Materials Engineering

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#1

#1 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

MIT is a very selective school, choosing to accept only 4 or 1,340 out of 34,000 applicants.

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

29

SAT Score

1,540–1,590

Est. Net Price *

$20,232

Median Starting Salary

$60,975

#2

#2 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

17%

Annual Degrees Awarded

75

SAT Score

1,380–1,550

Est. Net Price *

$17,402

Median Starting Salary

$64,130

#3

#3 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

7%

Annual Degrees Awarded

26

SAT Score

1,520–1,570

Est. Net Price *

$24,034

Median Starting Salary

$66,773

#4

#4 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL

In general, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

45%

Annual Degrees Awarded

87

SAT Score

1,330–1,510

Est. Net Price *

$14,544

Median Starting Salary

$66,495

#5

#5 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA

Overall, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

57%

Annual Degrees Awarded

66

SAT Score

1,250–1,430

Est. Net Price *

$19,301

Median Starting Salary

$70,954

#6

#6 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University-Main Campus is a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

53%

Annual Degrees Awarded

74

SAT Score

1,230–1,480

Est. Net Price *

$12,576

Median Starting Salary

$69,479

#7

#7 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Every year, Penn receives approximately 54,600 applications from prospective freshman with an acceptance...

Acceptance Rate

6%

Annual Degrees Awarded

25

SAT Score

1,500–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$26,123

Median Starting Salary

$60,869

#8

#8 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Overall, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

30%

Annual Degrees Awarded

48

SAT Score

1,230–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$19,184

Median Starting Salary

$68,355

#9

#9 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

7%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

1,480–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$22,095

Median Starting Salary

$64,336

#10

#10 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Generally, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

18%

Annual Degrees Awarded

42

SAT Score

1,370–1,530

Est. Net Price *

$19,318

Median Starting Salary

$66,055

#11

#11 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

48%

Annual Degrees Awarded

63

SAT Score

1,230–1,460

Est. Net Price *

$10,603

Median Starting Salary

$62,999

#12

#12 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

47%

Annual Degrees Awarded

43

SAT Score

1,300–1,460

Est. Net Price *

$14,852

Median Starting Salary

$66,835

#13

#13 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

the University of Florida is a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

23%

Annual Degrees Awarded

53

SAT Score

1,310–1,480

Est. Net Price *

$11,740

Median Starting Salary

$62,959

#14

#14 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

In general, Case Western Reserve University is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

27%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

1,420–1,540

Est. Net Price *

$38,279

Median Starting Salary

$69,280

#15

#15 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI

the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

49%

Annual Degrees Awarded

44

SAT Score

1,270–1,460

Est. Net Price *

$13,376

Median Starting Salary

$71,474

#16

#16 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University-Main Campus is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

53%

Annual Degrees Awarded

58

SAT Score

1,340–1,450

Est. Net Price *

$19,582

Median Starting Salary

$67,037

#17

#17 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA

On average, Caltech receives 16,600 applications each year, with 3% (or 450) resulting in acceptance.

Acceptance Rate

3%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

1,540–1,590

Est. Net Price *

$20,755

Median Starting Salary

$59,465

#18

#18 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

90%

Annual Degrees Awarded

44

SAT Score

1,090–1,320

Est. Net Price *

$15,310

Median Starting Salary

$70,458

#19

#19 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Generally, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

75%

Annual Degrees Awarded

38

SAT Score

1,290–1,450

Est. Net Price *

$16,018

Median Starting Salary

$69,321

#20

#20 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A&M University-College Station is a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

63%

Annual Degrees Awarded

49

SAT Score

1,170–1,400

Est. Net Price *

$20,375

Median Starting Salary

$66,609

#21

#21 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

the University of California-Los Angeles is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

9%

Annual Degrees Awarded

36

SAT Score

1,320–1,540

Est. Net Price *

$16,999

Median Starting Salary

$60,978

#22

#22 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University is a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

1,150–1,370

Est. Net Price *

$18,235

Median Starting Salary

$67,260

#23

#23 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD

the University of Maryland-College Park is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

45%

Annual Degrees Awarded

33

SAT Score

1,360–1,520

Est. Net Price *

$16,210

Median Starting Salary

$66,577

#24

#24 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Every year, the Stanford Admissions Department receives about 56,000 applications.

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

10

SAT Score

1,490–1,570

Est. Net Price *

$18,279

Median Starting Salary

$61,378

#25

#25 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA

the University of California-Irvine is a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

21%

Annual Degrees Awarded

35

SAT Score

1,240–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$14,033

Median Starting Salary

$62,629

#26

#26 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Generally, Winona State University is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

74%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

1,010–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$18,187

Median Starting Salary

$73,126

#27

#27 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

7%

Annual Degrees Awarded

17

SAT Score

1,470–1,570

Est. Net Price *

$26,060

Median Starting Salary

$66,973

#28

#28 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY

Generally, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

65%

Annual Degrees Awarded

12

SAT Score

1,370–1,520

Est. Net Price *

$39,127

Median Starting Salary

$69,073

#29

#29 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Alfred University
Alfred, NY

Alfred University is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

51%

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

1,100–1,300

Est. Net Price *

$26,183

Median Starting Salary

$68,931

#30

#30 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

the University of Connecticut is a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

55%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,240–1,450

Est. Net Price *

$23,985

Median Starting Salary

$68,194

#31

#31 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

37%

Annual Degrees Awarded

9

SAT Score

1,350–1,490

Est. Net Price *

$30,453

Median Starting Salary

$69,260

#32

#32 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

43%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,260–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$24,577

