top engineering colleges

Top Engineering Colleges, Best Computer Science Schools, and Best Colleges for Science: An Introduction

As a science or engineering student, the college application process can feel daunting. With so many great schools out there, it’s hard to find the best engineering schools or best computer science schools for you. We’re here to help you find the best colleges for science that fit your needs. If you’re applying to the best engineering schools or the best computer science universities, this guide is for you. 

So, what are the best colleges for science out there? In this guide to the best science colleges, we’ll break down some of the best colleges for computer science, the best colleges for engineering, and more. We’ll also discuss some of the best universities for biology to help give you a sense of the best pre-med schools. 

Keep in mind that no list of the best engineering schools or best computer science schools will entirely reflect your needs. No two students are the same, and no two programs are, either. So, as we discuss the best universities for engineering and other sciences, don’t get too hung up on rankings. Instead, use this guide to the best colleges for science and the best computer science schools (among other college majors) as a starting point. 

However, thinking about the best universities by major is still helpful. It can be useful to understand what the best colleges for engineering and the best computer science schools are, especially as you begin your college research. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the best science colleges, including: 

  • The best universities for biology
  • The best colleges for environmental science
  • The best colleges for computer science
  • The top engineering colleges
  • The best colleges for software engineering
  • The best pre-med universities
  • And more!

Throughout this “Best Colleges for Engineering & Science” guide, we’ll also offer our advice for choosing the best school for different college majors. Plus, we’ll share some things to consider as you begin the college application process.

As you consider our lists of best science colleges, top engineering colleges, best colleges for software engineering, and best colleges for computer science, remember that “best” college lists are subjective. This means that the best universities by major for one person aren’t always going to be the best for another.

For example, one student might research the best engineering universities and fall in love with Cornell’s programs. Another student might look for the best engineering schools and decide that Purdue is a perfect fit. When it comes to the best colleges for science majors, it’s all about what matters to you in a program. 

Look for larger universities

Often, the best colleges for engineering and the best colleges for computer science will be larger universities. However, this isn’t always the case—take schools like Harvey Mudd, for instance, which is one of the top engineering colleges out there. As you build your college list, look at these factors alongside the strength of the degree program. The best colleges for science will all look slightly different. 

You should also think about research, job, and internship opportunities at each of the best colleges for science or the best engineering colleges. Depending on the size of the university, many of the best computer science schools or the best colleges for engineering will offer different opportunities to students. Reflect on your own goals as you decide which of the best colleges for computer science or best engineering colleges is right for you. 

Most of the top engineering colleges or best computer science colleges will have a similar curriculum for their respective college majors. However, you’ll find that each of the best computer science schools and best engineering colleges has their own unique benefits. 

For this reason, thoroughly research every school on your list, including these best universities for science. Even if certain schools are named the best colleges for science or the best colleges for engineering, that doesn’t mean they’ll meet all your needs. So, think about every school’s offerings as you read about the best engineering schools or the best colleges for computer science. That way, you can create a personal list of the best science colleges, best computer science schools, and best engineering universities. 

What are the best colleges for science?

best computer science schools

Let’s begin to take a look at the best universities for science. 

The field of science is vast, spanning across many different academic disciplines and college majors. There are many great schools that could be some of the best computer science colleges, best pre-med schools, best engineering colleges, or best universities for biology. However, you have to figure out which school is best for your interests. As you do your research, you’ll find that certain schools have different strengths and college majors for which they are best known. 

The best universities for science all have different strengths. For example, one of the best engineering schools may not also be the best college for biochemistry. Therefore, it’s important that you think about what your major in college is going to be before you build your college list.

The value of attending a best college for science

Are you keen to pursue a career in a science-related field? If so, attending one of the best universities for science, best computer science schools, or best engineering colleges and pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) major in college is important. Receiving a top-tier education at one of the top engineering colleges, best computer science schools, or best science colleges can set you up for success in high-demand fields. Many of the top-paying jobs in medicine, science, and engineering require a science-related major in college. 

