Every electronic device we use was once an idea sparked by an imaginative engineer. Electrical engineering is a fast-paced, high-demand field. Educated professionals influence the development of everything from tiny pocket-sized gadgets to civil defense systems. Electrical engineers earn an average salary of $77,946 a year.
What Do Electrical Engineers Do?
From conceptualizing advancements in computing to maintaining complex digital infrastructure, there are many disciplines for an electrical engineer to specialize in. Some research and develop biomedical technology that keep doctors on the cutting edge of life-saving medicine. Others keep large telecom networks and power grids running. From the phone in your pocket to the superjet flying in the sky, electrical engineers are the front line of progress in the modern age.
What Type Of Degree Does An Electrical Engineer Need?
Most employers require entry-level electrical engineers to have a bachelor’s degree. The electrical engineering degree should be accredited by a recognized board such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Part of the degree process will likely include a professional licensing exam and some lab or field studies, depending on the concentration of coursework.
If you’re interested in a specific engineering degree, use our website to search for the best program that fits your needs.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida – 61/80 Points | Gainesville, Florida |
| 2 | Georgia Institute of Technology -56/80 Points | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 3 | University of Texas – 55/80 Points | Austin, Texas |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin – 54/80 Points | Madison, Wisconsin |
| 5 | Virginia Tech – 52/80 Points | Blacksburg, Virginia |
What Are The Best Electrical Engineering Schools?
As always, ranking the best schools depends on what criteria is used. In this article, we focus on affordability, accessibility, and success. For the listings below we took into account in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, acceptance rate, and graduation rate. We graded these factors on an 80 point scale. The highest ranking schools were those with low tuition coupled with high rates of acceptance and graduation.Check out our rankings below!
University of Florida – 61/80 Points
The Electrical Engineering undergraduate program at the University of Florida offers a BS degree program that may transition into an MS program in a student’s senior year. Co-Op work experiences are available in which a student may take part in a structured work opportunity over several semesters with the same company. These experiences are designed to give students a jump start to finding employment after graduation.
Georgia Institute of Technology -56/80 Points
Georgia Tech’s BS in Electrical Engineering program allows students to choose two out of eight “threads” of concentration to tailor their degree to specific fields. Threads include signal processing, telecommunications, electronic devices, robotics, sensing and exploration, circuit technology, bioengineering, and electronic energy systems. At graduate level, students can further develop their education by utilizing 11 specialization fields and over 19 research centers and labs.
University of Texas – 55/80 Points
The UT Austin Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree course offers primary and secondary concentrations for students to select. These technical core/component courses include communication systems, circuitry, energy and renewable energy systems, electromagnetics, and nanotechnology. The school also offers an integrated MSE program.
University of Wisconsin – 54/80 Points
The University of Wisconsin lets students achieve degree levels from BS to PhD depending on the student’s aspirations. The BS program prepares students for immediate entry into engineering fields of work such as research and development, government, or industry. Undergrads are supported for future employment through professional events, workshops, and transition into postgrad programs.
Virginia Tech – 52/80 Points
Electrical Engineering undergrads at Virginia Tech can specialize in many fields including communications, robotics, energy systems, nanosystems, photonics, radio and microwave, and space systems. Entry into this high-demand major is limited by space availability. Interested students must meet a minimum GPA requirement, however those with a 3.0 or above are guaranteed their first-choice major.
University of Tennessee – 51/80 Points
Students at the University of Tennessee may earn a BS in Electrical Engineering with the option to concentrate on Power and Energy Systems. This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Those interested in earning a master’s postgrad degree can get a head start by pursuing the school’s five-year BS/MS program.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities – 49/80 Points
The University of Minnesota’s ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering program offers a BS degree as well as a five-year integrated degree program. Students gain real world experience through internships, co-ops, overseas studies, and research opportunities (both voluntary and paid). Seniors participate in a group design project to develop the problem-solving skills needed in their future careers.
University of Arizona – 48/80 Points
The Electrical and Computer Engineering BS at the University of Arizona is tailored to support nine different degree focuses: automation/robotics, biomed, circuitry, communications, computer architecture, optics, signal processing, software, and wireless networking. The school offers online options for undergrad transfer students as well as an online master’s program for currently employed students.
Pennsylvania State University – 46/80 Points
Students pursuing a BS in Electrical Engineering from Penn State can specialize in a wide variety of concentrations, including communications, computer hardware and software, control systems, electromagnetics, electronic design, optics, power systems, remote sensing and space systems, semiconductor devices, and signal processing. Additionally, students may choose a grad school preparation course instead of a specialization, then choose to specialize later on at the postgrad level.
