Top Engineering Schools in Washington
University of Washington – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Washington (UW) College of Engineering is one of the premier engineering schools in the nation, known for its research output and industry connections. Located in Seattle, UW is at the heart of Washington’s tech industry, giving students ample opportunities to connect with major companies like Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon. The college offers a broad range of engineering programs, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. UW Engineering is also highly regarded for its research in AI, robotics, and environmental engineering.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #20 for graduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Bioengineering, and more.
- Acceptance Rate: 54% (in-state)
- Average SAT Score: 1320–1510
- Average GRE Score: 161 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Bill Gates – Co-founder of Microsoft.
- Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon (attended for a brief period).
- John Warnock – Co-founder of Adobe Systems.
- William E. Boeing – Founder of Boeing.
- Ed Catmull – Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.
Washington State University – Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Overview
Washington State University (WSU), located in Pullman, is home to the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. The college offers strong programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, with a focus on hands-on learning and research. WSU’s strengths include environmental sustainability and agricultural engineering, leveraging its agricultural research heritage. The school has strong partnerships with industry, particularly in energy and agriculture, offering students internships and co-op opportunities.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #78 for undergraduate engineering programs.
- Number of Students: Over 3,500 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average SAT Score: 1120–1310
- Average GRE Score: 159 (Quantitative)
Notable Alumni
- Paul Allen – Co-founder of Microsoft.
- Harold Lee – Co-developer of the first portable dialysis machine.
- Robert C. Jones – Hollywood screenwriter.
- Charles Glenn King – Pioneer in the discovery of Vitamin C.
- Steven Hill – Actor, best known for his role in Law & Order.
Seattle University – College of Science and Engineering
Overview
Seattle University’s College of Science and Engineering is a growing hub for engineering education in Washington. The university offers robust programs in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering with an emphasis on social justice and ethical engineering. The school focuses on small class sizes, personalized instruction, and real-world problem-solving. Located in Seattle, Seattle U’s strong connections to local industries and the city’s growing tech ecosystem offer numerous internship and research opportunities for students.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #155 among national universities.
- Number of Students: Around 1,000 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1170–1340
- Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.
Notable Alumni
- Dennis Hejhal – Mathematician known for his work in number theory.
- John Spellman – Former Governor of Washington.
- Patricia Szarvas – Financial journalist for Bloomberg.
- George Barna – Founder of the Barna Group, a prominent research firm.
- Paula Boggs – Former General Counsel at Starbucks.
Gonzaga University – School of Engineering and Applied Science
Overview
Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, offers a well-respected engineering program through its School of Engineering and Applied Science. The school emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation along with rigorous technical training, producing well-rounded engineers. Gonzaga is known for its focus on ethical leadership, social responsibility, and sustainable engineering practices. With programs in mechanical, civil, computer, and electrical engineering, Gonzaga provides its students with personalized instruction and hands-on experiences through projects and internships.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #195 among national universities.
- Number of Students: Around 700 engineering students.
- Degrees Offered: B.S. in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Average SAT Score: 1200–1370
- Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.
Notable Alumni
- John Stockton – NBA Hall of Famer.
- Patricia Kislevitz – Founder of Kislevitz Construction.
- Phil Condit – Former CEO of Boeing.
- Rita Pasqualini – Pioneering immunologist and biotech leader.
- Bob Mortimer – Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Western Washington University – College of Science and Engineering
Overview
Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham offers a diverse range of engineering programs through its College of Science and Engineering. WWU’s engineering programs are smaller than those of other state universities but provide a strong focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental engineering. WWU offers undergraduate degrees in electrical, manufacturing, and plastics and composites engineering, with an emphasis on hands-on projects and sustainability initiatives.
Key Information
- U.S. News Ranking (2024): #69 for regional universities in the West.
- Number of Students: Around 1,500 students in engineering and technology programs.
- Degrees Offered: B.S. in Electrical, Manufacturing, and Plastics Engineering.
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average SAT Score: 1140–1300
- Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.
Notable Alumni
- Kenny G – Famous jazz saxophonist.
- Edward Alden – Political scientist and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
- Burton Green – Environmental engineer and renewable energy advocate.
- Patrick Davis – Leader in plastics engineering innovation.
- Amanda Forbes – Founder of a sustainable fashion startup.