Many college hopefuls place Ivy League schools on a pedestal, and for a good reason. These schools are among some of the nation’s highest-ranked universities. But what about their engineering programs?
While this may come as a surprise to some people, Cornell University has long been considered the best Ivy League school for engineering. Cornell is a popular Ivy League choice, mainly because its acceptance rate is generally the highest of all Ivies.
Cornell University claims the top spot ahead of any other Ivy League school. Cornell has one of the largest and highest-ranked engineering programs in the Ivy League. Cornell’s engineering program has 14 majors and 20 minors to suit any engineering student. The majors include:
The school also offers a host of exciting minors, including:
All of these options lead Cornell to have one of the world’s broadest engineering curricula. First-year students all begin with general engineering studies in their first year before choosing their major in their second year.
The school also offers Cornell Engineering Project Teams, providing a unique learning experience focused on collaboration. Undergraduate students independently lead and run these teams to solve complex world problems and gain the necessary experience to make their mark in the engineering world. The school currently supports 31 project teams, the largest national program of its kind.
Along with all these excellent offerings and opportunities, Cornell also:
Beyond the rankings and based on the program’s breadth, focus on innovation and collaboration, and student support, it’s clear to see why Cornell University is the best Ivy League school for engineering. You can get into the Ivy League with an expert by your side.
Because of their prestige, resources, world-class faculty, and program offerings, all Ivy League engineering programs may suit your needs: they are all excellent schools. Below we’ll look at each Ivy League school’s engineering program in-depth.
Cornell Engineering, started by Ezra Cornell in 1865, is the top Ivy League school for engineering. It offers a wide range of majors for undergrads and grads.
Undergraduate majors offered by Cornell Engineering:
Cornell Engineering works closely with other schools, such as Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech in NYC, which helps students learn from different areas of study.
Consistently ranked among the top engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report, Cornell Engineering currently sits at the #13 spot. It's known for giving a top-notch education and focusing on new ideas. Students leave ready to solve real-world problems.
Princeton University claims the No. 23 spot in Best Engineering Schools. The school’s engineering program has six departments to choose from:
The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton’s mission is “to educate future leaders in engineering practice, research and education, business and finance, public service, and other professions.” Other characteristics that make the program stand out include:
Princeton states that there is “no ideal type of Princeton applicant.” However, the school is interested in students who take the most challenging courses available, display curiosity, and demonstrate excellence in math and science.
Harvard University claims the No. 23 in Best Engineering Schools, along with its reputation as one of the most widely recognized U.S. universities. Students interested in engineering learn at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
The five primary engineering areas at SEAS are:
These areas of interest can be pursued to gain a Bachelor of Arts or Science: the differences lay in curriculum and other projects.
The purpose of the program is to “educate future leaders with the technical background necessary to develop and critically evaluate the next wave of engineering innovations, to apply these innovations to important local and global problems, and to make informed decisions about them in a societal context.”
Harvard’s liberal arts environment and focus mean you’ll have the tools you need to excel in integrative areas of engineering. You’ll also have many opportunities for research as part of your coursework and independent study.
The most distinguishing factor about the program is that you’re not enrolled in a separate school or science, encouraging students to seek an innovative and multidisciplinary education.
Yale University claims U.S. World News and Report’s No. 42 spot in Best Engineering Schools. The Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science offers eight disciplines between these six engineering departments:
Yale states that, unlike other tech schools, engineering students will also take non-engineering subjects with liberal arts majors to gain a multi-faceted undergraduate education. Engineering students at Yale learn soft skills like effective communication; as a result, allowing them to better network and excel in any field they choose, whether it’s tech, academic, business, government, or any leadership position.
If you’re looking for a more intimate learning style, the ratio of engineering graduates to professors is approximately 2:1, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside field experts, help with their research, and make other innovative contributions.
Columbia University is ranked No. 17 in Best Engineering Schools, not too far behind Cornell. At Columbia, 17 engineering areas of study lead to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree:
There are also more than 30 minor concentrations to choose from that may cater to your various interests.
In your first two years at Columbia Engineering, you’ll complete Columbia’s Core Curriculum, where you’ll learn the foundations of humanities, engineering, sciences, and math. You’ll complete technical, non-technical, elective, and some professional-level courses.
Columbia Engineering offers many research opportunities, and you’ll be involved in projects that require collaboration and teamwork from your first day onward. Whether you’re interested in studying abroad or finding an internship, Columbia Engineering has something for everyone.
