Top Engineering Schools in Massachusetts

Top Engineering Schools in Massachusetts

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, is widely regarded as the top engineering school in the world. Established in 1861, MIT’s School of Engineering is known for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and innovation across multiple engineering disciplines. Students have access to the latest technologies and collaborate on projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, and aerospace. MIT fosters a hands-on, problem-solving approach to learning, ensuring that students are well-equipped to tackle real-world engineering challenges. The school’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has led to the creation of numerous successful startups and global companies.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #1 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,000+ (approximately 3,400 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biological, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Nuclear, and Computer Science and Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees across all engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 4.1%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1510-1570 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 325+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Buzz Aldrin – Astronaut and one of the first humans to walk on the moon.
  • Kofi Annan – Former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • I. M. Pei – World-renowned architect, designer of the Louvre Pyramid.
  • Sal Khan – Founder of Khan Academy.
  • Amar Bose – Founder of Bose Corporation.

2. Harvard University

Overview

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, offers its engineering programs through the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). While Harvard is traditionally known for its law, medicine, and business programs, its engineering school is becoming increasingly recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving and innovation. SEAS emphasizes the integration of engineering with fields like biology, medicine, and the humanities, providing students with a well-rounded education. The school offers state-of-the-art research facilities and a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, with connections to Harvard’s extensive alumni network.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #23 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 22,000+ (approximately 1,600 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in Applied Physics, Bioengineering, Computer Science, and more.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 3.2%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1470-1570 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 320+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft (attended Harvard but did not graduate).
  • Mark Zuckerberg – Co-founder and CEO of Facebook.
  • Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father and inventor (attended, no degree).
  • Steve Ballmer – Former CEO of Microsoft.
  • Susan Wojcicki – Former CEO of YouTube.

3. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Overview

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is known for its innovative project-based curriculum, where students work on real-world problems from day one. Founded in 1865, WPI emphasizes practical, hands-on experience and integrates a global perspective into its engineering education. The university offers a wide range of engineering programs, including cutting-edge fields like robotics, data science, and biomedical engineering. With small class sizes and strong faculty-student relationships, WPI fosters a collaborative learning environment where students are encouraged to innovate and engage in interdisciplinary research.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #75 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 6,800+ (approximately 4,100 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics, and Environmental Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 60%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1310-1480 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Robert Goddard – Pioneer of modern rocketry and inventor of the liquid-fueled rocket.
  • Nancy Pimental – Screenwriter and producer (Shameless).
  • Alfred Gross – Inventor and father of wireless communication.
  • Atwater Kent – Radio manufacturer and inventor.
  • Dean Kamen – Inventor of the Segway and founder of FIRST Robotics.

4. Tufts University

Overview

Tufts University’s School of Engineering, located in Medford, offers a comprehensive education that emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, Tufts engineers are trained to tackle complex global challenges such as environmental sustainability, human health, and technological innovation. The School of Engineering is known for its small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and robust research opportunities. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Bray Laboratory and the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach, which foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #66 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,500+ (approximately 1,900 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 11%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1390-1510 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Pierre Omidyar – Founder of eBay.
  • Peter Gallagher – Actor, known for The O.C..
  • William Hurt – Academy Award-winning actor.
  • Shashi Tharoor – Indian politician, diplomat, and author.
  • Mitch Kapor – Founder of Lotus Development Corporation (Lotus 1-2-3).

5. Northeastern University

Overview

Northeastern University, located in Boston, is a private research institution known for its co-op education program, which integrates classroom learning with real-world work experience. The College of Engineering at Northeastern is distinguished by its focus on experiential learning, global research initiatives, and innovation in areas like renewable energy, robotics, and cybersecurity. Northeastern’s strong partnerships with industry provide students with opportunities to work in leading companies while completing their degrees. The university also emphasizes global learning, offering engineering students the chance to work and study abroad through its various international programs.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #47 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 24,000+ (approximately 5,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 18%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1430-1520 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Nikesh Arora – CEO of Palo Alto Networks and former Chief Business Officer of Google.
  • Wendy Williams – Television personality and author.
  • Biz Stone – Co-founder of Twitter.
  • Ravi Ramamurti – International management expert and author.
  • Charles Bolden – Former NASA administrator and astronaut.

6. Boston University (BU)

Overview

Boston University’s College of Engineering is a top-ranked institution known for its strong research programs in areas such as biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, photonics, and mechanical engineering. Located in the heart of Boston, BU provides students with access to a vibrant research community and close proximity to many of the world’s leading technology and engineering companies. The College of Engineering emphasizes interdisciplinary research, offering students the opportunity to work across fields like medicine, computer science, and environmental science. With state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, BU prepares students to tackle complex engineering challenges on a global scale.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #36 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 33,000+ (approximately 4,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 14%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1370-1500 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 315+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Howard Stern – Radio personality and television host.
  • Ginnifer Goodwin – Actress, known for Once Upon a Time.
  • Bill O’Reilly – Television host and author.
  • Julianne Moore – Academy Award-winning actress.

7. University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst)

Overview

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the UMass system and is home to a highly regarded College of Engineering. UMass Amherst is known for its commitment to sustainability, renewable energy research, and environmental engineering. The College of Engineering offers a comprehensive education that combines strong theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience. With a focus on research and innovation, UMass Amherst provides students with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary projects, work with cutting-edge technologies, and collaborate with industry leaders. The college emphasizes solving real-world problems and is home to several research centers focusing on renewable energy and materials science.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #56 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 32,000+ (approximately 3,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D., and professional degrees in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 64%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1290-1440 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Jack Welch – Former CEO of General Electric.
  • Rick Pitino – Hall of Fame basketball coach.
  • Bill Cosby – Comedian and television actor.
  • Julius Erving – NBA Hall of Famer.
  • Catherine Coleman – NASA astronaut and scientist.

8. Olin College of Engineering

Overview

Olin College of Engineering, located in Needham, Massachusetts, is one of the most innovative engineering schools in the country, known for its project-based curriculum and emphasis on entrepreneurship. Olin is a small, highly selective institution that provides students with a unique learning experience, where engineering is taught in the context of social responsibility and real-world impact. Collaboration and teamwork are core values at Olin, and students are encouraged to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges from day one. The college’s close-knit community and commitment to hands-on learning make it a leader in engineering education reform.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #3 (undergraduate-only, 2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate): Approximately 350

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering (general).

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 16%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1480-1560 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: N/A (Olin is undergraduate-only)

Famous Alumni

  • Graduates of Olin tend to become pioneers in fields such as technology, sustainability, and education, but because it’s a relatively young institution (founded in 1997), it doesn’t yet have globally recognized famous alumni like older universities do. Many Olin graduates have gone on to become influential engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in their respective fields.

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