Top Engineering Schools in Texas

Top Engineering Schools in Texas

1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

Overview

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public research universities in the United States. The Cockrell School of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country and is known for its comprehensive programs and world-class research in areas like energy, computer engineering, and biomedical engineering. UT Austin provides students with access to cutting-edge laboratories and facilities, including the Texas Advanced Computing Center. With close ties to industries in Austin’s growing tech sector, UT Austin offers engineering students excellent opportunities for internships and job placements.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #10 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 51,000+ (approximately 8,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Petroleum Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 29%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1340-1510 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 320+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Michael Dell – Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies.
  • Rex Tillerson – Former U.S. Secretary of State and former CEO of ExxonMobil.
  • Laura Wright – Former CFO of Southwest Airlines.
  • William McRaven – Former U.S. Navy Admiral and chancellor of the University of Texas System.
  • Adam Dell – Venture capitalist and co-founder of Clarity Money.

2. Texas A&M University

Overview

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive public universities. The Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M is renowned for its strong programs in aerospace, mechanical, and petroleum engineering. Texas A&M is also known for its emphasis on research, with numerous research centers dedicated to areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials. The university’s close ties to the energy and defense industries make it a top destination for engineering students seeking hands-on experience and career opportunities.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #15 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 72,000+ (approximately 17,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Nuclear, Ocean, Petroleum, and Systems Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs across a variety of engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 63%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1230-1450 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 315+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Robert Gates – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
  • Rick Perry – Former Governor of Texas and U.S. Secretary of Energy.
  • James Lovell – NASA astronaut and commander of Apollo 13.
  • Gene Wolfe – Acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author.
  • Stephen McDonnell – CEO of Apptricity Corporation.

3. Rice University

Overview

Rice University, located in Houston, is a prestigious private research university known for its rigorous academic programs and small class sizes. The George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovation. Rice’s proximity to the Texas Medical Center and the Houston energy corridor provides engineering students with opportunities to engage in internships and collaborative research projects. The university’s focus on research in areas like nanotechnology, bioengineering, and environmental sustainability makes it a leader in engineering education.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #27 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 8,000+ (approximately 2,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computational and Applied Mathematics, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Materials Science Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 9%

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

  • Howard Hughes – Business magnate, investor, and aviator.
  • George P. Bush – Texas Land Commissioner and member of the Bush family.
  • Fred C. Koch – Founder of Koch Industries.
  • Peggy Whitson – NASA astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station.
  • Toni Morrison – Nobel Prize-winning author.

4. University of Houston (UH)

Overview

The University of Houston is a public research university located in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the United States. UH’s Cullen College of Engineering offers a range of programs, with strong focuses on petroleum, chemical, and civil engineering. Given Houston’s role as the global energy capital, UH engineering students have access to numerous internship opportunities and partnerships with companies in the oil and gas industry. UH is also home to several cutting-edge research centers, including the Texas Center for Superconductivity. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning prepares students for leadership roles in engineering.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #82 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 47,000+ (approximately 6,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 65%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1140-1330 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Elizabeth Warren – U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate.
  • Tilman Fertitta – Owner of the Houston Rockets and CEO of Landry’s, Inc.
  • Clyde Drexler – NBA Hall of Famer.
  • Tom DeLay – Former U.S. House Majority Leader.
  • Jim Parsons – Emmy Award-winning actor known for his role on The Big Bang Theory.

5. Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Overview

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is a private research university known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus. The Lyle School of Engineering at SMU offers a wide range of engineering disciplines with a focus on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. SMU’s location in Dallas, one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country, gives students access to numerous internship and job opportunities in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and information technology. SMU engineering students benefit from the university’s small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and strong industry partnerships.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #98 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 12,000+ (approximately 2,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 53%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1340-1500 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Laura Bush – Former First Lady of the United States.
  • Lamar Hunt – Founder of the American Football League and Major League Soccer.
  • Aaron Spelling – Television producer and entertainment mogul.
  • Karen Hughes – Former Counselor to President George W. Bush.
  • Bryant Williams – President of Williams Broadcasting Corporation.

6. Texas Tech University

Overview

Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, is a major public research university with a strong reputation for its engineering programs. The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as chemical, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Texas Tech is known for its strong focus on research, particularly in energy and water resources, and offers students opportunities to work with faculty on groundbreaking projects. With its connections to the oil and gas industry, Texas Tech provides engineering students with valuable internships and career opportunities in the energy sector.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #101 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 40,000+ (approximately 5,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 70%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1070-1270 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • John Denver – Legendary folk singer and songwriter.
  • Scott Pelley – Journalist and anchor for CBS News.
  • Rick Husband – NASA astronaut and commander of the space shuttle Columbia.
  • Mike Leach – College football coach.
  • Ed Whitacre – Former CEO of AT&T and General Motors.

7. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)

Overview

The University of Texas at Dallas is a fast-growing public research university located in the heart of one of the country’s most dynamic metropolitan areas. The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at UT Dallas is known for its strong programs in electrical engineering, computer science, and telecommunications engineering. UT Dallas is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Robust Speech Systems and the Texas Analog Center of Excellence. With its close proximity to major tech companies, UT Dallas offers students a wealth of opportunities for internships, research, and job placements in the tech industry.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #71 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 29,000+ (approximately 7,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 79%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1220-1430 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 315+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • S. Daniel Abraham – Founder of Slim-Fast.
  • Brian Bruce – CEO of Hilltop Securities.
  • Masaaki Tanaka – Former President and CEO of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi.
  • Ravi Bhatt – Founder of LegalZoom.
  • Joseph Gargan – President of Edward Jones.

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