Best Engineering Schools in California in 2022

The state of California is extremely committed to engineering. There are top schools, colleges, and universities in California that specialize in the best Engineering programs if you are looking for the best engineering schools. We have produced a list of the ‘Top Engineering Schools in California’ to assist prospective students in their research of programs and schools. Higher education engineering education encompasses both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Check out our entire list of the Best Engineering Schools in California with information on rank, tuition fees, and more to choose a school in the area you are interested in studying. Best wishes!

How To Choose a Great Engineering School

Engineering degrees are more popular than many other degrees. It is the sixth most popular degree in the country, ranking 6th out of 38. This means that you won’t have a hard time discovering institutions that offer the degree. We studied 37 institutions in 2022 to determine the best Engineering Schools in California ranking. In total, these colleges and universities awarded 24,862 engineering degrees during the 2019-2020 school year.

Your choice of engineering program can have a significant impact on your future. That is why we created our list of Best Engineering Schools rankings. We roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees conferred at that level, to get our Best Overall Engineering School rankings. To locate the schools that are the best fit for you, you may wish to narrow your search to one of the degree levels listed below. The engineering school in which you decide to invest your time and money is important.

We’ve created some major-specific rankings, like this list of the Best Engineering Schools in California, to help you make the best option for you. You may also narrow down the list by location to find schools near you.

20 Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools In California

If you aren’t interested in a certain degree level and want to know which institutions are the best overall at delivering education for the engineering degrees they offer, go no further than the list below.

1. Stanford University School of Engineering

Stanford University School of Engineering is one of Stanford University‘s schools. The School has nine departmental major programs and eight interdepartmental major programs. It offers 16 pre-defined undergraduate majors as well as the option to create your own. All engineering departments offer co-term and graduate degrees. Undergraduate and graduate students can research the School of Engineering. Stanford University is an excellent choice for those interested in getting a degree in engineering.

Stanford University, located in the Stanford suburbs, is a private, non-profit university with a significant student body. Stanford is a fantastic university in general, with a Best Schools ranking of #3 out of 2,576 colleges nationwide. In the most recent data year, around 1215 engineering students graduated with this degree from Stanford. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world in 2022.

Founded In: 1925

Ranking: 1st

Tuition & Fees: $44,757

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 650-723-3148

2. California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned research and education institution in science and engineering. The California Institute of Technology aims to advance human understanding and improve society. Caltech Engineering and Applied Research faculty innovate at the frontiers of fundamental science to create tomorrow’s innovations. If you want to study engineering, the California Institute of Technology is hard to top.

Caltech, located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena, is a private non-profit university with a small student body. Caltech is a fantastic school overall, with a Best Institutions ranking of #17 out of 2,576 schools nationwide. In the most recent year for which data is available, around 196 engineering students graduated with this degree from Caltech. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools.

Founded In: 1891

Ranking: 2nd

Tuition & Fees: $68,901

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: + (626) 395-4101

3. Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a prestigious private research university in Los Angeles. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is innovative, elite, and globally known for developing educational, research, and commercialization models. It is one of the oldest professional schools on the USC campus and is frequently regarded as one of the best graduate engineering programs in the country. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is made up of eight academic departments and many programs that serve about 2,700 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students.

USC, which is located in Los Angeles, is a private, non-profit institution with a big student body. USC is a strong university in general, with a Best Schools ranking of #33 out of 2,576 schools nationally. In the most recent year for which data is available, about 1,864 engineering students graduated from USC. Engineering degree recipients at the University of Southern California earn around $9,200 more than the average engineering graduate. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world in 2022.

Founded In: 1905

Ranking: 3rd

Tuition & Fees: $29,520 per year

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Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 213-740-4530

4. UC Berkeley College of Engineering

Berkeley Engineering is a community of innovators and collaborators within the world’s top public university’s big metropolis. The university’s mission is to educate and inspire leaders for the global economy who have strong entrepreneurial and managerial abilities in addition to technical expertise. Its students and professors are motivated to address global issues. The College of Engineering is widely regarded as a global leader in engineering education. UC Berkeley, located in the midsize city of Berkeley, is a public institution with a substantial student population.

UC Berkeley is a strong university in general, with a Best Schools ranking of #26 out of 2,576 schools nationally. In the most recent data year, around 2032 engineering students graduated with this degree from UC Berkeley. Engineering students at the University of California – Berkeley earn $12,830 more than the average engineering graduate. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools.

Founded In: 1931

Ranking: 4th

Tuition & Fees: Various according to the program.

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 510-642-5771

5. Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA

The UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science is widely regarded as a global leader in engineering education, research, and service. The college is at the forefront of multidisciplinary research and instruction. The university offers an exceptional undergraduate and graduate education that prepares students for the challenges of the twenty-first century. It provides 29 academic and professional degree programs, including a graduate degree program in biomedical engineering that is interdepartmental.