As you think about the best colleges for science, you must consider that “science” is a large umbrella that contains many college majors. When you think of science classes you’ve taken in high school, you’re likely thinking of natural science. However, as you choose your future major in college, you’ll have a lot more options. 

Narrowing it down

If you’re looking for the best colleges for science, you’ll need to narrow down what type of science you are interested in. Then, you can find the best universities for science fields that interest you. So, before we dig into the best colleges for science, let’s talk about some of the different STEM college majors available—starting with the natural sciences. 

The natural sciences are generally divided into two categories: physical science and life science. Physical science is the study of non-living systems. This includes college majors like physics, chemistry, earth sciences, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and space science. Life science, by converse, is the study of living systems. This includes college majors like biology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology.

If you’re looking for a top-ten list of the best colleges for science, it will likely vary depending on which branch of science you are planning to major in. There is no single overall “best college for science.” Instead, the strength of each school will vary by program. 

Let’s begin with the best universities for biology and life sciences. If you enjoyed biology in high school or are interested in the best pre-med schools, one of these colleges might be a great fit for you. 

best colleges for engineering

Here are the top ten best universities for biology:

However, remember that the “best college for biology” will look different for everyone. This list of best universities for biology is a great starting point as you find the right school for you. 

Next, let’s look at more of the best universities by major—specifically, the best colleges for science in terms of environmental science programs. This list can help you find some of the best colleges for science based on your prospective major in college. 

top engineering colleges

Here are the top ten best colleges for environmental science:

As you’ll notice, there’s a lot of overlap in the best colleges for science in different majors. Many of the schools that top our list of the best universities for biology, for instance, will also appear on our list of the best colleges for computer science. After all, the best colleges for science tend to be well-resourced universities with vast resources for many college majors. 

While these are not exhaustive lists of the best universities for science, we hope they give you an idea of some of the best universities by major. 

Remember—you should always do your own research on every school. Perhaps you’re thinking about attending one of the best undergraduate biology programs or one of the best science colleges as a stepping stone to a future job. If so, research the common career paths for graduates of the schools on your list. 

College majors and career paths

Let’s look at some of the potential career paths for these college majors. Thinking about what you want to do once you graduate can help you choose your major in college. It can also help you select schools as you look at lists of the best universities for biology and best science colleges. 

If you attend one of the best undergraduate biology programs, you could choose to become a research scientist, a nature conservation officer, or a marine biologist, to name a few. You could also attend the best college for biology, for instance, and pursue a pre-med track. After all, many of the best undergraduate biology programs are located in some of the best pre-med schools. So, if you’re looking for the best pre med universities, check out those programs.  

If you attend one of the best colleges for environmental science, you may choose to work as an environmental consultant, a recycling coordinator, or a water conservationist. So, depending on your chosen major in college, you have a lot of options. 

At any of these best colleges for science, you can choose from many college majors. The best college for science is the one that meets your particular needs and interests and sets you up for success. 

Now that we’ve looked at some good choices for your own best college for biology and best college for environmental science, let’s look at some of the best colleges for computer science.

best colleges for science

What are the best colleges for computer science?

Now, let’s look at the best colleges for computer science. The best colleges for computer science are all highly competitive—as we’ll discuss next. So, if you’re interested in attending one of the best colleges for computer science, you’ll have to craft a strong application. The best computer science schools expect excellence from applicants. 

If you want to attend one of the best colleges for computer science, you’re not alone. In the last decade, there has been a major uptick in students who chose computer science as their major in college. So, the best computer science schools are in high demand. 

A deeper look at the best colleges for computer science

Let’s look at some data related to the best computer science universities. Computer science is a highly desirable major in college for many students. This means that the best computer science colleges are quite competitive; if you want to get into the best colleges for computer science, you’ll need to craft your applications carefully. 

