fbpx

Best 20 Engineering Colleges in California in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Best California colleges for engineering badge

An engineering degree is one of the most versatile and powerful degrees available to students today. Engineering degrees open many doors and present many lucrative career opportunities. The good news for students seeking engineering degrees is that there are many great engineering colleges in California to choose from, and we are here to help.

Top 5 Engineering Colleges in California

Rank School Location
1The University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, California
2California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo, California
3Cal MaritimeVallejo, California
4San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, California
5Stanford UniversityStanford, California

There is a range of schools students have to choose from to earn an engineering degree, from private and public to established and well-known major universities to smaller colleges and technical schools. Good luck in your educational pursuits, and in your engineering career.

Best 20 Engineering Colleges in California

1

The University of California, Berkeley

  • Berkeley, California
  • Graduation Rate: 93%
  • Points: 92

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $44,007 per year
Visit School Website
2

California Polytechnic State University

  • San Luis Obispo, California
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Points: 91

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $9,943 per year
Visit School Website
3

Cal Maritime

  • Vallejo, California
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Points: 88

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,116 per year
Visit School Website
4

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, California
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Points: 88
Outdoor view of college campus

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,510 per year
Visit School Website
5

Stanford University

  • Stanford, California
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Points: 88

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $53,529 per year
Visit School Website
6

Point Loma Nazarene University

  • San Diego, California
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Points: 86

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $36,950 per year
Visit School Website
7

California Institute of Technology

  • Pasadena, California
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Points: 86

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $54,600 per year
Visit School Website
8

Westmont College

  • Santa Barbara, California
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Points: 85

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $46,594 per year
Visit School Website
9

San Francisco State University

  • San Francisco, California
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Points: 85

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,266 per year
Visit School Website
10

Loyola Marymount University

  • Los Angeles, California
  • Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Points: 84

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $50,683 per year
Visit School Website
11

Pomona College

  • Claremont, California
  • Graduation Rate: 93%
  • Points: 84

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $54,762 per year
Visit School Website
12

University of San Diego

  • San Diego, California
  • Points: 84
Outdoor view of University of San Diego campus

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $52,120 per year
Program Options: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Enrollment: 8,861
Accredited: WASC
Visit School Website
13

Santa Clara University

  • Santa Clara, California
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Points: 84

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $53,634 per year
Visit School Website
14

San José State University

  • San Jose, California
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Points: 83

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,852 per year
Visit School Website
15

University of the Pacific

  • Stockton, California
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Points: 81

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.

School Overview

Tuition: $49,588 per year
Visit School Website

The School Ranking System

The methodology used to rank the schools based on a simple point system. The schools were all rated and awarded points based on two variables, with each variable (Tuition; Graduation rate) counting for one half of the total score. The scores from each variable were added, with the total scores being assigned to the corresponding schools, and then each school was ranked accordingly.

We strive to deliver our readers information that is both helpful and accurate. Readers should be aware, however, that the information we provide for each school can only be viewed as an approximation as this data is changing constantly. If you notice an error or information that needs to be updated, please let us know.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the schools, programs, or information you read then contact us, and we will be glad to help. We hope this information helps students to find the right school, and we wish you all the best in all of your academic pursuits.     

For more programs check out our Electrical Engineering degree programs.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

Woman in graduation cap and gown
Scroll to Top