on-campus and online programs in various fields of study through its 15 colleges. The school’s online civil engineering MS program is ranked number one in the US.
Best Community Colleges for Environmental Engineering
- Delaware Technical Community College. DTCC is a public school founded in 1966. It offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs in various fields. The AS in Environmental Engineering program will equip students with the skills needed to join the workforce, and the credit hours earned can be transferred to a university for a BS degree.
- Delta College. Delta College is a public community college in Michigan that offers associate, certificate, transfer, and job training programs. The AAS in Environmental Technology program will prepare students to start a career in the field or enhance their skills.
- Western Dakota Technical Institute. This institution is the only technical college in western South Dakota. It offers online and in-person programs in different fields of study. The AAS program will prepare students to become greenhouse professionals in residential, farm, and commercial-scale operations.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Environmental Engineering
- Oregon State University. Oregon State University is a public college that offers undergraduate to doctoral degree programs in various fields. It is the largest university in Oregon. The BS program allows students to participate in a capstone project that will help them understand how to solve real-world problems.
- University of California-Berkeley. This institution is a public land-grant school in California founded in 1868. The school offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering that prepares students for a career in the field.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public research university founded in 1817. It is a top-ranking school that provides high-quality research, learning, and instruction for students. The school offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Best Graduate Schools for Environmental Engineering
- Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech is a public research university and institute of technology founded in 1885. It offers various programs in different fields of study, including business, liberal arts, and engineering. The environmental engineering program offers knowledge and research opportunities in air, land, and water science and engineering.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is a private research university founded in 1891. It is a world-renowned institution with a total enrollment of 16,937 and a relatively low acceptance rate. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering that will give students the knowledge and skills to stand out among their peers.
- University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university founded in 1883. It is one of the highest-ranking public universities in the country. It has a total enrollment of 51,991 students and is one of the largest institutions in the country by enrollment. The school offers a graduate program in environmental and water resources engineering.
Best Environmental Engineering Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Clemson University | BS/MS in Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Engineering. This program allows students to earn an MS in Environmental Engineering while pursuing a BS in Biosystems Engineering. The program is available to students who are already enrolled in the BS program, and both degrees can be earned in five years.
- Rutgers University | Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Master of Business Administration. This program allows students to earn a BS/BA and an MBA within five years. The program is available to undergraduate students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher through the first part of junior year and scored in at least the 80th percentile on their GMAT.
- University of Michigan | Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environment and Master of Science in Engineering. This program allows students to earn a master’s degree both in natural resources and environment and in engineering. The program requires 54 credit hours and can be completed in two-and-a-half years.
Best Schools With Accelerated Environmental Engineering Programs
- Michigan Technological University | Accelerated Master’s Program in Environmental Engineering. This program allows undergraduate students to transfer up to six senior-level credit hours earned in the program to their master’s degree. This allows them to earn their master’s degree faster. It includes coursework, a thesis, and report options.
- North Carolina State University | Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. This program allows students to complete their master’s degree two to three semesters after their bachelor’s degree. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 75 credit hours towards their bachelor’s degree and have an overall GPA of 3.5 or better and a major GPA of at least 3.25.
- The University of Arizona | Accelerated Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering. This program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. It is available to students with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, or environmental engineering.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Environmental Engineering Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for environmental engineering. Graduate school will give you the advanced and specialized knowledge and skills required to become an expert in the field. With this degree, you will be investing in your future as you will have a plethora of job opportunities to explore, gain a competitive edge, and have access to higher-paying jobs.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Environmental Engineering Degree?
The jobs you can do with an environmental engineering degree are environmental engineer, water project manager, green building engineer, urban and regional planner, or water quality engineer. Whether you’re in a big city like San Francisco or a small map-dot town, you can be a land surveyor, water treatment plant operator, environmental remediation engineer, environmental compliance specialist, or environmental scientist.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Environmental Engineering?
You can earn an average of $74,000 yearly with an Associate Degree in Environmental Engineering, according to PayScale. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, you can make an average salary of $66,000. The average salary is $71,000 with a master’s degree, and those with a doctoral degree earn an annual average wage of $78,000. Keep in mind that you have more flexibility and can be pickier about your job selection with higher degrees as well.