UCLA is a large public university in the large metropolis of Los Angeles. UCLA is a strong university in general, with a Best Schools ranking of #46 out of 2,576 schools nationally. In the most recent data year, approximately 1260 engineering students graduated with this degree from UCLA. Engineering students who graduate from the University of California – Los Angeles earn $9,698 more than the average engineering graduate. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world in 2022.

Founded In: 1945

Ranking: 5th

Tuition & Fees: $11,502.00

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 310-825-9580

6. Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is one of the nation’s top engineering, science, and mathematics colleges. The engineering department at Harvey Mudd College prepares students for the professional world and advanced study in a variety of fields by providing broad-based, hands-on experience in engineering analysis, synthesis, and practice. It offers an academic challenge by combining the STEM disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering.

Harvey Mudd College, located in the Claremont suburbs, is a private, non-profit college with a small student body. Harvey Mudd College is a top college overall, with a Best Colleges ranking of #1 out of 2,576 schools nationally. In the most current data year, roughly 68 engineering students graduated with this degree from Harvey Mudd College. Engineering students who graduate from Harvey Mudd College earn $9,880 more than the average engineering graduate. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools.

Founded In: 1955

Ranking: 6th

Tuition & Fees: $54,886

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 909-621-8011

7. College of Engineering – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly is a highly regarded public university that takes pride in its students’ accomplishments. Cal Poly Engineering provides undergraduate and graduate studies in fields as diverse as Aerospace and Environmental Engineering. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a large public university in the San Luis Obispo suburbs. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a strong university overall, with a Best Schools ranking of #70 out of 2,576 schools nationally.

In the most recent data year, around 1415 engineering students graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with this degree. Engineering program graduates at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo earn $3,734 more than the average college graduate with the same degree immediately after graduation. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world in 2022.

Founded In: 1901

Ranking: 7th

Tuition & Fees: In-state- $9,432, out of state- $21,312

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 805-756-1111

8. Jacobs School of Engineering, The University of California – San Diego

The University of California, San Diego is a world-class public research university. The UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering is a world-class research institution. The school aims to educate tomorrow’s technology leaders and to explore breakthroughs that will propel the nation’s economic success and improve people’s quality of life. The institution has around 230 world-class faculty members teaching in six academic departments.

It has eighteen undergraduate majors, sixteen master’s degrees, and twelve doctorate programs. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools. Full-time tuition is $11,220 per year (in-state); full-time tuition is $26,322 per year (out-of-state)

Founded In: 1964

Ranking: 8th

Tuition & Fees: $11,220 per year in-state and  $26,322 per year out-of-state

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 858-534-6237

9. College of Engineering, UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara’s College of Engineering is a mid-sized college that has five departments and various linked programs that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The College of Engineering is home to five highly ranked departments as well as several related academic and research programs.UCSB Engineering is well-known for its worldwide acclaimed research impact and teaching opportunities. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022.

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Founded In: 1964

Ranking: 9th

Tuition & Fees: In-state $12,294, out of state- $27,396

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: +1 805-893-2809

10. Santa Clara University, School of Engineering

Santa Clara University is regarded as one of the best educational institutions in the country. Santa Clara University’s engineering department prepares engineers to face the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. The school aims to stimulate engineering students’ intellectual curiosity to help build a more just, humane, and sustainable world. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to teaching the full person. SCU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university in Santa Clara, a medium-sized city.

SCU is a great university in general, with a Best Schools ranking of #59 out of 2,576 schools nationwide. In the most current data year, approximately 534 engineering students graduated with this degree from SCU. Engineering students who graduate from Santa Clara University earn $17,180 more than the average engineering graduate. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools.

Founded In: 1912

Ranking: 10th

Tuition & Fees: $45,300 USD

Finance and Adm. Office Contact: + (408) 554-4000

11. California State University Maritime Academy

Cal Maritime is a tiny public university in Vallejo, California. In the state of California, this university ranks 42nd out of 203 schools in terms of overall quality. In the most current data year, approximately 44 engineering students graduated with this degree from Cal Maritime. Engineering degree recipients from California State University Maritime Academy make around $9,980 more than engineering majors on average. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022.

12. University of California – San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco is one of the best colleges in the country for pursuing an engineering degree. The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a tiny public university in the huge city of San Francisco. In the most recent data year, approximately 28 engineering students graduated with this degree from UCSF. This is one of the best engineering schools in California and among the best engineering graduate schools.

13. University of California, Davis

For those interested in pursuing an Engineering degree, UC-Davis is another excellent alternative. This institution is completely accredited and ranks tenth in the state of California for overall college excellence. Engineering is offered as a bachelor’s and master’s degree program at UC-Davis. To prepare for more advanced study, students begin their studies with a rigorous series of courses in mathematics, natural sciences, and fundamental engineering.

Students, however, study more advanced critical engineering courses in their final year. They are free to specialize in areas such as vehicle stability, mechatronics, combustion, and the environment, or wind tunnel experimentation. Furthermore, UC-Davis alumni earn an average of $61,700 at the start of their professions. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022.