Degrees from the best colleges for computer science are highly sought-after. In recent years, the best computer science schools have seen an increase in computer science majors. The New York Times says graduate figures doubled from 2013 to 2017 in CS-related majors at the best computer science schools. This increase reflects a growing interest to study computer science as well as growing demand for computer science skills in the workplace. 

Increased demand makes getting accepted to the best colleges for computer science all the more difficult. You’ll need to have a strong profile if you want a shot at admission into the best colleges for computer science. 

However, if you attend one of the best computer science colleges, you’ll be well set up for employment upon graduation. If you earn your diploma from one of the best computer science schools, you’ll have the chance to work in a wide variety of fields. So, you may do well to apply to the best colleges for computer science!

Potential career paths

After you attend one of the best computer science schools, you could choose to become a software developer, UX researcher, or product manager—just to name a few potential careers. However, the CS field is expanding rapidly, which means that a degree from one of the best computer science universities can lead to a wide variety of jobs. So, think carefully about your applications to the best colleges for computer science. 

Choosing one of the best computer science colleges will help set you up for career success. A degree from one of the best computer science schools will serve you well. If you select a CS major in college, you’ll learn a lot of skills that will be applicable in a wide variety of work environments. So, you should think about attending one of the best computer science universities if you hope to work in computer science. 

Opportunities abound

Opportunities for graduates from the best computer science schools and best computer science colleges are growing. U.S. employment within computer and IT roles is predicted to increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030. Plus, the median salaries for common jobs for computer science majors all exceed six figures.  

Therefore, if you’re thinking about applying to some of the best computer science colleges or best computer science schools, it could be a wise decision! Make sure you have the skills and interests you need to flourish in a major at the best computer science colleges. But if you do, by all means, get applying to those best colleges for computer science.

Next up, we’ll break down the ten best computer science colleges in the country. This will help give you a sense of the best computer science schools out there. 

best colleges for computer science

The top ten best colleges for computer science

So, what are the best computer science schools? Let’s look at a list of the best colleges for computer science.

Want to attend one of the best colleges for computer science? There are many different jobs a computer science major in college can prepare you for. You’ll be especially competitive if you attend one of the best computer science schools. However, remember that the best colleges for computer science are also quite competitive. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best computer science schools if you choose to pursue this subject as your major in college.

Here are the top ten best colleges for computer science:

These are just some of the best computer science schools. After all, this list of best colleges for computer science isn’t exhaustive—there are other schools that could also be considered the best computer science colleges. However, all of the schools on our list of best computer science universities have stellar CS programs. So, use this list of the best colleges for computer science as a starting point as you craft your college list. 

Post-grad plans?

If, after your undergraduate education, you’d like to continue your studies, then you’ll want to explore the best computer science schools with graduate programs. A graduate program is more rigorous, time-consuming, and costly than an undergraduate degree. However, the payoff is unmatched for students as they become professionals with specific and valued skill sets.

Computer science is a rapidly growing field, and earning a BA or a Master’s from one of the best computer science universities is a way to stand out as you search for jobs. The more education—and therefore technical skills—you have, the more advanced position and higher salary you can expect to earn. 

Not looking for the best computer science universities, best computer science schools, or best colleges for computer science? Perhaps it is because you’re looking for the best engineering colleges. Read on to find out more about the best engineering colleges in the country. 

What are the best colleges for engineering?

top engineering colleges

Next, let’s look at the best colleges for engineering. The best colleges for engineering are all quite competitive, and each of the best colleges for engineering has its own areas of academic excellence. So, if you’re looking at attending one of the best engineering schools, do your research on what that school offers. That way, you can find the best engineering schools for you. 

Want to attend one of the best engineering colleges? Like CS, engineering is a highly competitive field that can lead to some great career opportunities. Accordingly, the best engineering universities are tough to get into—but the payoff can be great. In this section, we’ll discuss the best engineering schools out there and walk you through what an engineering major in college looks like. 

