Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
The best engineering liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best engineering degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding engineering faculty.
Key Takeaways
- Engineering degrees at liberal arts colleges are often underestimated. However, the benefits of small liberal arts colleges, such as small class sizes and individualized attention, often result in the best student outcomes.
- The best liberal arts colleges provide fascinating 3-2 engineering programs. Through this exceptional dual degree program option, students can spend their first three years of education at a liberal arts institution before finishing their last two years at a partner university.
- The most in-demand employees are those with expertise in various fields. You will be a cut above the competition if you have a liberal arts background in engineering.
Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Engineering Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten best liberal arts colleges for engineering degrees had a fair amount of movement. Swarthmore College gained the top position as a result of the college upgrading its engineering labs with state-of-the-art equipment, including new 3D printers and robotics platforms, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the curriculum has been updated to include more interdisciplinary courses that integrate sustainability and social impact with engineering, reflecting Swarthmore’s commitment to addressing global challenges. A new partnership with local industries also provides expanded internship and research opportunities, giving engineering students practical experience in real-world applications.
Featured Programs
Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Swarthmore College
Cost of Degree: $59,328Expenses: $20,686Starting Salary: $80,486Salary after 4 years: $99,063Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Swarthmore College known for?
Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Swarthmore College Engineering Major Specializations:
- Civil/Environmental Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
88%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
What is United States Military Academy known for?
United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Point Engineering Majors:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
23%
Graduation
89%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1445/32
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Smith College
Cost of Degree: $58,768Expenses: $23,366Starting Salary: $58,754Salary after 4 years: $72,316Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Smith College known for?
Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Smith College Engineering Major:
- BS in Engineering Science
- #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
83%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1445/31
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Oberlin College
Cost of Degree: $62,024Expenses: $22,206Starting Salary: $52,316Salary after 4 years: $64,391Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oberlin College known for?
Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Oberlin College Engineering Major:
- 3-2 Engineering Program with California Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University, and Washington University
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,524Expenses: $21,601Starting Salary: $66,495Salary after 4 years: $82,346Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
SFSU Engineering Major Concentrations:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $59,238Expenses: $21,958Starting Salary: $88,879Salary after 4 years: $109,393Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Pomona College Pre-Engineering Programs:
- 3-2 Plan in Engineering: California Institute of Technology and Washington University in St. Louis
- 2-1-1-1 Dual Degree in Engineering with the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth
- #6 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
85%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/31
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Union College, New York
Cost of Degree: $63,954Expenses: $17,766Starting Salary: $92,213Salary after 4 years: $113,498Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union College, New York known for?
Union College, New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Union College Engineering Majors:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
22%
Graduation
83%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1460/33
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Cooper Union
Cost of Degree: $46,820Expenses: $22,302Starting Salary: $78,876Salary after 4 years: $97,081Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cooper Union known for?
Cooper Union’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Cooper Union Engineering Majors:
- BE in Chemical Engineering
- BE in Civil Engineering
- BE in Mechanical Engineering
- BE in Electrical Engineering
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
What is United States Air Force Academy known for?
United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Law
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
USAFA Engineering Majors:
- Aeronautics
- Astronautics
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- #1 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Tuskegee University
Cost of Degree: $22,614Expenses: $19,310Starting Salary: $48,521Salary after 4 years: $59,721Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tuskegee University known for?
Tuskegee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuskegee University Engineering Majors:
- Aerospace Science Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
93%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/32
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Bates College
Cost of Degree: $61,066Expenses: $19,374Starting Salary: $85,430Salary after 4 years: $105,148Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bates College known for?
Bates College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Economics
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Bates College Engineering Major:
- Engineering
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
77%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1202/25
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Virginia Military Institute
Cost of Degree: $19,914Expenses: $13,824Starting Salary: $79,259Salary after 4 years: $98,152Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Virginia Military Institute known for?
Virginia Military Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Virginia Military Institute Engineering Majors:
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #3 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
89%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1405/31
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Lafayette College
Cost of Degree: $58,618Expenses: $19,486Starting Salary: $92,558Salary after 4 years: $113,922Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lafayette College known for?
Lafayette College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Lafayette College Engineering Majors/Concentrations:
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Integrative Engineering: Bioengineering Concentration
- Integrative Engineering: Environment & Energy Concentration
- Integrative Engineering: Robotics Concentration
- Engineering Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering/International Studies Dual Degree
- #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/35
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Harvey Mudd College
Cost of Degree: $62,817Expenses: $22,079Starting Salary: $119,808Salary after 4 years: $147,462Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvey Mudd College known for?
Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Harvey Mudd College Engineering Major:
- General Engineering
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
33%
Graduation
87%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/31
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Bucknell University
Cost of Degree: $61,746Expenses: $18,424Starting Salary: $94,743Salary after 4 years: $116,611Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bucknell University known for?
Bucknell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Bucknell University Engineering Majors:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
73%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at California State University, Long Beach
Cost of Degree: $6,884Expenses: $19,298Starting Salary: $64,429Salary after 4 years: $79,787Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
CSULB Engineering Majors:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
91%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/34
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Claremont McKenna College
Cost of Degree: $60,715Expenses: $21,412Starting Salary: $107,161Salary after 4 years: $131,895Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Claremont McKenna College known for?
Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Business
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
CMC Engineering Major:
- Economics and Engineering
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #3 Cheap Colleges in South Carolina in 2025 #3 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
65%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/27
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at College of Charleston
Cost of Degree: $12,978Expenses: $18,500Starting Salary: $59,201Salary after 4 years: $73,313Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of Charleston known for?
