Top Engineering Schools in Arkansas
1. University of Arkansas – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, is the flagship institution for engineering education in the state. The College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that cover traditional disciplines like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as specialized fields like biological and biomedical engineering. Founded in 1913, the college is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with faculty and students working on groundbreaking projects in nanotechnology, renewable energy, and transportation systems. The university’s strong ties to industries and government agencies provide ample opportunities for internships and research collaborations. U of A is also recognized for its state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #108 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 3,500 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 500 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in multiple engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30-40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155-160
- Verbal: 150-155
Famous Alumni
- Jerry Jones – Owner of the Dallas Cowboys, billionaire businessman.
- Rodger Kline – Executive Vice President of Operations, Southwest Power Pool.
- John Tyson – Chairman of Tyson Foods, one of the largest food companies in the world.
- Mary Lou Jepsen – Founder of Openwater, former executive at Google and Facebook.
- Dan Ferritor – Former Chancellor of the University of Arkansas.
2. Arkansas State University – College of Engineering and Computer Science
Overview
Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, offers a dynamic engineering program through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. The college provides a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. Arkansas State emphasizes experiential learning, with students often participating in co-op programs and internships at local industries. The university also has several research centers focused on areas like renewable energy, materials science, and robotics, offering students hands-on research opportunities. Arkansas State’s engineering program is particularly known for its affordability, making it an attractive choice for students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #180-200 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Around 1,200 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Approximately 150 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Biological Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s degrees in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Management.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 45% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 150-155
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- Ron Rhodes – CEO of First Electric Cooperative.
- Scott Bryant – Chief Engineer at Entergy Arkansas.
- David Woodruff – Senior Vice President, Murphy USA.
- Robert Barham – Director of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
- Shelby Crain – Aerospace engineer at Boeing.
3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock – George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology
Overview
The George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) provides a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as computer science, information technology, systems engineering, and electrical and mechanical engineering. UALR’s urban location in the heart of Little Rock offers students numerous opportunities for internships and collaborations with major corporations and government agencies. The college is also involved in cutting-edge research, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, data science, and telecommunications. UALR is known for its smaller class sizes, which provide students with personalized attention and strong mentoring from faculty.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Ranked #151-200 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Around 1,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Approximately 100 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering, as well as Information Technology.
- Graduate: Master’s degrees in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Quality.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 50% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 148-153
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- Derrick Gragg – Athletic Director at Northwestern University.
- Anthony Kendall – CEO of Mitchell & Titus, LLP, one of the largest minority-owned accounting firms in the U.S.
- Patricia Meadows – Former CTO of Acxiom Corporation, leader in data analytics.
- George Makris Jr. – Chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation.
- William H. Bowen – Former Dean of the UALR Law School and namesake of the William H. Bowen School of Law.
4. Harding University – College of Sciences: Engineering and Physics Department
Overview
Harding University, a private Christian university located in Searcy, Arkansas, offers a well-regarded engineering program through its College of Sciences. The Engineering and Physics Department at Harding focuses on providing a rigorous education rooted in Christian values, with programs in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Harding’s engineering curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and service, integrating faith with the technical skills needed to succeed in the engineering profession. The university’s engineering program is smaller compared to state universities, allowing students to benefit from personalized instruction and close relationships with faculty. Harding engineers are well-prepared for careers in industry or further graduate study.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #195 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 200 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: No graduate programs in engineering.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 55%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Not applicable (no graduate program).
Famous Alumni
- David Burks – Former President of Harding University, long-time educational leader.
- Philip Nicholas – Former Wyoming State Senator, focused on public infrastructure projects.
- Sam Hinds – Aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin.
- Joel Sartain – Mechanical engineer and executive at Caterpillar Inc.
- Benjamin Thrasher – Lead designer at Amazon Robotics.
5. John Brown University – College of Engineering
Overview
John Brown University (JBU), located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is a private Christian institution that offers a strong engineering program through its College of Engineering. JBU is known for its commitment to integrating faith and learning, with a focus on ethical engineering practices. The university offers undergraduate degrees in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. JBU’s engineering program is small but rigorous, providing students with the technical skills and moral foundation necessary to thrive in a variety of industries. The school is recognized for its strong alumni network, which connects students with professionals across engineering and business sectors.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #10 in Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 250 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Limited graduate offerings in engineering-related fields.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 77%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Not applicable (no graduate program in engineering).
Famous Alumni
- Bob Simpson – Co-founder of XTO Energy, a leader in the oil and gas industry.
- Gary Chapman – Author of the bestselling book The 5 Love Languages.
- Harold Stumbo – Mechanical engineer at SpaceX, contributing to spacecraft design.
- Patty Tate – Executive at Walmart in supply chain engineering.
- Stephen Pike – Energy consultant and former executive at Southwestern Energy.