Tuition:  $28,700(out-of-state); $7,877(in-state)

Accreditation:  Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

14. The University of California, Irvine

Engineering degree programs are available at the University of California-Irvine. These programs feature courses in engineering foundations as well as technical electives that allow students to study specific areas of interest. Key ideas in Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering, Flow Physics and Propulsion Systems, and System Design are covered in the course program. The institution also offers independent research options, allowing students to seek various avenues for concentrating on their academics. This is one of the top undergraduate engineering schools and among the best engineering graduate schools.

Tuition: $11,442

Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

15. The University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a public research university spread across 1,900 acres. Not only is the institution listed among the finest engineering colleges in California, but the 2019 PayScale College Pay Report ranked the university’s School of Engineering among the best schools for engineering majors in terms of graduate salary potential. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022. The following departments are part of the School of Engineering:

  • Biomedical Engineering (Bioengineering)
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

16. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a private research university in San Diego, California. The university was formed in 1949 and has since developed to become one of the greatest engineering colleges in California. This is one of the top undergraduate engineering schools and among the best engineering graduate schools. The School of Engineering at the university provides a variety of engineering majors, including:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • Integrated Engineering
  • CyberSecurity Engineering
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17. Naval Postgraduate School

The Naval Postgraduate School is a public graduate school run by the United States Navy in Monterey, California. The school offers Certificate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees and has been in operation since 1909 when it was known as the School of Marine Engineering at Annapolis. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022. The Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (GSEAS) is divided into seven departments, which are as follows:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
  • Meteorology
  • Oceanography
  • Physics
  • Systems Engineering

The school employs best practices and cutting-edge developments in science and engineering, and it is at the vanguard of meeting the needs of the US Navy and the Department of Defense.

18. University of California, Santa Cruz

The University of California, Santa Cruz is one of the University of California system’s ten campuses. Santa Cruz’s public research university has more than 20 engineering majors. This is one of the top undergraduate engineering schools and among the best engineering graduate schools. The following departments are part of the School of Engineering:

  • Mathematical Applications
  • Engineering of Biomolecular Structures
  • Media Based on Computation
  • Engineering and computer science
  • Statistics in Electrical and Computer Engineering

19. Pomona College

Pomona College has 52-degree programs to choose from. It is a tiny, private, non-profit four-year institution located in a major suburb. In 2019, 392 students graduated, with 392 receiving Bachelor’s degrees. This is one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in California and among the top engineering universities in the world 2022.

20. Soka University of America

The Soka University of America has two-degree options. It’s a four-year, private, non-profit university in a major suburb. In 2019, 126 students graduated, with 118 receiving Bachelor’s degrees and 8 receiving Master’s degrees.

Conclusion

One profession that has drastically revolutionized our world is engineering. Everything from our modern homes to bridges, space flight, automobiles, and other technological breakthroughs such as computers, hospital machines, and the internet is the result of engineers’ original ideas. If you want to study a course as important to the globe as engineering, the schools we’ve listed are the top in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Reasons Why You Should Study Engineering

Engineering is not just the most in-demand career in the world; it is also one of the most important and necessary to society. The majority of things that contribute to the overall productivity of the world’s population, as well as convenience, are all products of engineering. If you’ve been thinking about becoming an engineer but aren’t sure why here are 5 reasons why you should (absolutely) do it:

1. You Have the Ability to Solve Complex Problems Creatively

Engineers understand how to apply their problem-solving abilities to improve or build new goods or processes, which will necessitate a great deal of ingenuity. Most things, such as drugs, iPods, highways, computers, and other equipment, are the result of an engineer’s creativity and imagination.

2. Availability of Jobs

Engineering is a field that will remain relevant till the end of time, and becoming an engineer opens up a plethora of work prospects in fields such as media and communications, health, agriculture, and every other field in the world.

3. Relevance

To underline what we said in point number 2, as an engineer, you will always be relevant in a job market that is expanding. Many commercial corporations, as well as the government, will call you to work on large projects such as building new roads and bridges, designing new machines, automobiles, robots, and so on, which just demand the expertise and imagination of an engineer. You will be catering to the entire planet and positively contributing to the human race’s well-being for future generations.

4. You will Make a Lot of Money

Engineering, in whichever field you pick, is one of the top-paying careers in the world. Becoming an engineer is a solid way to ensure that you will be able to make a comfortable living until you decide to retire.

5. Travel Around the World

Engineers are in high demand all over the world, and becoming one guarantee that you will spend a lot of time traveling around the world, especially if you obtain work possibilities outside your own country.

How Can I Become An Engineer?

It’s not rocket science to become an engineer; you don’t have to do something extraordinary or unattainable. All you need to become an engineer is a passion for the field and, of course, to complete the declared standards for engineering students. We’ve outlined a step-by-step procedure for becoming an engineer below:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

2. Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) test.

3. Earn a master’s degree in any engineering sub-discipline.

4. Have at least four years of engineering experience.

5. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination to become a licensed engineer.

6. Consider gaining hands-on experience in the engineering profession.

7. Obtain additional professional certification or join engineering professional societies.

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