Top Engineering Schools in New York
Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Overview
Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the top engineering schools in the U.S., located in the heart of New York City. Known for its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary programs, Columbia offers a broad range of degrees in fields such as biomedical, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The school fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, with many students working on startups and research projects that address global challenges. Columbia’s faculty includes renowned researchers and industry leaders, contributing to the school’s reputation for excellence.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #13 for undergraduate engineering programs, #14 for graduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Over 2,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, and Computer Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Average SAT Score: 1500–1560
- Average GRE Score: 165 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Michael Bloomberg – Founder of Bloomberg L.P., former Mayor of New York City.
- Andrew Grove – Co-founder and former CEO of Intel Corporation.
- James Renwick Jr. – Architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC.
- Ray Kurzweil – Inventor, futurist, and director of engineering at Google.
- Amir Abo-Shaeer – MacArthur Fellow, robotics pioneer, and educator.
Cornell University – College of Engineering
Overview
Cornell University’s College of Engineering is one of the leading engineering schools in the world. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. The college is known for its research output in fields such as materials science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Cornell is also home to numerous research centers, including those focused on nanotechnology, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure. The university fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging students to engage in multidisciplinary research that tackles real-world problems.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #9 for undergraduate engineering programs, #12 for graduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: 3,200+ undergraduate and graduate students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Average SAT Score: 1460–1550
- Average GRE Score: 164 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Bill Nye – Science educator and television presenter.
- Paul Wolfowitz – Former president of the World Bank and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.
- Ratan Tata – Chairman of Tata Sons and Indian industrialist.
- Steven Sinofsky – Former president of the Windows Division at Microsoft.
- Mae Jemison – First African-American woman to travel in space.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Overview
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering schools in the United States. Located in Troy, New York, RPI offers a rigorous engineering education with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The school is known for its strength in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and it houses some of the most advanced research facilities in the country, including supercomputing and nanotechnology labs. RPI fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners, creating opportunities for students to work on real-world engineering projects.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #29 for undergraduate engineering programs, #39 for graduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Approximately 6,800 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Chemical Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Average SAT Score: 1360–1500
- Average GRE Score: 160 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- George Low – NASA administrator, responsible for Apollo 11’s lunar landing.
- Vint Cerf – Co-creator of the Internet Protocol (IP) and “Father of the Internet.”
- Marcian Hoff – Inventor of the microprocessor.
- John H. Sununu – Former Governor of New Hampshire.
- Lewis Terman – Former president of Stanford University and pioneer in electronics.
New York University – Tandon School of Engineering
Overview
New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, located in Brooklyn, has seen significant growth in its rankings and research output in recent years. Tandon offers a wide range of programs in engineering and technology, with particular strengths in cybersecurity, urban infrastructure, and wireless communications. The school fosters a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging students to work on projects that solve real-world problems. With its strategic location in New York City, Tandon students benefit from partnerships with local industries and access to internship opportunities in various sectors.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #38 for graduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Chemical Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Average SAT Score: 1420–1530
- Average GRE Score: 160 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- James Simons – Founder of Renaissance Technologies and prominent mathematician.
- Jay Greene – CEO of GE Aviation.
- Martin Cooper – Inventor of the first handheld mobile phone.
- Charles Camarda – NASA astronaut and researcher.
- Daniel C. Lynch – Co-founder of the MIT Media Lab.
University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Overview
The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is one of the largest public engineering schools in New York State. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines such as biomedical, environmental, and mechanical engineering. UB is known for its research output, especially in areas such as energy systems, materials science, and robotics. The school offers extensive opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and co-op programs with industries in the Buffalo area and beyond.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #57 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: 6,100+ engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Environmental Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Average SAT Score: 1220–1370
- Average GRE Score: 158 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Ron Jaworski – Former NFL quarterback and sports commentator.
- Harvey Stenger – President of Binghamton University.
- John Kapoor – Founder of Insys Therapeutics.
- Steven Chu – Nobel laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy.
- Ellen Pao – Venture capitalist and former CEO of Reddit.