Engineering is one of the popular college majors, and the best colleges for engineering offer students a lot of opportunities. A degree from one of the best engineering schools will give you the skills to succeed in many jobs. As you look at the best universities by major for engineering, you’ll see a lot of competitive schools. So, if you’re applying to one of the best colleges for engineering, you’ll need to work hard. The best colleges for engineering all have high standards for applicants. If you want to get into the best engineering schools, you should ensure you have high grades and scores, especially in STEM fields. 

Find a school that fits your needs

As with any college, before you apply to one of the best engineering colleges, you should make sure the school fits your needs. After all, it’s not worth attending one of the top engineering colleges if you don’t think you would succeed in that environment. 

The best engineering colleges can open a lot of doors. Many of the best engineering schools also have strong alumni networks, which can help you secure employment after you graduate. This makes the best engineering schools even more attractive for applicants.

If you attend one of the best engineering schools, you can choose from a wide variety of job roles. Engineering also gives students a lot of transferable skills, which makes them even more employable. After attending one of the top engineering colleges, you could choose to pursue any of these career paths, among others: 

  • Software engineer
  • Chemical engineer
  • Aerospace engineer

However, engineering is a vast field, and the best engineering schools all have things that make them unique. This means that the best colleges for engineering will all have specific programs that are stronger than others. If you are interested in the best universities for engineering, you will need to narrow your interests before selecting your major in college. 

Focus fields

When you attend one of the best engineering colleges, you’ll choose a focus field. Your options will depend on which of the best engineering colleges you attend. There are so many different types of engineering to choose from, from chemical to software to civil to mechanical. Therefore, as you research the best engineering schools, you should consider the best universities by major for your specific interest. That way, you can find the best college for engineering for you. 

For example, let’s look at one of the top engineering colleges—Cornell University. Cornell is one of the best universities for engineering. As one of the best engineering schools, they have a wide variety of programs available. On their website, they list the different engineering majors they offer. These include engineering physics, mechanical engineering, and biological engineering. Other top engineering colleges will have similar offerings. So, as you look at each school on our “best colleges for engineering” list, you should ensure that they have programs that meet your needs. Remember—the best engineering schools are not all the same. 

Below, you’ll find a list of the 10 top engineering colleges. Use this as a guide as you make your own “best engineering colleges” list. 

The top ten best engineering universities

Next, let’s look more closely at the best engineering schools. 

As we’ve seen, there are many engineering-related college majors you can pursue at top engineering colleges. The best engineering colleges will all offer a range of college majors. So, as you select one of the best engineering schools, keep your interests in mind. Every program will be slightly different, even at the best universities for engineering.  

In this “Best Colleges for Engineering and Science” guide, we focus on the best universities for engineering overall. Then, we’ll share the best colleges for software engineering.

top engineering colleges

Here are the top ten best colleges for engineering:

This list of best colleges for engineering and best engineering schools shows the best engineering colleges overall. As you’ll notice, many of the best engineering schools are located within larger state universities. Other schools on the list of best engineering colleges, like Cornell, will offer a tighter campus community. So, as you choose between the best universities for engineering, think about your other priorities. That way, you can find your own best college for engineering. 

You may be looking for programs in a particular kind of engineering as you research the best engineering colleges. If you’re interested in software specifically, take a look at this list of best colleges for software engineering too. The best colleges for software engineering, like the top engineering colleges, are quite competitive. You also may notice some overlap between the best colleges for software engineering and the best colleges for computer science. 

Here are the top ten best colleges for software engineering:

These ten schools are the best colleges for software engineering. If you’re interested in software development, one of these best colleges for software engineering might be a great fit. However, don’t just apply to a school because it’s on a list of the best colleges for software engineering. Instead, make sure you find the right program for you—regardless of whether it’s listed as one of the best colleges for software engineering. 

Each of these top engineering colleges will give you a different college experience. As we mentioned, just because a school is one of the best engineering colleges doesn’t mean it will be the best engineering school for you. It’s vital you do your research so you end up at the best engineering school for your skills and interests. 