Ranked No. 19 in Best Engineering Schools (tied with Columbia), the University of Pennsylvania is an excellent option if you're looking for a comprehensive engineering education. Penn Engineering has six departments:
At UPenn, you’ll learn to think like an engineer through the school’s innovative culture. The school boasts “world-acclaimed faculty, state-of-the-art research laboratories and highly interdisciplinary curricula offer an experience that is unparalleled.”
You’ll have opportunities to find research mentors and research experiences. You can work in research laboratories all year long. Penn Engineering’s research mission is “not only to have the highest scholarly standards within disciplines but also to be an international leader in interdisciplinary research across fields.”
If you crave an innovative undergraduate experience and cross-department collaboration, UPenn may be the school for you.
Ranked No. 55 in Best Engineering Schools, Dartmouth College’s small student population makes for a more personal and supported learning experience. Dartmouth has six program areas for undergraduate engineering students:
Dartmouth Engineering aims to “prepare the next generation of leaders to solve problems through engineering thinking, research, and innovation with human-centred impact.” The school encourages students to learn without boundaries, improve the human condition, learn by doing, enjoy a healthy environment, and aspire to entrepreneurship.
You’ll learn in small teams at Dartmouth and work with faculty, workshops, labs, and staff. The school offers three different bachelor’s degrees for engineering students: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Dual degree.
If a smaller campus and engineering education grounded in liberal arts appeal to you, Dartmouth is an excellent addition to your college list.
Brown University claims the #63 spot. The School of Engineering offers eight degree programs:
The School of Engineering aims to support Brown University’s overall mission by educating “future leaders in the fundamentals of engineering in an environment of world-class research.”
All engineering students combine their studies with Brown’s famous open curriculum to gain a comprehensive liberal arts understanding. Brown emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to pursue studies meaningful to their passions and career goals.
You can take various course combinations to lead to a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or a combined degree through the School of Engineering. If you value course customization and options, Brown and its open curriculum can give you the freedom you crave.
Cornell University is the easiest Ivy League school to get into for engineering, due to having the highest acceptance rate among Ivy League engineering programs.
However, it’s important not to get too caught up in statistics: these numbers don’t reflect the quality or the number of applications these schools received. Remember, these schools are top-rated among U.S. and international students and have limited seats.
Ivy League engineering programs can be highly selective, and many students have questions as they go forward. Here are some common FAQs answered.
The minimum GPA needed to get into Ivy League engineering schools is typically around a 3.9 unweighted on a 4.0 scale. Most admitted students have nearly perfect grades, with top-tier math and science courses on their transcripts.
Most Ivy League schools don’t have prerequisite course requirements, but you should choose courses in high school that will help prepare you for the road ahead. Aim to take high-level math and science courses, and be sure to check program requirements before you apply if you need prerequisites.
For example, Cornell requires four units of Math, one unit of Physics, and one unit of Chemistry before students can apply.
It's always worth applying to schools you feel best suit your personality, aspirations, and educational goals. Even if these schools are considered a reach for you, many students get accepted at Ivy League schools every admissions cycle. Why can’t it be you?
Don’t feel limited to applying to just Ivy League engineering programs. There are many other outstanding undergraduate engineering schools, including MIT, Stanford University, Berkeley, and many more.
Deciding on a major can be challenging, especially if you’re interested in everything engineering! Many Ivy League schools don’t expect first-year students to pick a major right away; you usually have some time and can decide in your sophomore year.
Talk to your college advisor, do your research, and ask yourself important questions like, “Where do I want my education to take me? What would be most fulfilling to study? What are my goals?”
With a bit of guidance and the answer to these questions, the major you should choose should become clearer.
To boost your chances of getting into Ivy League engineering programs, focus on earning a high GPA (3.9+), excelling in advanced Math and Science courses (AP/IB), and achieving strong SAT or ACT scores. Recommendation letters from teachers who know your academic strengths and character can also make a big difference.
Ivy League engineering schools can be a great addition to your college list. These schools have the resources needed to ensure you get the comprehensive and advanced engineering training you need to succeed, no matter where your career path takes you.
Cornell University is often considered the best Ivy League school for engineering, and it’s also the easiest to get into. However, any Ivy League school is a great place to earn your undergraduate degree.
Before you apply, be sure to check program requirements and research if the school might be the right fit for you. You might want to check out what summer activities and internships they offer to get a taste of what each school offers. Good luck!
