Top Engineering Schools in Colorado
1. University of Colorado Boulder – College of Engineering and Applied Science
Overview
The University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the Rocky Mountain region. Known for its innovative research and emphasis on experiential learning, CU Boulder offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various engineering disciplines. The university has strong ties to the aerospace industry, with its Aerospace Engineering Sciences program being one of the top-ranked in the nation. CU Boulder also leads in environmental engineering, with an emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy. The campus is home to numerous research institutes, including the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), giving students access to cutting-edge projects in space exploration, energy systems, and materials science.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #26 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 4,200 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,700 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 20-30% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
Famous Alumni
- Scott Carpenter – NASA astronaut and one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts.
- Kalpana Chawla – NASA astronaut and engineer, first woman of Indian origin to go to space.
- Brad Feld – Venture capitalist, co-founder of Techstars.
- Jim Voss – NASA astronaut and former CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation’s space systems.
- David Wineland – Nobel laureate in Physics (2012) for his work in quantum computing.
2. Colorado School of Mines – College of Engineering and Computational Sciences
Overview
Colorado School of Mines, located in Golden, Colorado, is a world-renowned institution specializing in engineering, applied sciences, and energy-related disciplines. Established in 1874, Mines has built a reputation for excellence in programs related to the earth, energy, and environment. The school’s engineering programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning, with a particular focus on resource extraction, renewable energy, materials science, and mining engineering. Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the U.S., and its graduates are highly sought after in industries ranging from oil and gas to renewable energy and environmental consulting.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #55 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 5,200 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Mining, Electrical, and Petroleum Engineering, among others.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines, including Materials Science, Geophysics, and Chemical Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30-40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 160-163
- Verbal: 150-155
Famous Alumni
- Harold M. Korell – Former CEO and Chairman of Southwestern Energy.
- John Nichols – Founder of NCH Corporation, a leader in chemical engineering solutions.
- Steve Sonnenberg – President of Emerson Process Management, a major industrial automation company.
- John Watson – Former CEO and Chairman of Chevron.
- Marillyn Hewson – Former CEO of Lockheed Martin, one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world.
3. Colorado State University – Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering
Overview
Colorado State University’s Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering is known for its strong programs in environmental and civil engineering, as well as its cutting-edge research in bioengineering, water resources, and atmospheric science. CSU places a significant emphasis on sustainability and green technologies, with many research initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and disaster resilience. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government. The school’s close partnerships with companies in the renewable energy, biotechnology, and construction sectors provide ample opportunities for internships and research.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #76 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 3,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,000 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines, including Systems Engineering, Bioengineering, and Water Resources.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155-160
- Verbal: 150-155
Famous Alumni
- Wayne Allard – Former U.S. Senator from Colorado and veterinarian.
- Annie Griffiths – Renowned photographer and environmental advocate.
- Chris Fowler – ESPN sportscaster and CSU graduate in political science and broadcast journalism.
- Tom Sutherland – Agricultural scientist and former dean of the College of Agriculture at Colorado State University, known for his hostage ordeal in Lebanon.
- H. Wayne Huizenga – Founder of Waste Management, Inc. and former owner of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins.
4. University of Denver – Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Overview
The University of Denver’s Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science is a forward-thinking institution that focuses on preparing students for careers in rapidly evolving industries like computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and mechanical engineering. The Ritchie School offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and places a strong emphasis on research, particularly in the areas of robotics, energy systems, and biomedical engineering. The university’s urban location provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and collaborations with local tech companies and research institutions. The Ritchie School is also home to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Engineering and Computer Science Building, where students engage in hands-on projects and innovative research.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #132 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 600 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 300 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering, as well as Computer Science.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in Engineering, Computer Science, and related disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 155-160
- Verbal: 150-155
Famous Alumni
- Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Stanford University professor.
- Andrew Rosenthal – Editor at The New York Times and former Editorial Page Editor.
- Peter Coors – Chairman of the Coors Brewing Company and prominent businessman.
- Tom Shane – Founder of Shane Co., one of the largest independent jewelry chains in the U.S.
- Mary Cheney – Political consultant and daughter of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.
5. United States Air Force Academy – Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Overview
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located in Colorado Springs, is one of the premier military institutions in the United States. USAFA offers a robust engineering program, particularly in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering. The academy’s engineering curriculum is designed to prepare cadets for leadership roles in the U.S. Air Force, with an emphasis on developing the technical skills needed to excel in aerospace and defense industries. The engineering program at USAFA is highly selective, admitting students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving their country. Cadets have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and are involved in projects related to aircraft design, space exploration, and defense technology.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #30 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 4,000 cadets.
- Graduate Enrollment: N/A (undergraduate-only institution).
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 11% (highly selective).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Not applicable (no graduate program).
Famous Alumni
- Chuck Yeager – U.S. Air Force officer and pilot, first person to break the sound barrier.
- Buzz Aldrin – NASA astronaut, second person to walk on the moon.
- Gregory Johnson – NASA astronaut and pilot on Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Michael Collins – NASA astronaut, command module pilot on Apollo 11.
- Michelle Johnson – First female superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.