Great Engineering Programs at Medium-Sized Colleges

Exceptional Engineering: Finding Your Fit at a Mid-Sized University

Choosing an engineering program is a major decision, and for many students, the size of the college is just as important as the strength of its academic offerings. Medium-sized colleges, typically with a student body of 5,000 to 12,000 students, offer a unique balance. They provide the resources and faculty expertise of larger universities while maintaining a tight-knit community feel that fosters close relationships with professors and peers.

Many of the nation’s most prestigious universities fall into this category, offering world-class engineering education without the overwhelming scale of a massive state school. Institutions like the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Georgia Institute of Technology are renowned for their rigorous and innovative programs. Others, such as Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and Carnegie Mellon University, combine a strong research focus with a collaborative, supportive campus culture. For those seeking a liberal arts foundation with a technical edge, colleges like Brown University, Duke University, and Tufts University offer excellent engineering curricula.

The list also features schools known for their distinct specializations and regional strengths. From the East Coast's Drexel University and Lehigh University to the West Coast's Seattle University and Gonzaga University, these programs are committed to providing hands-on experience. Other notable mentions include Washington University in St. Louis, Rice University, and Case Western Reserve University, all of which are leaders in their respective fields.