2026 Best Systems Engineering Schools
Looking for the best Systems Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 119 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 Systems Engineering Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 ranking of the best Systems Engineering programs schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Students from in state pay about $62,396 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
The strong Systems Engineering programs at University Of Virginia Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
You'll be in good company at Washington University In St Louis, which ranked #3 this year. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Out of the 119 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Johns Hopkins University landed the #4 spot. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
University Of Southern California came in at #5 on this year's Systems Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Systems Engineering students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Systems Engineering students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Located 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 run about $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Systems Engineering students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Florida placed #10 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #12 in this year's ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Systems Engineering students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Cornell University placed #13 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $15,005. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Dayton did well this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. More on University Of Dayton
Missouri University Of Science And Technology did well this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $25,187. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Case Western Reserve University did well this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,608. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $25,106. More on Case Western Reserve University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Loyola Marymount University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Maine Maritime Academy did well this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Castine, ME. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Students from in state pay about $15,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,102. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $27,000. Get the full Maine Maritime Academy report
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Colorado School Of Mines graduates 82% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Colorado School Of Mines Systems Engineering students take on a median of $24,521 in debt. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
George Washington University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $22,910. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of California San Diego landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. More on University Of California San Diego
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #22 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. University Of St Thomas Minnesota posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $23,923. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Lawrence Technological University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. Students borrow a median of $27,799 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read the full report on Lawrence Technological University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $23,393. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Southern Methodist University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $20,712. More on Southern Methodist University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus Systems Engineering students take on a median of $24,958 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best Systems Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Systems Engineering students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #31 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 23%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Graduates carry a median of $20,787 in student loans. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide profile
Iowa State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. See the full Iowa State University profile
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Hoboken, NJ. Stevens Institute Of Technology graduates 87% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $63,462 in tuition and fees. Stevens Institute Of Technology Systems Engineering students take on a median of $26,767 in debt. Get the full Stevens Institute Of Technology report
Oakland University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Oakland University is a public school based in Rochester Hills, MI. Oakland University graduates 58% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $25,972. Read the full report on Oakland University
Boston University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $25,232. Read the full report on Boston University
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school based in New Brunswick, NJ. Rutgers University New Brunswick posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,120 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Northeastern University did well this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Northeastern University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $25,611 in debt. See the full Northeastern University profile
George Mason University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Get the full George Mason University report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute came in at #39 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $26,259. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #40 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. About 66% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $22,843. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
University Of Michigan Dearborn placed #41 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. University Of Michigan Dearborn posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. See the full University Of Michigan Dearborn profile
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Located in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. In-state tuition and fees average $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
University Of Arizona did well this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $18,250. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of Houston ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. University Of Houston posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $21,255. Get the full University Of Houston report
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,078 in tuition and fees. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $24,975. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Drexel University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Drexel University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. Read more about Drexel University
Old Dominion University placed #48 among Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. About 46% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Read more about Old Dominion University
Arizona State University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Systems Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $17,226. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Denver ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Denver posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. See the full University Of Denver profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best Systems Engineering schools. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Systems Engineering students take on a median of $22,845 in debt. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of Connecticut did well this year, earning the #54 position. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. University Of Connecticut Systems Engineering students take on a median of $23,637 in debt. More on University Of Connecticut
Best Systems Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Systems Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Systems Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 119 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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