Top Engineering Schools in Alabama
1. Auburn University – Samuel Ginn College of Engineering
Overview
Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is one of the premier engineering schools in the southeastern United States, known for its leadership in research and innovation. Established in 1872, the college provides a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in key engineering fields such as aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The school is renowned for its hands-on approach to education, with students frequently participating in co-op programs and internships to gain real-world experience. Auburn’s engineering faculty is involved in advanced research in areas like cybersecurity, automotive engineering, and materials science.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #67 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,000+ students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Approximately 950 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Biosystems, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Materials, and Wireless Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering fields.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30% (varies by program).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1250–1340 (for engineering applicants).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155–160
- Verbal: 150–155
Famous Alumni
- Tim Cook – CEO of Apple Inc.
- Jimmy Wales – Co-founder of Wikipedia.
- Kathleen O’Leary Morgan – Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
- Chris Roberts – Current President of Auburn University and former Dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
- Joe Forehand – Former CEO of Accenture.
2. University of Alabama – College of Engineering
Overview
Founded in 1837, the University of Alabama’s College of Engineering is one of the oldest engineering schools in the United States. With a focus on producing well-rounded engineers, the college offers a variety of programs in aerospace, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, among others. The University of Alabama places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, and students have access to advanced facilities such as the Alabama Transportation Institute and the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies. The college is committed to fostering innovation in fields like automotive manufacturing, energy systems, and cybersecurity.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #131 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 6,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 750 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, and Metallurgical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 40% (varies by program).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1150–1340 (for engineering applicants).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155
- Verbal: 150
Famous Alumni
- John Hendricks – Founder of Discovery Communications.
- Hugo Black – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
- Harold Jameson – Aerospace engineer, NASA contributor.
- Steve Campbell – President of Data Integration Solutions.
- Tim Stephens – CTO of Triad National Security, cybersecurity expert.
3. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – School of Engineering
Overview
UAB’s School of Engineering, established in 1971, is widely recognized for its integration of traditional engineering with health and biomedical sciences. Situated within one of the largest academic medical centers in the U.S., UAB’s School of Engineering offers a unique opportunity for students to blend engineering skills with medical research and development. UAB has a reputation for excellence in biomedical, civil, mechanical, and materials engineering, and it encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. The school’s research projects often focus on pressing societal challenges, including health technology, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #136 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,200 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 350 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Materials, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines, including a strong bioengineering program.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 35% (varies by program).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1170–1330 (for engineering applicants).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 153–158
- Verbal: 150–153
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Robert Bentley – Former Governor of Alabama.
- Donald E. Williamson – Former State Health Officer of Alabama.
- Deidre Downs Gunn – Miss America 2005 and UAB medical doctor.
- James McClintock – Marine biologist specializing in Antarctic research.
- Lisa Battle – Innovator in health technology and bioinformatics.
4. Alabama A&M University – College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences
Overview
The College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences at Alabama A&M University is dedicated to providing high-quality education with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Founded in 1875, the college serves as a major provider of engineers to both government and industry, with strong programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Known for its strong ties to NASA and other government agencies, Alabama A&M emphasizes hands-on experience through internships and co-op programs, and the institution prides itself on fostering innovation in fields like renewable energy, materials science, and aerospace engineering.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Ranked #181-200 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Around 1,100 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Approximately 200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Science Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in several engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 45% (varies by program).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 940–1150 (for engineering applicants).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 150
- Verbal: 145–150
Famous Alumni
- Dr. George Washington Carver – Renowned agricultural scientist and inventor.
- Ronnie Flippo – Former U.S. Congressman.
- Raymond Burse – Former President of Kentucky State University and Rhodes Scholar.
- Arthur Dunning – Esteemed educator and university administrator.
- Ruby Peters – NASA scientist with contributions to space technology.
5. Tuskegee University – College of Engineering
Overview
Tuskegee University’s College of Engineering is recognized for its contribution to producing a high number of African American engineers and its historic significance as a leading HBCU. Established in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee’s engineering school excels in aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering, along with materials science. The college’s legacy is tied to the Tuskegee Airmen and continues to focus on empowering minorities in STEM fields. With strong connections to aerospace companies and military contractors, Tuskegee provides its students with extensive opportunities for research and real-world applications.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #159 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Around 900 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Approximately 200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Materials Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs, particularly strong in materials science and bioengineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30% (varies by program).
Average SAT Score
- SAT Range: 1000–1200 (for engineering applicants).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 152
- Verbal: 148–150
Famous Alumni
- Lonnie Johnson – Inventor of the Super Soaker, former NASA engineer.
- Robert R. Taylor – First African American graduate of MIT, architect.
- Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. – First African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.
- Charles Bolden – NASA Administrator and astronaut.
- Samuel L. Massie – Renowned chemist and educator.