1. Princeton University

Overview

Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and consistently ranks among the top schools for engineering. The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton emphasizes interdisciplinary research and offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to solve complex global challenges. The school is known for its research in areas such as artificial intelligence, materials science, environmental engineering, and bioengineering. Princeton provides students with access to cutting-edge research labs and facilities, allowing them to engage in innovative projects. The university’s engineering programs are complemented by a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring that students develop well-rounded skills.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #12 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 8,500+ (approximately 1,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil and Environmental, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical and Aerospace, Chemical and Biological, and Operations Research and Financial Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs across various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 4%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1460-1570 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 325+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Jeff Bezos – Founder and former CEO of Amazon.
• Eric Schmidt – Former CEO of Google.
• Michelle Obama – Former First Lady of the United States.
• Alan Turing – Mathematician and pioneer of computer science.
• John Bardeen – Nobel Prize-winning physicist and co-inventor of the transistor.

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2. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Overview

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the flagship campus of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and its School of Engineering is one of the largest and most respected engineering schools in the region. Rutgers offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, with strengths in fields such as biomedical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The university is known for its strong research initiatives, including collaborations with major corporations and government agencies. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research centers, including the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation and the Wireless Information Network Laboratory (WINLAB).

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #52 (2023)

Student Statistics

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

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, and Materials Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in a wide variety of engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 67%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1270-1500 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Paul Robeson – Acclaimed actor, singer, and civil rights activist.
• James Gandolfini – Actor, best known for his role in The Sopranos.
• Selman Waksman – Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who discovered antibiotics.
• Elizabeth Warren – U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate.
• Mario Batali – Celebrity chef and restaurateur.

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3. Stevens Institute of Technology

Overview

Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, is a private research university with a focus on innovation and technology. The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering & Science at Stevens offers top-tier engineering programs with an emphasis on hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and research. Stevens is known for its strong programs in mechanical, civil, electrical, and biomedical engineering, as well as its interdisciplinary approach to engineering education. The university’s proximity to New York City provides students with ample internship opportunities and access to a thriving tech and business community.

U.S. News Ranking

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

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 7,000+ (approximately 3,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical, Computer, Chemical, and Naval Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Engineering Management and Software Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 53%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1330-1480 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Frederick Winslow Taylor – Pioneer of scientific management and efficiency engineering.
• Henry Gantt – Creator of the Gantt chart, used in project management.
• Alexander Calder – Renowned sculptor and inventor of the mobile.
• Charles Stewart Mott – Founder of General Motors.
• Katherine Johnson – NASA mathematician and subject of the film Hidden Figures.

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4. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

Overview

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark is one of the state’s leading public polytechnic universities, offering a wide range of engineering and technology programs. NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering is known for its strong focus on research, particularly in fields like robotics, telecommunications, and environmental engineering. The university’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is evident in its partnerships with industries and government agencies, giving students ample opportunities to work on real-world projects. NJIT also has a diverse student body and offers numerous co-op and internship opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience while completing their degrees.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #91 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,500+ (approximately 6,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical, and Industrial Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in multiple engineering disciplines, including Telecommunications and Environmental Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 66%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1200-1380 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Norman Augustine – Former CEO of Lockheed Martin.
• Warren Berger – Author and innovation expert.
• Ellen Ochoa – Former astronaut and first Hispanic woman to go to space.
• Charles R. Kelley – Co-founder of the cybersecurity company Rapid7.
• Marty Caserio – General Manager of the Houston Texans.

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5. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)

Overview

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), located in Ewing, offers a high-quality undergraduate engineering education in a liberal arts setting. TCNJ’s School of Engineering is known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and hands-on learning approach. The school offers a range of undergraduate programs, and students benefit from close interactions with faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities. TCNJ is particularly strong in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and the college’s emphasis on research and problem-solving prepares students for successful careers in engineering or advanced studies. TCNJ is consistently ranked among the best public colleges in the region.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #103 (undergraduate-only, 2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 7,000+ (approximately 1,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Computer Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 49%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1250-1430 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Holly Black – Best-selling fantasy author (The Spiderwick Chronicles).
• Khalid Sheikh Mohammed – Alleged mastermind behind the September 11 attacks.
• Brian D. McLaren – Pastor and author of books on Christian spirituality.
• Tom McCarthy – Sportscaster for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Nia Gill – New Jersey State Senator and lawyer.

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6. Rowan University

Overview

Rowan University, located in Glassboro, New Jersey, is a rapidly growing public research university with a strong engineering program. The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering is known for its hands-on learning approach, innovative research opportunities, and commitment to sustainability. Rowan’s engineering programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s industries, with strong offerings in biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The university also has a strong entrepreneurial focus, encouraging students to develop new technologies and solutions through projects and competitions. With its smaller class sizes and personalized attention, Rowan offers a student-centered approach to engineering education.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #88 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 19,000+ (approximately 2,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering fields, including Engineering Management and Environmental Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 78%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1100-1290 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Jon Runyan – Former NFL player and U.S. Congressman.
• Patti Smith – Iconic musician, poet, and visual artist.
• Robert Hegyes – Actor, known for his role in Welcome Back, Kotter.
• Ben Coates – Former NFL player and Super Bowl-winning tight end.
• Mark Leiter – Former MLB pitcher.

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7. Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)

Overview

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private university with campuses in Teaneck and Madison, New Jersey. The Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering. FDU is known for its commitment to providing students with personalized attention, small class sizes, and opportunities to engage in practical, hands-on projects. The university’s location near New York City provides students with access to internships and employment opportunities in one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. FDU also emphasizes global education, offering study abroad and international internship opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #169 (2023)

Student Statistics

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

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 84%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1080-1240 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Brielle Biermann – Reality TV personality (The Real Housewives of Atlanta).
• Ed Lucas – Blind sports journalist and motivational speaker.
• Bernie Williams – Former MLB player for the New York Yankees.
• Yingluck Shinawatra – Former Prime Minister of Thailand.
• Geraldo Rivera – Television personality and journalist.