2026 Best Materials Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 ranking of the best Materials Engineering doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #2 on this year's Materials Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Get the full Northwestern University report

#3

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The strong Materials Engineering programs at Cornell University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $18,000. Read more about Cornell University

#4

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

The strong Materials Engineering programs at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#5

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

A rank of #5 makes Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $17,123. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#6

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $19,891. More on University Of Notre Dame

#7

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #7 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $16,155. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#8

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#9

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. University Of Dayton Materials Engineering students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Get the full University Of Dayton report

#10

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,335 in debt. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#11

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#12

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. More on University Of Florida

#13

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #13 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Golden, CO. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile

#14

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $20,676. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#15

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#16

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Michigan Technological University report

#17

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $26,324. Read more about Lehigh University

#18

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #18 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,916 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#19

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#20

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Read more about The University Of Tennessee

#21

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #21 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Materials Engineering students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

#22

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

#23

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Set in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $25,106. Read more about Case Western Reserve University

#24

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute placed #24 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Materials Engineering students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute report

#25

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

#26

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego placed #26 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,101 in debt. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#27

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. See the full Stanford University profile

#28

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Clemson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,243 in student loans. Get the full Clemson University report

#29

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #29 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. More on Auburn University

#30

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Materials Engineering students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#31

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $21,250. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#32

Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Rolla, MO

Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $25,187 in student loans. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology

#33

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $23,733 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Get the full Arizona State University report

#34

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University placed #34 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,232. More on Boston University

#35

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,111 in student loans. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

#36

University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates 64% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report

#37

New Jersey Institute Of Technology

Newark, NJ

New Jersey Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. New Jersey Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $24,755. Read more about New Jersey Institute Of Technology

#38

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis did well this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Materials Engineering students take on a median of $18,777 in debt. More on University Of California Davis

#39

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #39 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute

#40

University Of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $27,000. Read more about University Of Connecticut

#41

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. About 74% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $20,373. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder

#42

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University placed #42 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,760 in student loans. Read more about Washington State University

#43

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY

Clarkson University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Potsdam, NY. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $59,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,566 in student loans. Read the full report on Clarkson University

#44

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #44 among Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $31,000. See the full Drexel University profile

#45

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $9,987 in student loans. See the full University Of California Irvine profile

#46

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report

#47

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Alabama

#48

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $22,337. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#49

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology

Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology graduates 52% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Materials Engineering students take on a median of $26,668 in debt. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report

#50

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. University Of Arkansas Materials Engineering students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Read more about University Of Arkansas