2026 Best Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1312 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Massachusetts Institute Of Technology this year in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,396 in tuition and fees. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Engineering students take on a median of $14,214 in debt. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Dartmouth College landed the #2 spot. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Dartmouth College Engineering students take on a median of $17,083 in debt. Get the full Dartmouth College report
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Stanford University landed the #3 spot. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Engineering student debt is $7,500. Read more about Stanford University
The strong Engineering programs at Harvard University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $16,616. More on Harvard University
The strong Engineering programs at Rice University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,398 in student loans. Read the full report on Rice University
Northwestern University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $16,567. More on Northwestern University
Princeton University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Princeton University Engineering students take on a median of $10,888 in debt. Get the full Princeton University report
Duke University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,216 in student loans. See the full Duke University profile
Brown University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Typical Engineering student debt is $14,500. Get the full Brown University report
Santa Clara University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,197. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
Bucknell University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,812. Bucknell University Engineering students take on a median of $26,837 in debt. Read more about Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Typical Engineering student debt is $22,573. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University Engineering students take on a median of $16,167 in debt. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,838 to complete their Engineering program here. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Engineering program debt is $20,937. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Terre Haute, IN. About 78% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $56,046 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,775 in student loans. See the full Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology profile
Johns Hopkins University placed #17 among Engineering schools in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $14,269 to complete their Engineering program here. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,010. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Engineering students take on a median of $19,654 in debt. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
Washington University In St Louis ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Students borrow a median of $19,688 to complete their Engineering program here. More on Washington University In St Louis
Villanova University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,782. More on Villanova University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #22 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,930 in student loans. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Southern California ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $11,783 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $24,493. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Engineering student debt is $17,938. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #26 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Engineering student debt is $21,400. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Cornell University placed #27 among Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Engineering student debt is $13,684. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $19,323 in student loans. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $20,445 in debt. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Dayton came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Students borrow a median of $26,009 to complete their Engineering program here. Read more about University Of Dayton
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $12,692 in student loans. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #33 in this year's ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Engineering students take on a median of $15,426 in debt. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of California San Diego came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,235 to complete their Engineering program here. More on University Of California San Diego
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Engineering students take on a median of $24,572 in debt. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
San Jose State University came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Lehigh University placed #37 among Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lehigh University graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $25,607 in student loans. Read more about Lehigh University
Tufts University placed #38 among Engineering schools in the United States. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $16,000. Read the full report on Tufts University
Case Western Reserve University placed #39 among Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Students borrow a median of $24,598 to complete their Engineering program here. Read the full report on Case Western Reserve University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $26,838 in student loans. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
Michigan State University placed #41 among Engineering schools in the United States. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,294. Read more about Michigan State University
Marquette University landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Students borrow a median of $26,427 to complete their Engineering program here. More on Marquette University
Michigan Technological University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. Michigan Technological University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $26,258 to complete their Engineering program here. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Engineering students take on a median of $20,769 in debt. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Engineering program debt is $25,739. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Auburn University placed #46 among Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,167. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #47 among Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,628. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #48 in this year's ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Engineering students take on a median of $21,991 in debt. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Lawrence Technological University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Engineering schools. Set in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $44,760. Students borrow a median of $30,029 to complete their Engineering program here. See the full Lawrence Technological University profile
University Of Rochester landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. University Of Rochester graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Students borrow a median of $20,315 to complete their Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Rochester
Related Engineering Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1312 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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