Highest-Paying Environmental Engineering Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $117,171 |
| Environmental Health and Safety Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,040 |
| Construction Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $98,890 |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $96,820 |
| Water Resource Project Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $88,886 |
| Agricultural Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $82,640 |
| Urban and Regional Planner | Master’s degree | $78,500 |
| Environmental Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $76,530 |
| Conservation Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $63,750 |
| Environmental Remediation Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $61,233 |
Best Jobs With an Environmental Engineering Degree
The best jobs with an environmental engineering degree are reservoir engineer, environmental health and safety engineer, construction manager, or water project manager. More top jobs include an agricultural engineer, environmental scientist, environmental engineer, and conservation scientist. The specific jobs you can do will differ depending on your education and degree level.
How Can I Pay for Environmental Engineering School?
You can pay for environmental engineering school by applying for scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study programs. These financial aid options are the most common and reliable way to fund your way through your higher education program. Below is a more comprehensive look at each financing option.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are an excellent way to fund your environmental engineering degree. Several scholarship options are available to students, including scholarships funded by the school, private individuals, organizations, or the government. They may cover a certain percentage of the tuition or all, based on various factors.
- Grants. Grants are awarded by public organizations or charity foundations to students to help them fund their education. Like scholarships, they are given as gifts and don’t require any form of repayment. They may differ in amount, based on the organization.
- Student Loans. Student loans are given to students by the government or private organizations to fund their education. This loan covers tuition, books and supplies, and living expenses and will accumulate interest. Students get to choose their most preferred repayment plan.
- Work-Study. A work-study program is a financial aid program provided by the federal or state government to help students fund their tuition by providing them with part-time jobs. These jobs allow students to earn money during their school program to pay for their education and other expenses and make college easier.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Environmental Engineering School for You
To choose the best environmental engineering school for you, you should consider the accreditation of the school and program, cost of the program, general graduation rate of the school, student-to-faculty ratio, and career services offered by the school. These factors help determine which program is best for you. Below is more information on them.
Accreditation
It is important for a school or program to be accredited, as accreditation proves that the education provided meets the standard quality for all educational institutions. It also gives students access to government funding and makes it easier to transfer credits. It guarantees you an opportunity in the job market as your degree will be recognized and respected.
Cost
The cost of the program is an important factor. While high-quality education is typically expensive, there are also more affordable programs that still offer an excellent education. It’s advisable to look for an affordable program and one that also offers financial aid options to help relieve you of the financial burden.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates show what percentage of students actually complete their programs and graduate from the school. It also shows how long it takes for students to graduate. An environmental engineering program may take between four and five years, and the school’s graduation rate will show you how many students complete their program within that time or take longer.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The school’s student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students are in a better learning environment, have easier access to their instructors and resources, and have increased social engagement. A good institution will have between a 6:1 and 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, giving students better access to high-quality education and personalized attention from the faculty.
Career Services
Career services help prepare students for life after college. A good institution should offer at least one type of career service to give students an insight into what to expect in the job market and have a competitive advantage. These career services may include, but are not limited to, job searches, resume writing, interview prep, career coaching, online branding, and workshop events.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Environmental Engineering?
Yes, it matters what college you go to for environmental engineering. This is a promising field with numerous opportunities for a rewarding career. However, to excel at it, you need expertise. To get this expertise, you will need a high-quality education that will provide you with in-depth and relevant knowledge and skills. This requires a good school with a comprehensive curriculum, well-grounded faculty, and academic resources, making your college choice very important.
Environmental Engineering University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Environmental Engineering
We ranked the best environmental engineering schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our environmental engineering university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like school and program reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of environmental engineering degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Environmental Engineering
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Best Environmental Engineering Schools FAQ
Columbia University could be considered the best school in the world for environmental engineering. The school currently ranks number two overall in the US, and its individual engineering programs are also highly ranked. Plus, many of its degree programs are available online, making them accessible from almost anywhere. A 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio also ensures a better education.
Yes, environmental engineering is a good career. There are various job opportunities available in the field, many of which have impressive salaries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of environmental engineers is $96,820, which is relatively higher than most other occupations.
According to BLS, environmental engineers get paid the most in Texas, California, Idaho, Tennessee, and Connecticut. These are the highest-paying states for environmental engineers in the US.
Environmental engineers are needed the most in California, New York, Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. According to BLS, these are the states with the highest employment levels for environmental engineers in the US.
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