Plus, as we mentioned, the best colleges for engineering will have different specialties. If you are interested in materials science, you’ll have a particular “best universities for engineering” list. By contrast, if you’re interested in information science, you’ll have a different “best engineering universities” list. 

top engineering colleges

How to apply to top engineering schools

Now that you have an idea of some of the best colleges for engineering, you’re probably wondering what the application process is like. After all, the top engineering colleges are all quite competitive. How do you actually get into one of the best engineering universities? 

To get into the best engineering colleges, you’ll need to do a lot of work. The best engineering colleges are all hard to get into, with many acceptance rates dropping to the single digits. These programs also often have their own admissions processes with slightly different requirements. 

Applying to a specific focus area or major

For many top engineering colleges and best engineering schools, you need to apply to the specific engineering major you’d like to pursue. Your intended major in college can affect your odds of admission based on how selective the program is. If you’re applying to the best engineering colleges, the program is likely to be selective. So as you research the best engineering schools, investigate how competitive that specific program is for your prospective college majors.

Top engineering colleges evaluate students based on their grades, courses, test scores, and extracurriculars. An engineering major in college requires you to have strong math and analytical thinking skills. The best engineering colleges will look for strength in these areas especially carefully. So, if you’re applying to the best engineering universities, keep your grades up. The best colleges for engineering and the best colleges for software engineering all expect students to excel in high school. Once again, the top engineering colleges all have high standards, so your grades and scores will matter a lot. You should also write strong essays—even though these schools are STEM-focused, a solid personal statement can help you stand out at top engineering colleges. 

Showcase your experiences and skills

Tens of thousands of students will apply to top engineering colleges. So, find ways to highlight your skills on your applications to the best colleges for engineering. That way, you can maximize your chances of being accepted into one of the top engineering colleges. A strong score on the math sections of the SAT/ACT, AP exams, and SAT subject tests can help demonstrate your abilities. Plus, you could take challenging coursework like advanced math and science. You should also choose extracurricular activities that highlight your skills and accord with the rest of your candidate profile. 

As you research the best engineering schools and start building your dream list of top engineering colleges, think about what is most important to you. Rather than just take a list of best universities for engineering, at face value, do some research. Find the best engineering school or best engineering colleges for you. 

Many of the best engineering colleges will have similar programs, with a few key differences. At any of the best engineering universities, you’ll find stellar faculty, research facilities, and more. If you want to be involved in research as an undergraduate, many of the best engineering schools will give you the opportunity to do so. 

Remember to do your research on the nation’s top engineering colleges. Look into the specific teachers, programs, facilities, and course content for each of the best colleges for engineering. Not all of the best colleges for engineering are the same. 

top engineering colleges

What are the best colleges for pre med?

We’ve explored the best colleges for science, the best universities for biology, the best computer science schools, and the best engineering schools. Now it’s time to look at our next set of best universities by major: the best pre med schools.  

The best pre med schools are the ones that offer you the flexibility to follow your interests and excel in your studies. As with all research into the best universities by major, choosing a college as a pre med student requires you to research the best pre med universities. Furthermore, you must look beyond rankings to find the best pre med schools for you.

While the best pre med universities may have a lot in common, different pre med programs will allow you a certain type of undergraduate experience. This can have a big effect on where you’ll stand as you begin medical school applications. 

Consider individual school strengths

While looking at the best universities by major can help give you an idea of where a school’s strengths are, you may not know exactly what you want to study yet, and that’s okay! You can complete your pre med requirements at almost any school. At some schools, you can do so while pursuing a variety of college majors. For example, at Harvard (one of the best pre med schools,) you can major in humanities and still fulfill all of the course requirements for pre med.

As you research the best universities by major and best pre med universities, think about what specific opportunities a school can afford you alongside your education. Some things to look for as you build your list of best pre med schools are opportunities like research, shadowing, and volunteering in hospitals. 

