Best 20 Engineering Colleges in California in 2024

Leading our list of the top engineering colleges in California is the University of California Berkeley’s engineering program. This school located in Berkeley has an excellent graduation rate although stout tuition fees will typically require some type of financial aid.

One of those lesser-known institutions, California Polytechnic State University appears at number two on our list of top engineering programs. This school in San Luis Obispo has an impressive tuition rate to go along with very solid graduation rate numbers.

The second small school on our list also makes an appearance on our list at a tie for number three. This program in Vallejo earns a place largely on the strength of very affordable tuition costs.

The first major school to make our list shows up at number three, as the San Diego State University engineering program earns a good showing on the merit of affordable tuition rates and good graduation numbers.

Another major school that needs no introduction, Stanford University’s engineering is the third of three schools tied for the three spot on our list of the top engineering colleges in California. While Stanford comes with Stanford tuition rates, this renowned institution also offers a list-leading 94% graduation rate.

Students seeking an engineering degree in southern California will find an excellent program at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. While this program’s tuition costs will typically require financial assistance, three-quarters of Point Loma students become graduates.

As another technical or trade school to make the list of the top engineering colleges in California, the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena makes a solid showing here. While stiff tuition fees will generally result in the need for financial assistance, the school can boast of having eye-popping graduation numbers.

In the hills of Santa Barbara students can find Westmont College’s revered engineering program. While this private school poses stiff tuition rates, it does have solid graduation rates.

Another program that students shouldn’t overlook is the engineering course at the San Francisco State University. This program is a good option for students seeking more affordable choices, although it should be noted this University has a graduation rate below sixty percent.

A school recognized for academic excellence, Loyola Marymount University offers students an excellent engineering degree program for students who can navigate steeper tuition costs. Loyola also has a solid 80% graduation rate, also helping this school to earn a place on our list of the top engineering colleges in California.

The only thing small about Pomona College in Claremont is its size, as it offers many respected and well-recognized programs, such as its engineering degree program. Sizeable tuition fees will mean seeking financial aid for most students, while very impressive graduation rates are an encouraging sign for enrolling students.

The University of San Diego is a private, contemporary Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, creating a diverse and inclusive community and providing a holistic education for students to take on society’s challenges in socially, ethically and professionally responsible ways. Students choose from undergraduate and graduate degree programs from the college and schools, seven in total, that comprise the University of San Diego. The Computer Science department within USD’s nationally ranked Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering offers a BS, BA or minor in Computer Science, as well as a 4+1 graduate program option.

One of the last small schools to make our list of the top engineering colleges in California is Santa Clara University in Santa Clara. Like many of its private college counterparts, this program has steeper tuition rates, although a plus 90% graduation doesn’t hurt this program’s argument for being on our list of the top engineering colleges in California.

The San Jose State University is no secret to anyone in California, although many students may not be aware of their excellent engineering program. This San Jose school also offers attractive tuition rates while the graduation rate leaves a little to be desired.

Rounding out our list of the top engineering colleges in California is the University of the Pacific’s strong engineering program in Stockton. A good graduation rate helps this program to earn its place on out list of the top programs while stiff tuition costs didn’t do it any favors.