1. Duke University

Overview

Duke University, located in Durham, is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the country and home to the Pratt School of Engineering. The school is known for its cutting-edge research in biomedical, environmental, and electrical engineering, and offers students access to world-class laboratories and facilities. Duke emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to collaborate across departments on real-world challenges. The university is also closely connected to the Research Triangle Park, providing students with excellent internship and job opportunities. With small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong faculty support, Duke is a top choice for students interested in pursuing an engineering degree.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #16 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 16,000+ (approximately 1,400 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 6%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1480-1570 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 325+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Tim Cook – CEO of Apple.
• Charlie Rose – Former television host and journalist.
• Melinda Gates – Co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Ricardo Salinas Pliego – Mexican billionaire and founder of Grupo Salinas.
• John Chambers – Former CEO of Cisco Systems.

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2. North Carolina State University (NC State)

Overview

North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, is one of the top public research universities in the country and a leader in engineering education. NC State’s College of Engineering is known for its comprehensive and diverse range of engineering programs, with strengths in areas like computer science, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering. NC State is a key player in the Research Triangle, partnering with major companies and government agencies to offer students hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, and research projects. The school is also home to several cutting-edge research centers, including the FREEDM Systems Center and the ASSIST Center, where students work on groundbreaking technologies.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #25 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 36,000+ (approximately 10,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs across a wide range of engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 46%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1270-1420 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Rajendra Singh – Founder of Telecom Ventures LLC, known as the “father of wireless communication.”
• Marshall Brain – Founder of HowStuffWorks.
• Tony Tata – Former Secretary of Transportation for North Carolina and retired Brigadier General.
• Erwin Potts – Former President and CEO of McClatchy Newspapers.
• Donald Bitzer – Co-inventor of the plasma display.

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3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

Overview

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is renowned for its research excellence and its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. While UNC Chapel Hill is best known for its programs in medicine, law, and business, its Department of Applied Physical Sciences offers innovative engineering programs that focus on addressing complex societal challenges. The university’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to collaborate across departments and explore areas like environmental sustainability, biomedical engineering, and data science. UNC’s proximity to Research Triangle Park gives students access to internships and research collaborations with industry leaders.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #90 (2023, in partnership with NC State)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 30,000+ (approximately 1,000 in engineering-related programs)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Environmental, and Applied Sciences.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Engineering (in partnership with NC State).

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 19%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1360-1500 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 315+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Michael Jordan – NBA legend and entrepreneur.
• James K. Polk – 11th President of the United States.
• Mia Hamm – Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion.
• John Edwards – Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate.
• Lewis Black – Comedian, actor, and playwright.

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4. Wake Forest University

Overview

Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, is a private research university known for its commitment to personalized education and strong liberal arts programs. While engineering at Wake Forest is a relatively new discipline, the Department of Engineering offers an innovative curriculum that integrates engineering with real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurship. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty, allowing them to develop strong technical and communication skills. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides students with opportunities to work on projects that address societal challenges, particularly in areas like healthcare and sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #100 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 8,000+ (approximately 500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: General Engineering with concentrations in Biomedical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 30%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1350-1500 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Arnold Palmer – Legendary golfer.
• Tim Duncan – NBA Hall of Famer.
• Maya Angelou – Acclaimed author, poet, and civil rights activist.
• Chris Paul – NBA All-Star point guard.
• Charlie Ergen – Co-founder and chairman of Dish Network and EchoStar.

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5. North Carolina A&T State University

Overview

North Carolina A&T State University, located in Greensboro, is the largest historically black university (HBCU) in the United States and home to one of the top engineering schools among HBCUs. The College of Engineering at NC A&T is known for producing a large number of African American engineers, particularly in fields like electrical and mechanical engineering. NC A&T has strong connections with industry leaders like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and IBM, offering students excellent opportunities for internships and employment. The university is also a key player in aerospace research, with programs that emphasize innovation and entrepreneurship.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #126 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 12,000+ (approximately 3,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Industrial, and Chemical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Nanoengineering and Bioengineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 57%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1050-1220 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Ronald McNair – NASA astronaut who died in the Challenger disaster.
• Al Attles – Former NBA player and coach for the Golden State Warriors.
• Jesse Jackson – Civil rights activist and politician.
• Terrence J – Actor and television host (BET’s 106 & Park).
• Joe Dudley – Co-founder of Dudley Hair Products.

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6. Elon University

Overview

Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina, is a private university known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, including undergraduate research, internships, and global engagement. Elon’s engineering program is designed with a focus on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students begin their studies with foundational courses in engineering principles and are encouraged to participate in internships, research projects, and service-learning opportunities. Elon’s program, though smaller compared to other engineering schools, provides personalized attention and a liberal arts-based education that equips students with both technical and communication skills.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #111 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 7,000+ (approximately 300 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: General Engineering with concentrations in Biomedical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 78%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1230-1370 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program).

Famous Alumni

• Grant Gustin – Actor, known for his role as The Flash in the CW series.
• Darren Powell – Head coach of North Carolina FC soccer team.
• Katie Couric – Journalist and television host (attended but did not graduate).
• Ari Shapiro – Journalist and host of NPR’s All Things Considered.
• Mackenzie Lintz – Actress, known for her role in The Hunger Games.

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7. Western Carolina University (WCU)

Overview

Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, offers a variety of engineering and technology programs through its Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology. WCU’s programs are known for their focus on applied learning, with an emphasis on hands-on projects and industry collaboration. The university’s engineering technology program is particularly strong in fields like electrical and mechanical engineering, and students are encouraged to engage in internships and co-ops with regional industries. WCU also offers specialized programs in engineering management, preparing students for leadership roles in technical fields.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #173 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 12,000+ (approximately 600 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 69%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1070-1240 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Brad Hoover – Former NFL fullback.
• David Patten – Former NFL wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion.
• Kevin Martin – Former NBA player.
• Danielle Trotta – NASCAR reporter and TV host.
• Michael Beasley – Former NFL defensive end.