Dartmouth College – Thayer School of Engineering

Overview

Dartmouth College’s Thayer School of Engineering is one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the country, known for its focus on cross-disciplinary learning. Thayer integrates entrepreneurship and liberal arts into its engineering education, encouraging students to innovate across fields such as biomedical, mechanical, and environmental engineering. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and stands out for its emphasis on hands-on learning, project-based coursework, and close collaboration with Dartmouth’s other departments, such as the Tuck School of Business and the Geisel School of Medicine.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #60 for graduate engineering programs in the U.S.
• Number of Students: Approximately 267 graduate engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.E., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Biomedical, and Environmental Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Average SAT Score: 1490–1560
• Average GRE Score: 163 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Jeffrey Immelt – Former CEO of General Electric.
• Henry Paulson – Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
• Stephen G. Jurvetson – Venture capitalist and early investor in Tesla and SpaceX.
• David Brewster – Co-founder and president of EnerNOC, a pioneer in energy intelligence software.
• Eric Fossum – Inventor of the CMOS image sensor, used in smartphone cameras.

Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering is renowned for its innovative approach to education, combining technical expertise with entrepreneurship and leadership training.

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University of New Hampshire – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)

Overview

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is the largest public university in New Hampshire, and its College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) is a hub for engineering innovation in the region. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer engineering. UNH is recognized for its research in sustainable energy, ocean engineering, and environmental sustainability, benefiting from its coastal location and extensive research partnerships. The college provides students with opportunities for internships and cooperative education, particularly with local industries.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #141 for undergraduate engineering programs in the U.S.
• Number of Students: Over 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students in engineering disciplines.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Ocean, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Average SAT Score: 1220–1350
• Average GRE Score: 155 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• John Irving – Renowned author (attended UNH before transferring, though not an engineering graduate).
• Dan Innis – Business leader and New Hampshire State Senator.
• Robert Teare – Vice President of Engineering at Comcast.
• Richard Green – Co-founder of TIMET, a leading producer of titanium products.
• James F. Caldwell – Former president of the American Nuclear Society.

UNH’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is highly regarded for its focus on real-world engineering challenges, particularly in ocean engineering and environmental technologies.

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University of New Hampshire at Manchester – Applied Engineering and Technology

Overview

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers specialized programs in applied engineering and technology, with a focus on preparing students for careers in technology-driven industries. The campus provides smaller class sizes and personalized instruction, offering degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, and mechanical engineering technology. With strong connections to New Hampshire’s growing tech sector, students benefit from internships and job placements in regional businesses, particularly in the greater Manchester area.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked nationally for engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,000 students in technology-related programs.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Computer Science.
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Average SAT Score: 1105
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• Judith Jones – Educator and former New Hampshire State Representative.
• Craig Benson – Former Governor of New Hampshire and entrepreneur.
• Steve Marchand – Former Mayor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
• Daniel Kreiss – Expert in political communication and digital strategies.
• Jennifer Howard – Director at a major cybersecurity firm in New England.

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester is an excellent choice for students looking for applied engineering programs with close ties to industry, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity and mechanical engineering technology.