Top Engineering Schools in Virginia

Top Engineering Schools in Virginia

1. Virginia Tech

Overview

Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, is one of the top public research universities in the United States and is well-known for its College of Engineering. The engineering school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across traditional and emerging fields. Virginia Tech is particularly renowned for its programs in aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering. With more than 30 research centers and institutes, including the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Institute of Aerospace, the university provides students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. The university’s motto, “Ut Prosim” (That I May Serve), emphasizes leadership and service, preparing students for impactful careers.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #13 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 36,000+ (approximately 11,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 57%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1240-1400 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 310+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Nidal Malik Hasan – U.S. Army Major, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.
  • Charles Camarda – NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer.
  • Jim Buckmaster – CEO of Craigslist.
  • John Cochran – Former CEO of Delta Airlines.
  • William Lewis – Former Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund.

2. University of Virginia (UVA)

Overview

The University of Virginia (UVA), located in Charlottesville, is a prestigious public university founded by Thomas Jefferson. The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) is one of the oldest and most respected engineering schools in the country. UVA’s engineering programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, particularly in areas like biomedical engineering, systems engineering, and nanotechnology. The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C. and connections with major companies and government agencies provide students with excellent internship and career opportunities. UVA is also known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it a top choice for aspiring engineers.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #37 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 25,000+ (approximately 3,300 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 21%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1380-1500 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 315+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Katie Couric – Journalist and television host.
  • Robert F. Kennedy – Former U.S. Attorney General and presidential candidate.
  • Tina Fey – Comedian, writer, and actress.
  • Laura Ingraham – Television host and conservative political commentator.
  • Edward P. Jones – Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

3. George Mason University (GMU)

Overview

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, is a rapidly growing public research university known for its strong engineering and technology programs. The Volgenau School of Engineering at GMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with strengths in cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology. GMU is particularly known for its expertise in computer engineering and telecommunications, given its proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and its ties to government and defense agencies. The university emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships, co-ops, and research collaborations.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #107 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 39,000+ (approximately 6,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Bioengineering, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Cybersecurity Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Data Analytics and Telecommunications.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 89%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1110-1320 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Anousheh Ansari – First female private space explorer and CEO of XPrize.
  • Archie Kao – Actor known for his role in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
  • Angela Orebaugh – Cybersecurity expert and author.
  • J. Randy Forbes – Former U.S. Congressman.
  • Debra Fischer – Astrophysicist and leading researcher in the discovery of exoplanets.

4. Old Dominion University (ODU)

Overview

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is a public research university with a strong focus on applied research and technology-driven education. The Batten College of Engineering and Technology at ODU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in civil engineering, modeling and simulation, and aerospace engineering. ODU has a well-established reputation for producing graduates who are industry-ready, and the school’s connections with defense contractors and government agencies make it an attractive option for students seeking careers in aerospace, cybersecurity, and maritime engineering. ODU is also home to the Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center, a leading research hub in its field.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #127 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 24,000+ (approximately 3,800 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Modeling & Simulation Engineering.
  • Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering fields, including Coastal Engineering and Transportation Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 89%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1020-1220 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • Ben Bailey – Comedian and host of Cash Cab.
  • Carly Fiorina – Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and U.S. presidential candidate.
  • Justin Verlander – Major League Baseball pitcher.
  • Tim Hightower – Former NFL running back.
  • Mark West – Former NBA player and executive.

5. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, is a public research university known for its diverse academic offerings and urban campus. The College of Engineering at VCU is relatively young but has quickly established itself as a leader in biomedical and chemical engineering. VCU’s engineering programs are closely connected to the health sciences, given the university’s ties to the VCU Medical Center, one of the leading academic health centers in the country. VCU places a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, with its Engineering Research Building serving as a hub for research in health technology, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): #129 (2023)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 30,000+ (approximately 2,400 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 91%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1080-1290 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

  • David Baldacci – Best-selling novelist.
  • Eric Cantor – Former U.S. House Majority Leader.
  • Chris Adler – Drummer for the heavy metal band Lamb of God.
  • Randy Blythe – Lead vocalist for Lamb of God.
  • Mitch Richmond – NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist.

6. Liberty University

Overview

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, is one of the largest Christian universities in the world and offers a growing engineering program through its School of Engineering. Liberty’s engineering programs emphasize both technical expertise and a commitment to Christian values, preparing students for leadership roles in industries such as aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include the Center for Engineering Research & Education, where students work on projects ranging from drone development to sustainable energy solutions. Liberty’s commitment to integrating faith and learning makes it a unique option for students seeking a Christian-focused engineering education.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (undergraduate-only program)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 95,000+ (including online, approximately 2,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

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

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 50%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 1040-1240 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-focused)

Famous Alumni

  • TobyMac (Kevin McKeehan) – Grammy Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist.
  • Jerry Falwell Jr. – Former President of Liberty University.
  • Candace Cameron Bure – Actress, known for her role in Full House.
  • Shannon Bream – Anchor for Fox News.
  • Dan Howell – Former Major League Baseball pitcher.

7. Hampton University

Overview

Hampton University, located in Hampton, Virginia, is a historically Black university (HBCU) known for its strong programs in engineering and technology. The School of Engineering and Technology at Hampton offers a variety of undergraduate programs, with particular strengths in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer engineering. Hampton’s engineering students benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship from faculty, and research opportunities in fields such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The university’s commitment to producing graduates from underrepresented communities in STEM makes it a leader in promoting diversity in engineering education.

U.S. News Ranking

  • National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (undergraduate-only program)

Student Statistics

  • Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 4,300+ (approximately 700 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

  • Undergraduate Degrees: Chemical, Computer, Electrical, and Systems Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

  • Overall Acceptance Rate: 36%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

  • Average SAT Score: 990-1200 (middle 50%)
  • Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate-only program)

Famous Alumni

  • Booker T. Washington – Influential educator and civil rights leader.
  • Spencer Christian – Former weather forecaster for ABC’s Good Morning America.
  • Wanda Sykes – Comedian, actress, and writer.
  • Vanessa Williams – Actress and singer, former Miss America.
  • Freeman Hrabowski – President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
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