College of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- History
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Medical
- Business
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
College of Charleston Engineering Major Concentrations:
- Electrical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
College of Charleston’s Online Degrees
BPS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Management And Development
- Project Management
- Organizational Management And Development
- Project Management
- Applied Communication
- Healthcare And Medical Services Management
- Healthcare And Medical Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1319/29
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at University of Portland
Cost of Degree: $51,812Expenses: $21,004Starting Salary: $71,862Salary after 4 years: $88,449Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Portland known for?
University of Portland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
University of Portland Engineering Majors:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #10 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York
- #2 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #7 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #8 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #10 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
- #21 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Manhattan College
Cost of Degree: $48,658Expenses: $21,740Starting Salary: $81,405Salary after 4 years: $100,195Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manhattan College known for?
Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Manhattan College Engineering Majors:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- #7 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
85%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at Pitzer College
Cost of Degree: $60,578Expenses: $22,254Starting Salary: $59,214Salary after 4 years: $72,882Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pitzer College known for?
Pitzer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Physics
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Pitzer College Engineering Major:
- Management Engineering
- #1 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #1 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$1K
Acceptance
27%
Graduation
77%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/24
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at United States Merchant Marine Academy
Cost of Degree: $1,008Starting Salary: $119,862Salary after 4 years: $148,433What is United States Merchant Marine Academy known for?
United States Merchant Marine Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
USMMA Engineering Majors:
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Engineering Systems
- Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
86%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1262/28
What is United States Coast Guard Academy known for?
United States Coast Guard Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
USCGA Engineering Majors:
- Civil Engineering
- Cyber Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
85%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for Engineering degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cost of Degree: $10,319Expenses: $19,599Starting Salary: $90,322Salary after 4 years: $111,852Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Cal Poly Engineering Majors:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- General Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
Career Outlook for Students with Engineering Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolEngineering
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $64,296
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $79,623
- * denotes ‘annually’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Architectural and Engineering Managers | 4.07% | $142,020 |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 9.23% | $100,317 |
Engineers, All Other | 3.35% | $94,619 |
Average Career Salaries
Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
---|---|---|
$70,500 | $114,308 | $169,476 |
Promising Job Markets
State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
#2 Delaware | 2% higher than average | $164,800 |
#3 New Mexico | 7% higher than average | $135,198 |
#4 Alabama | 13% higher than average | $125,048 |
#5 Virginia | 5% higher than average | $131,000 |
#6 Texas | 10% higher than average | $121,850 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Architectural and Engineering Managers | $142,020 |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,317 |
Engineers, All Other | $94,619 |
Exploring Engineering Colleges in the US
Most find it unbelievable that a small liberal arts college could compete with a big university specializing in engineering. However, if you think about it, liberal arts colleges could offer more benefits.
You’ll have the best of both worlds when you obtain an engineering degree in a liberal arts institution. You can study engineering and receive a lot of practical experience, and you can do it in an intellectually exciting setting with a varied student group.
Benefits of Engineering Majors at Liberal Arts Colleges
Individualized attention: Numerous challenging prerequisites, such as calculus, physics, and chemistry, present a burden to engineering students; smaller institutions are better able to offer a helpful learning environment.
Smaller classrooms give students individualized attention and more opportunities to ask questions, promote deeper topic exploration, and allow for more significant one-on-one interaction between students and professors.
More Well-Rounded: Despite their differences, liberal arts schools and engineering schools tend to have the same goals: they want to educate students and prepare them for success.
Both allow students to learn various subjects, but liberal arts schools have a more expansive curriculum that includes humanities and social sciences (which are complementary to classifications such as psychology and sociology). There is also an emphasis on hands-on learning at both types of schools, but it is more prominent at liberal arts colleges.
More Flexibility: A liberal arts university isn’t the same as a college that offers only engineering programs. Liberal arts colleges with engineering programs have a wide range of academic majors and other degrees to provide students after their first year. Students who aren’t quite ready to fully commit to earning an engineering degree might consider liberal arts universities with engineering programs.
The 3-2 Dual Degree Programs
There are several 3-2 engineering programs, typically pairing a small liberal arts college with a more prominent research university that contains a school of engineering, such as Pomona College, and Oberlin College, among others.
Students in 3-2 engineering programs are required to complete pre-engineering requirements and maintain the minimum GPA requirements. The time of application and the date when each bachelor’s degree is awarded also vary amongst these programs.
When a student fits certain requirements and the liberal arts college gives its permission, the engineering school may automatically admit them. Other times, the engineering school analyzes applications.
Pomona College also offers a 2-1-1-1 alternative, in which students spend their first two and fourth years in their home school to return for senior year.
The Benefits of a 3-2 Engineering Program
A 3-2 program is an excellent alternative to traditional courses. Students in a 3-2 program typically begin at a small college or university and work toward earning dual degrees. They have access to the same curriculum but are dedicated to working with a smaller number of professors to address their specific career goals.
During their final two years of study, engineering students in the 3-2 program have access to the resources of a bigger university. This allows them to participate in a challenging and more selective engineering program.
And last, a two-year concentrated, rigorous engineering curriculum followed by three years of a comprehensive liberal arts education might be highly appealing to companies. Students that finish 3-2 programs are schooled in highly technical engineering principles and writing, critical thinking, and communication skills. With STEM and creativity working together, there may be many opportunities in the dynamic job market.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering is an excellent starting point for a career in architecture, aerospace design, network administration, and a host of other rapidly innovating fields. As an engineering major, you’ll study foundational STEM topics like physics and calculus alongside your area of concentration. You can choose from an extremely wide range of applications, from civil engineering and systems engineering to software engineering and environmental engineering. The best schools for engineering are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of engineering concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.
Degree popularity: Engineering bachelor’s degrees are the 12th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics, ranking much higher for men – 5th. It’s most popular among White and Asian men, for whom it ranks 5th and 9th respectively, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics
If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in engineering.