Washington University in St. Louis – McKelvey School of Engineering

Overview

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is home to the McKelvey School of Engineering, one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the Midwest. Known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong research focus, WashU offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities and extensive research opportunities. The school provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. WashU is also highly collaborative, encouraging students to work across departments to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #42 for undergraduate engineering programs, #51 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,200 undergraduate and 900 graduate engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Average SAT Score: 1490–1570
• Average GRE Score: 164 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• James McDonnell – Founder of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.
• Stephen Trusheim – Co-founder of a data analysis company, recipient of multiple venture capital investments.
• Jim McKelvey – Co-founder of Square, Inc.
• Charles Nagel – Architect of the National Mall in Washington D.C.
• David H. Levy – Astronomer and co-discoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.

WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering is a top choice for students interested in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and interdisciplinary research.

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Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)

Overview

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is one of the top engineering schools in the United States, known for its focus on technology and applied sciences. Located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri S&T offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. The university is renowned for its hands-on learning approach, with extensive research labs and facilities that allow students to work on real-world problems in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Missouri S&T has strong ties to the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, making it a great option for students looking to enter those fields.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #88 for undergraduate engineering programs, #86 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: 5,800+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, and Nuclear Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Average SAT Score: 1190–1380
• Average GRE Score: 158 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Jack Dorsey – Co-founder of Twitter and Square.
• Kevin P. Chilton – Retired U.S. Air Force four-star general and former NASA astronaut.
• Leo A. Daly – Founder of Leo A Daly architecture firm.
• George Mueller – NASA executive and key figure in the Apollo space program.
• Harold S. Hook – Former CEO of American General Corporation.

Missouri S&T is particularly well-regarded for its research in aerospace, nuclear engineering, and civil engineering, making it a popular choice for students pursuing careers in these areas.

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University of Missouri – College of Engineering

Overview

The University of Missouri’s (Mizzou) College of Engineering is one of the oldest engineering schools in the U.S., offering a strong academic foundation across a variety of disciplines. The school is known for its research in bioengineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Mizzou is also home to multiple research centers, including the Center for Eldercare and Rehabilitation Technology and the Missouri Structural Assessment and Restoration Center, where students gain hands-on experience solving real-world engineering challenges.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #113 for undergraduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: 3,400+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Biomedical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Average SAT Score: 1160–1350
• Average GRE Score: 155 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Chris L. Cox – Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
• Sam Walton – Founder of Walmart (attended briefly before serving in World War II).
• Patricia Solís – Executive Director of the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience at Arizona State University.
• Tim Wolfe – Former president of the University of Missouri system.
• William Trogdon (William Least Heat-Moon) – Noted author.

Mizzou’s College of Engineering is known for its research in biomedical engineering, infrastructure, and technology innovation, making it a top choice for students who want to make an impact in both academia and industry.

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Saint Louis University – Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology

Overview

Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology offers unique engineering programs, with a particular focus on aerospace engineering and aviation. SLU is one of the few universities in the country to offer a fully integrated aviation and engineering program, allowing students to earn pilot licenses and degrees in aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and its state-of-the-art flight simulators and labs. SLU’s engineering programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the aerospace, defense, and transportation industries.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #157 for undergraduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,200 engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Civil Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Average SAT Score: 1220–1390
• Average GRE Score: 156 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Gene Kranz – NASA flight director during the Apollo 13 mission.
• Avi Rubin – Computer scientist and expert on election security.
• Joan Shannon – Vice President of Boeing’s Global Services & Support Division.
• Tom Sanderson – Co-founder of Sanderson Farms, Inc.
• William S. Knudsen – Former President of General Motors.

Parks College offers a unique combination of engineering and aviation programs, making it ideal for students interested in aerospace careers and flight technology.

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Missouri State University – Department of Engineering

Overview

Missouri State University, located in Springfield, offers a growing engineering program through its Department of Engineering. The university offers degrees in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, emphasizing practical experience through internships and industry partnerships. Missouri State focuses on equipping students with the technical skills they need to enter industries like manufacturing, construction, and energy. The university also emphasizes sustainable engineering practices and environmental consciousness, making it a great option for students interested in green technologies and infrastructure development.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not nationally ranked for engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 800 engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Average SAT Score: 1070–1250
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• John Goodman – Emmy-winning actor (attended briefly).
• Brad Pitt – Oscar-winning actor and producer (attended briefly).
• Randy Wray – Economist and professor at Bard College.
• Kathryn McGuire – Noted civil engineer and urban planner.
• Steve O’Neill – CEO of Navitas Systems, LLC.

Missouri State’s engineering programs are growing in reputation and provide a strong foundation for students interested in civil and mechanical engineering, with a focus on sustainability.