University of Illinois – 46/80 Points
In addition to 10 specialization areas, the Electrical Engineering BS program at the University of Illinois gives students opportunities to study independently, abroad, and participate in undergrad research. Postgrad students have the opportunity to earn a Master of Engineering degree either on campus or online. Master of Science and PhD degree programs are also available.
University of Washington – 44/80 Points
Voted Reuters #1 most innovative public university in 2017, the University of Washington’s electrical engineering department is the highest rated in the Pacific Northwest. Undergrad students have access to opportunities in internship and entrepreneurship during their studies. Space is limited in the bachelor’s program and there is a cumulative GPA requirement of 3.6 in order to be admitted.
University of Michigan – 43/80 Points
The University of Michigan’s BS in Electrical Engineering program allows students to concentrate on several elective fields: biomedical, circuits & solid state, communication & signal processing, computers, electromagnetics & optics, and power. The undergrad capstone project is a Major Design Experience project related to the student’s concentration of study. Graduate students can choose from a Master of Engineering, Master of Science, or doctoral degrees.
University of California Berkeley – 40/80 Points
Berkeley engineering students enjoy a robust catalogue of degree options from a BS in Electrical Engineering to joint or double majors. They also offer a Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology (MET) program that allows simultaneous earning of the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science degree with a Business Administration degree. Undergrads are encouraged to participate in self-initiated research projects to further explore their interests.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – 35/80 Points
Perhaps the most prestigious private research university in the United States, MIT has a highly-competitive admissions process into its School of Engineering. Undergraduates can choose between five Electrical Engineering BS degree programs with mastery in advanced undergraduate subjects. Prospective applicants will experience a rigorous, holistic selection process.
University of Colorado – 34/80 Points
CU Boulder offers bachelor’s degree programs in Electrical Engineering as well as an accelerated master’s degree program for undergrads. Working engineers may apply to one of the school’s master’s and doctorate degree programs as well, with the option to earn a Master of Science online.
California Institute of Technology – 28/80
An innovative and highly selective institution, CalTech is home to some of the world’s brightest engineering minds. The Electrical Engineering program prepares students for graduate study, work in prestigious national laboratories, and entrepreneurial careers. Suggested specialization electives include bioengineering, communications, control, electronic circuits, microwave & radio engineering, optoelectronics, and solid-state devices.
Northwestern University – 26/80 Points
Northwestern’s BS in Electrical Engineering offers areas of specialization in technical electives such as biomedical systems, circuitry, communications, control systems, digital signal processing, electromagnetics & signal processing, and solid-state engineering. Graduates from this program are sought by big-name tech companies such as AT&T, SpaceX, and Boeing. They are also accepted into prestigious graduate school programs at universities such as MIT.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – 26/80 Points
Rensselaer’s Electrical Engineering undergraduate program prepares students to laser focus their studies into a vast array of specializations. Graduates often go on to postgrad studies within the school or at other prestigious universities such as MIT or Stanford. Undergrads are also given opportunities to gain research and teaching experience, as well as participating in student organizations focused on advancing sciences such as deep space exploration.
Stanford University – 25/80 Points
The extremely selective Electrical Engineering BS program at Stanford has students building their own complex systems throughout their studies. Students will also work closely with faculty as they take part in undergraduate research experience opportunities over the summer. Available disciplinary areas include hardware and software systems, information systems, and physical technology, with electives in bioelectronics, green energy, and signal processing for music and the performing arts.
New York University – 23/80 Points
Undergraduate students in the BS of Electrical Engineering program at NYU experience a well-rounded curriculum that combines technical knowledge with interpersonal skills to prepare them for entry-level employment. Students can expect to participate in a two-semester design project in their senior year, or present a senior thesis with a GPA of 3.0 or above. The department offers research opportunities within five major areas.
Still unsure of which electrical engineering schools are right for you? Use our search tool to tailor your results!
Our Ranking Methodology
We sampled 20 of the highest recommended institutions with Electrical Engineering undergraduate degree programs. All schools within the sampling are accredited and consistently feature in search results for this program type. We selected a mixture of private and public institutions. We then distributed up to 80 points to each school based on 3 factors: affordability, accessibility, and success.
In-state and out-of-state average tuition rates determined affordability (before receiving aid) as given on the school’s website. This calculation did not factor in variable expenses such as housing, materials, or travel. Total cost of attendance for individual students may vary. Affordability made up 50% of our ranking.
The school’s acceptance percentage determined accessibility as reported by the US Dept. of Education. Graduation rate of full-time undergraduates within 6 years of beginning a degree determined success rate at the school. Accessibility and success rate made up 25% of points each.
Problems With Your Ranking?
Employees of schools mentioned in this article may contact us about errors in the data used for this ranking. We will make corrections as soon as possible.
