Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR ENGINEERING LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. Swarthmore College
    +5
  2. United States Military Academy
  3. Smith College
    +13
  4. Oberlin College
    +21
  5. United States Naval Academy
    –4
  6. San Francisco State University
    +9
  7. Pomona College
    +1
  8. Union College
    +2
  9. Cooper Union
    –6
  10. United States Air Force Academy
    –5

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

  1. #1

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #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

    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: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $80,486
    Salary after 4 years: $99,063
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore College Engineering Major Specializations:

    • Civil/Environmental Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #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

    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
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #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

    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: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $58,754
    Salary after 4 years: $72,316
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

    Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Smith College Engineering Major:

    • BS in Engineering Science
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #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

    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: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $52,316
    Salary after 4 years: $64,391
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    United States Naval Academy

    Annapolis , MD
    #12 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/28

    What is United States Naval Academy known for?

    United States Naval Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USNA Engineering Majors:

    • Aerospace Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • General Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Robotics and Control Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #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

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for Engineering degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,524
    Expenses: $21,601
    Starting Salary: $66,495
    Salary after 4 years: $82,346
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is San Francisco State University known for?

    San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    SFSU Engineering Major Concentrations:

    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #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

    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: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $88,879
    Salary after 4 years: $109,393
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY
    #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: $63,954
    Expenses: $17,766
    Starting Salary: $92,213
    Salary after 4 years: $113,498
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union College, New York known for?

    Union College, New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Union College Engineering Majors:

    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY
    #10 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024

    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: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,302
    Starting Salary: $78,876
    Salary after 4 years: $97,081
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Tuskegee University

    Tuskegee , AL
    #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

    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: $22,614
    Expenses: $19,310
    Starting Salary: $48,521
    Salary after 4 years: $59,721
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Virginia Military Institute

    Lexington , VA
    #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: $19,914
    Expenses: $13,824
    Starting Salary: $79,259
    Salary after 4 years: $98,152
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Lafayette College

    Easton , PA
    #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: $58,618
    Expenses: $19,486
    Starting Salary: $92,558
    Salary after 4 years: $113,922
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    #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: $62,817
    Expenses: $22,079
    Starting Salary: $119,808
    Salary after 4 years: $147,462
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvey Mudd College known for?

    Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvey Mudd College Engineering Major:

    • General Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Bucknell University

    Lewisburg , PA
    #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: $61,746
    Expenses: $18,424
    Starting Salary: $94,743
    Salary after 4 years: $116,611
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bucknell University known for?

    Bucknell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bucknell University Engineering Majors:

    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Science & Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  20. #17

    California State University, Long Beach

    Long Beach , CA
    #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: $6,884
    Expenses: $19,298
    Starting Salary: $64,429
    Salary after 4 years: $79,787
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California State University, Long Beach known for?

    California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Source
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #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

    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: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $107,161
    Salary after 4 years: $131,895
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    CMC Engineering Major:

    • Economics and Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  22. #19

    College of Charleston

    Charleston , SC
    #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: $12,978
    Expenses: $18,500
    Starting Salary: $59,201
    Salary after 4 years: $73,313
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Charleston known for?

    College of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    College of Charleston Engineering Major Concentrations:

    • Electrical Engineering
    • Systems Engineering
    Source

    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
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Portland

    Portland , OR
    #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

    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: $51,812
    Expenses: $21,004
    Starting Salary: $71,862
    Salary after 4 years: $88,449
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Portland known for?

    University of Portland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Portland Engineering Majors:

    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Manhattan College

    Riverdale , NY
    #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

    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: $48,658
    Expenses: $21,740
    Starting Salary: $81,405
    Salary after 4 years: $100,195
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Manhattan College known for?

    Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Manhattan College Engineering Majors:

    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    United States Merchant Marine Academy

    Kings Point , NY
    #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: $1,008
    Starting Salary: $119,862
    Salary after 4 years: $148,433
    What 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
    Source
    Compare school
  28. #24

    United States Coast Guard Academy

    New London , CT
    #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
    Source
    Compare school
  30. #25

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    San Luis Obispo , CA
    #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: $10,319
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $90,322
    Salary after 4 years: $111,852
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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:

    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
    Source
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Engineering Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Engineering

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

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers4.07%$142,020
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary9.23%$100,317
Engineers, All Other3.35%$94,619

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$70,500$114,308$169,476

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Delaware2% higher than average$164,800
#3 New Mexico7% higher than average$135,198
#4 Alabama13% higher than average$125,048
#5 Virginia5% higher than average$131,000
#6 Texas10% higher than average$121,850

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Architectural and Engineering Managers$142,020
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$100,317
Engineers, All Other$94,619
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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.

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering programs

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