1. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMN)

Overview

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is Minnesota’s flagship public research university and a leader in engineering education. The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at UMN offers a wide range of engineering disciplines and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. UMN’s engineering programs are particularly strong in areas like chemical engineering, civil engineering, and computer science. The university provides students with access to world-class facilities, including the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute and the Nanofabrication Center. UMN’s location in the Twin Cities gives students numerous opportunities to intern and collaborate with companies in Minnesota’s thriving tech and medical device industries.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #24 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 50,000+ (approximately 5,600 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 70%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1300-1480 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Bob Gore – Inventor of Gore-Tex fabric and former president of W. L. Gore & Associates.
• John Bardeen – Nobel Prize-winning physicist and electrical engineer (inventor of the transistor).
• Norman Borlaug – Nobel Peace Prize-winning agronomist known as the “father of the Green Revolution.”
• Larry Page – Co-founder of Google (attended UMN briefly before transferring).
• Herb Bergson – Former Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota.

---

2. University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)

Overview

The University of St. Thomas, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a private Catholic university with a growing reputation for its engineering programs. St. Thomas is known for its small class sizes, personalized learning environment, and strong focus on practical, hands-on experience. The university’s School of Engineering offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including specialized programs in fields like mechanical engineering, software engineering, and electrical engineering. St. Thomas is also recognized for its focus on ethical leadership and sustainability, encouraging students to develop engineering solutions that benefit society.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #123 (undergraduate-only, 2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 10,000+ (approximately 1,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Computer, and Software Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s degrees in Software Engineering, Data Science, and Engineering Management.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 87%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1160-1360 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• John Schneider – NFL General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks.
• Tom Dooher – Former president of the National Education Association (NEA).
• Richard Schulze – Founder of Best Buy.
• Matthew Dumba – NHL player for the Minnesota Wild.
• David Coulter – Former Chairman and CEO of Bank of America.

---

3. Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU Mankato)

Overview

Minnesota State University, Mankato, is one of the largest public universities in the state and offers a strong engineering program through its College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. MSU Mankato focuses on providing a well-rounded engineering education with an emphasis on real-world applications and internships. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of engineering disciplines, including automotive engineering, civil engineering, and electrical engineering. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including the Iron Range Engineering program, which provides students with hands-on experience in partnership with local industries.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 14,000+ (approximately 1,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Automotive Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s in Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 62%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1030-1250 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Glen Taylor – Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and former state senator.
• David Backes – Former NHL player and Olympic hockey captain.
• Terry Steinbach – Former MLB catcher and coach.
• Mike Max – Sports anchor and radio host.
• Robert Bly – Poet and author, National Book Award winner.

---

4. Dunwoody College of Technology

Overview

Dunwoody College of Technology, located in Minneapolis, is a private technical college that offers hands-on, industry-focused education. Dunwoody’s engineering programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, with a focus on practical skills and applied learning. The college offers undergraduate degrees in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Dunwoody has a strong reputation for its small class sizes and its commitment to providing students with real-world experience through internships and partnerships with local companies. Dunwoody’s engineering graduates are highly sought after by employers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and technology.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 1,300+ (approximately 500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 75%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: Not required for admission.
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only institution).

Famous Alumni

• Maurice Blanks – Co-founder of Blu Dot, a modern furniture company.
• Earl Bakken – Co-founder of Medtronic, inventor of the first wearable pacemaker.
• Carl Pohlad – Business magnate and former owner of the Minnesota Twins.
• John Koepke – CEO of Koepke Farms and leader in sustainable agriculture.
• Steve Flagg – Founder of Quality Bicycle Products, a major bicycle distributor.

---

5. Saint Cloud State University

Overview

Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) offers a variety of engineering programs through its College of Science and Engineering. Located in central Minnesota, SCSU provides students with access to modern laboratories, research centers, and a growing number of partnerships with local industries. SCSU’s engineering programs are designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for careers in fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, with a focus on internships and cooperative education opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,000+ (approximately 800 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Electrical, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s in Engineering Management and Mechanical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 90%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1000-1200 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• John Stumpf – Former CEO of Wells Fargo.
• Matt Cullen – Former NHL player and three-time Stanley Cup winner.
• Richard Schulze – Founder of Best Buy.
• Jim Graves – Businessman and founder of Graves Hospitality.
• Bob Motzko – Head coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team.

---

6. Bethel University

Overview

Bethel University, located in Arden Hills, is a private Christian university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including its engineering science program. While Bethel’s engineering program is relatively new compared to other institutions in the state, it offers students a comprehensive education grounded in both engineering fundamentals and Christian ethics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and real-world applications, providing students with opportunities to work on engineering projects that make a positive impact in their communities. Bethel’s small class sizes and strong faculty relationships help create a supportive and personalized learning environment.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #133 (undergraduate-only, 2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 4,000+ (approximately 200 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Engineering Science, with concentrations in Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 79%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1160-1330 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Arnie Carlson – Former Governor of Minnesota.
• Rolf Jacobson – Theologian and author.
• Mike Benson – Minnesota State Senator.
• TobyMac (Kevin McKeehan) – Grammy Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist.
• Michelle Bachmann – Former U.S. Congresswoman and 2012 presidential candidate.

---

7. Hamline University

Overview

Hamline University, located in St. Paul, is a private liberal arts university that offers a multidisciplinary engineering program in collaboration with other institutions. Hamline’s engineering programs are part of a cooperative education model that allows students to complete foundational coursework in engineering at Hamline before transferring to a partner school to complete their engineering degree. This provides students with a unique liberal arts perspective while gaining technical expertise in engineering. The program is ideal for students who want to combine their engineering education with strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills developed through a liberal arts curriculum.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (partner program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 3,400+ (small number in engineering through partner programs)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-engineering programs that lead to degrees in various engineering fields through partner schools.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 68%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1080-1280 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (pre-engineering program).

Famous Alumni

• John B. Anderson – Former U.S. Congressman and presidential candidate.
• Jeanne Poppe – Minnesota State Representative.
• Kathryn Swanson – Director of Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety.
• Gus Hall – Former leader of the Communist Party USA.
• Colleen Landkamer – U.S. Department of Agriculture official.

---

8. Carleton College

Overview

Carleton College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. While Carleton does not offer traditional engineering degrees, it offers a 3-2 engineering program in partnership with other leading engineering schools such as Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis. In this program, students spend three years at Carleton studying foundational sciences and liberal arts before transferring to a partner institution for two years of specialized engineering coursework. This program provides students with a broad-based education while preparing them for careers in engineering.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (partner program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate): 2,100+ (small number in 3-2 engineering program)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-engineering program that leads to an engineering degree through partner institutions.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 21%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1390-1540 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (pre-engineering program).

Famous Alumni

• Thorstein Veblen – Economist and author of The Theory of the Leisure Class.
• Paul Wellstone – Former U.S. Senator from Minnesota.
• Walter Mondale – Former U.S. Vice President and presidential candidate.
• Alison Wright – Photographer and National Geographic contributor.
• Josh Swain – Co-founder of Swain Techs, a leading IT and engineering company.