Top Engineering Schools in Iowa
1. Iowa State University – College of Engineering
Overview
Iowa State University’s College of Engineering, located in Ames, is one of the top engineering schools in the country, particularly recognized for its agricultural and biosystems engineering programs. Established in 1858, Iowa State has a long history of innovation and research in areas such as sustainability, clean energy, and bioengineering. The college offers an extensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across all major engineering disciplines. Iowa State is also known for its partnerships with major industries, government research labs, and international organizations, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships, co-op experiences, and research projects. The campus hosts the Ames Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy research facility, further enhancing its reputation in materials science and energy research.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #46 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 9,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,900 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace, Agricultural, Biosystems, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Materials Science, Mechanical, and Software Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various engineering fields, including Sustainable Agriculture and Cybersecurity.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30-40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 150-155
Famous Alumni
- Clayton Anderson – NASA astronaut, retired after 167 days in space.
- George Washington Carver – Renowned agricultural scientist and inventor.
- Vikram Lander – Co-founder of Bharat Forge, one of India’s largest forging companies.
- Tom Vilsack – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor of Iowa.
- John Vincent Atanasoff – Inventor of the first electronic digital computer.
2. University of Iowa – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Iowa’s College of Engineering is located in Iowa City and offers a diverse array of engineering programs with a strong focus on research and innovation. Established in 1905, the college is known for its programs in biomedical, civil, and mechanical engineering, as well as its interdisciplinary approach to engineering education. One of the college’s unique strengths is its emphasis on healthcare technologies, owing to the University of Iowa’s association with the UI Hospitals and Clinics. The College of Engineering is involved in groundbreaking research in areas like bioinformatics, fluid dynamics, and environmental engineering. It also places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, preparing students to create their own engineering solutions in real-world contexts.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #75 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 2,400 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 500 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in various disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Computer Science.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 35-40%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 157
- Verbal: 152
Famous Alumni
- Gregory Carmichael – Pioneer in atmospheric science and air quality modeling.
- James Van Allen – Astrophysicist, discoverer of the Van Allen radiation belts.
- Mary Lowe Good – Former Under Secretary for Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Robert G. Card – Former CEO of SNC-Lavalin, a major engineering and construction company.
- George Nissen – Inventor of the trampoline and influential figure in gymnastics.
3. Drake University – Department of Physics and Astronomy
Overview
Drake University, located in Des Moines, is primarily known for its liberal arts education, but it also offers strong engineering-related programs through its Department of Physics and Astronomy. While Drake does not have a traditional engineering school, it offers a pre-engineering program and joint degrees with other institutions for students looking to transfer into engineering programs. The university’s emphasis on mathematics, physics, and the natural sciences provides students with a solid foundation in engineering principles. Drake’s small class sizes allow for individualized attention, making it an excellent choice for students who want a personalized educational experience before pursuing a more specialized engineering degree at a partner institution.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Ranked #137 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 2,900 students in total.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 1,100 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Pre-engineering programs, Bachelor’s degrees in Physics, Astronomy, and Computer Science.
- Graduate: Master’s degrees in STEM-related fields, with partnerships for engineering transfer programs.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 150-155
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- Michael Emerson – Emmy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Lost and Person of Interest.
- Terrance Neal – Founder of Tekniam, a data and technology firm.
- Dwight Conquergood – Renowned anthropologist and expert in communication studies.
- Neil Hamilton – Expert in agricultural law and sustainable agriculture.
- James Cownie – Co-founder of JSC Properties and major philanthropist in the Des Moines area.
4. Grinnell College – Department of Physics and Engineering Science
Overview
Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa, offers a unique approach to engineering through its Department of Physics and Engineering Science. While Grinnell does not have a stand-alone engineering school, it provides students with a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and applied sciences, preparing them for careers in engineering or for transfer into traditional engineering programs. Grinnell is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to undergraduate research, with many students participating in projects that explore environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and materials science. The college also offers a 3-2 dual degree program, allowing students to complete three years at Grinnell before transferring to a partner engineering school for two years.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #11 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,700 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Physics, with a 3-2 pre-engineering dual degree program in partnership with schools like Columbia University and California Institute of Technology.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 11%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Not applicable (undergraduate-only institution).
Famous Alumni
- Herbert Scoville Jr. – Arms control expert and former Deputy Director for Research at the CIA.
- Robert Noyce – Co-founder of Intel and inventor of the integrated circuit.
- Gary Cooper – Academy Award-winning actor, known for films such as High Noon.
- Thomas Cech – Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry for his work on RNA catalysis.
- Bruce Rastetter – Founder and CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, philanthropist.
5. Wartburg College – Department of Engineering Science
Overview
Wartburg College, located in Waverly, Iowa, offers a growing engineering science program designed to prepare students for careers in fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. Wartburg’s engineering science degree is structured to provide a broad understanding of engineering principles, with a focus on problem-solving and design thinking. The program is small, allowing for close interaction between students and faculty, and emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and project-based courses. Wartburg also has strong ties to local industries and offers opportunities for students to engage in community-based engineering projects, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Ranked #141 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,500 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Science, with concentrations in Mechanical, Electrical, and Environmental Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 70%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).
Famous Alumni
- Debi Durham – Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
- Wendy Wintersteen – President of Iowa State University.
- James C. Hannon – Senior Vice President at John Deere, leading in engineering and manufacturing.
- A.J. Hinch – Major League Baseball manager, led the Houston Astros to a World Series title.
- Marty Seifert – Former Minnesota State Representative, advocate for education and infrastructure improvement.