Median Starting Salary

$69,061

#33

#33 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University is a non selective school. They receive about 53,300 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

28

SAT Score

1,180–1,370

Est. Net Price *

$22,803

Median Starting Salary

$69,860

#34

#34 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

49%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

1,300–1,470

Est. Net Price *

$24,286

Median Starting Salary

$69,439

#35

#35 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University Campus Immersion is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

90%

Annual Degrees Awarded

34

SAT Score

1,090–1,320

Est. Net Price *

$14,808

Median Starting Salary

$63,449

#36

#36 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA

the University of California-Riverside is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

69%

Annual Degrees Awarded

25

SAT Score

1,090–1,310

Est. Net Price *

$14,487

Median Starting Salary

$63,636

#37

#37 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of California-Davis
Davis, CA

the University of California-Davis is a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

37%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,180–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$17,385

Median Starting Salary

$63,015

#38

#38 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

74%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,130–1,330

Est. Net Price *

$10,429

Median Starting Salary

$61,201

#39

#39 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN

In general, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

68%

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

1,200–1,390

Est. Net Price *

$21,880

Median Starting Salary

$66,161

#40

#40 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University is a highly selective school. They receive approximately 45,700 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

44%

Annual Degrees Awarded

19

SAT Score

1,190–1,380

Est. Net Price *

$25,271

Median Starting Salary

$68,960

#41

#41 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University is a somewhat selective school. They receive about 37,000 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

80%

Annual Degrees Awarded

17

SAT Score

1,240–1,430

Est. Net Price *

$39,267

Median Starting Salary

$65,465

#42

#42 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of North Texas
Denton, TX

the University of North Texas is a somewhat selective school. They receive 32,016 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

79%

Annual Degrees Awarded

26

SAT Score

1,010–1,250

Est. Net Price *

$15,283

Median Starting Salary

$66,190

#43

#43 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

For students interested in applying to UVA, application packets should include none, but none are also...

Acceptance Rate

19%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,410–1,530

Est. Net Price *

$19,469

Median Starting Salary

$68,091

#44

#44 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute of Technology is a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

61%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,250–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$28,702

Median Starting Salary

$61,200

#45

#45 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL

In general, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

87%

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

1,150–1,380

Est. Net Price *

$16,834

Median Starting Salary

$64,555

#46

#46 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

the University of Utah is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

1,130–1,350

Est. Net Price *

$12,399

Median Starting Salary

$64,329

#47

#47 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Boise State University
Boise, ID

Generally, Boise State University is known for being a somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

84%

Annual Degrees Awarded

22

SAT Score

1,050–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$17,724

Median Starting Salary

$66,670

#48

#48 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

the University of Kentucky is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

95%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

1,080–1,310

Est. Net Price *

$18,693

Median Starting Salary

$68,538

#49

#49 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University is a somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

1,030–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$17,911

Median Starting Salary

$66,749

#50

#50 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

Overall, the University of Central Florida is known for being a highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

41%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,210–1,360

Est. Net Price *

$13,108

Median Starting Salary

$63,670

#51

#51 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University is a somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

77%

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

1,010–1,240

Est. Net Price *

$14,219

Median Starting Salary

$64,022

#52

#52 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Idaho
Moscow, ID

In general, the University of Idaho is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

74%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,000–1,260

Est. Net Price *

$14,954

Median Starting Salary

$67,039

#53

#53 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

77%

Annual Degrees Awarded

4

SAT Score

1,080–1,280

Est. Net Price *

$15,000

Median Starting Salary

$72,625

#54

#54 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV

the University of Nevada-Reno is a non selective school. They receive about 9,400 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

86%

Annual Degrees Awarded

8

SAT Score

1,050–1,250

Est. Net Price *

$16,670

Median Starting Salary

$66,607

#55

#55 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University-Main Campus is a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

95%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

930–1,180

Est. Net Price *

$15,650

Median Starting Salary

$66,865

#56

#56 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of California-Merced
Merced, CA

Generally, the University of California-Merced is a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

3

SAT Score

980–1,160

Est. Net Price *

$13,549

Median Starting Salary

$64,674

#57

#57 Best College for Materials Engineering in the U.S.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

86%

Annual Degrees Awarded

9

SAT Score

970–1,180

Est. Net Price *

$16,551

Median Starting Salary

$68,027

*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Materials Engineering

Materials Engineering programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and materials science principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of materials and related processes used in manufacturing in a wide variety of settings; the synthesis of new industrial materials, including marrying and bonding composites; analysis of materials requirements and specifications; and related problems of system design dependent on materials factors.

Of the 1,529 Materials Engineering degrees granted each year at the Bachelors degree level, 67% percent of whom are men and the other 33% percent are women. Did you know that California has more students being awarded a degree in Materials Engineering than any other state? In fact, California awarded 199 degrees last year! The average starting salary for an undergraduate degree in Materials Engineering is $64,763.

Popularity of Materials Engineering Degrees in the U.S.
This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Materials Engineering degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.
Less Popular
More Popular

Careers

The highest paying careers for Materials Engineering majors include Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, Materials Engineers and Cost Estimators. However, something else to consider is how many job openings there currently is. Careers that are in high need that a degree in Materials Engineering can prepare you for are Architectural and Engineering Managers, Cost Estimators and Materials Engineers.

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Materials Engineering majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Materials Engineering majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students
1,529
Female Students
510 (33%)
Male Students
1,019 (66%)

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