Here’s another question to ask yourself: is there a hospital attached or affiliated with this school? Many of the best pre med universities, such as Stanford and Johns Hopkins, have hospitals on or near their campus. These give hands-on opportunities to learn from real doctors and gain important credentials to have on your resume when you apply to medical schools.

best pre med schools

Top ten pre-med programs

If you are planning to apply to medical school, choose a pre med program from the best pre med schools that you believe will set you up for future success. 

There are many different ways a pre-med program might look at a given university. Therefore, make sure you do your research and pick the one that best fits your needs.  

Interested in attending one of the best pre med schools?

Here are the top ten best pre med universities:

This list of best pre med schools includes schools that are known for their pre med programs. Some of these universities have well-known medical schools as well.

Best pre-med schools: How to apply to college for pre-med?

Once you have done some research into the best universities by major and best pre med universities, you’ll need to build your own list of the best pre med schools for you. Then you’ll need to choose which ones you want to apply to. As you might have noticed, many of the best pre med schools are quite competitive. So, as you start your search for the best pre med universities for you, remember to find balance as you craft your college list. 

Our list of the best pre med schools is a great starting point. However, you should build your own list of the best pre med schools based on your needs and interests. This is true for all “best universities by major” lists. You must tailor the lists to your needs and ambitions. 

When building your college list of best pre med universities for you, remember that there is no one way to get a premed education. While a school may not be at the very top of the best pre med schools list you might find online, that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a great option for you. You can fulfill the requirements for pre med at nearly any school, so just focus on finding one that is the right overall fit for you.

Dual-degree programs

As you do some research into the best universities by major and best pre med universities, you may come across BA/MD and BS/MD programs. These are combined programs that offer students combined admission to both an undergraduate and medical program. They give you a guaranteed spot at a medical school following the successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

The main difference between these two is that in a BA/MD program you’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, while in a BS/MD program you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science degree. A BA education will generally include areas of study outside of your major, such as humanities, foreign languages, or social sciences. A BS education will generally focus on your particular major in college, so this can be a better fit for students with more specific interests.

Both BA/MD and BS/MD are highly selective programs with incredibly low acceptance rates. In the 2020-2021 cycle, Forbes reported that some of the best pre-med universities had an acceptance rate of 1% or lower. Over 1600 students applied for six spots in the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars program. Furthermore, the acceptance rate for Case Western Reserve University’s Pre-Professional Scholars Program was 1%.

Even if you choose to apply only for undergraduate admission, gaining acceptance to the best pre med universities is still an extremely competitive process. The best pre med universities are considered the best because they have a lot to offer students. In order to stand out at the best pre med universities, you’ll need to have a high GPA, challenging coursework, and compelling extracurriculars on your resume. Plus, you need essays that reflect your passion and desire to go into the medical field.

Top Engineering Colleges, Best Computer Science Universities, and Best Colleges for Science: Conclusion

best pre med schools

The application process for STEM college majors is rigorous. The best colleges for computer science, best engineering schools, and best colleges for science are becoming more competitive than ever. 

However, choosing one of the best computer science schools, best engineering schools, or best pre med universities can give you the chance to excel and reach your future career goals.

In this guide, we have covered:

  • What are the best computer science schools?
  • The best engineering colleges and 10 top engineering colleges
  • Applying to the best pre-med schools, and much more! 

This guide has given you a solid background on what the best computer science schools, best engineering schools, and best pre med universities are. Plus, it’s given you some good starting information on how to get in. Now, it’s your turn to do your research on those best computer science schools and top engineering colleges.

Deciding your major in college can be a difficult task. Know that if you choose business or economics you will graduate with a set of useful skills that will be applicable in a variety of career settings. Get excited about the process. Start creating your best colleges for business or best universities for business today! Remember, the best way to get into the best business schools is by starting early. Good luck!

best pre med schools

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. If you want to get help with your college applications from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts, click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.