Materials Engineering

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#1

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

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Every year, the Stanford Admissions Department receives about 55,000 applications.

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

6

SAT Score

1,490–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$14,402

Median Starting Salary

$84,838

#2

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

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

The institution is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

9%

Annual Degrees Awarded

28

SAT Score

1,460–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$24,262

Median Starting Salary

$81,325

#3

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

California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA

On average, Caltech receives 13,000 applications each year, with 4% (or 520) resulting in acceptance.

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

2

SAT Score

1,540–1,590

Est. Net Price *

$30,162

Median Starting Salary

$73,218

#4

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

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Every year, Penn receives approximately 56,300 applications from prospective freshman with an acceptance...

Acceptance Rate

6%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

1,480–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$14,578

Median Starting Salary

$88,358

#5

#5 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

17

SAT Score

1,490–1,560

Est. Net Price *

$29,999

Median Starting Salary

$78,657

#6

#6 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

20%

Annual Degrees Awarded

53

SAT Score

1,370–1,520

Est. Net Price *

$19,205

Median Starting Salary

$71,642

#7

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

University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA

The school is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

29%

Annual Degrees Awarded

27

SAT Score

1,240–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$11,633

Median Starting Salary

$69,492

#8

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

University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

The institution is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

11%

Annual Degrees Awarded

33

SAT Score

1,320–1,540

Est. Net Price *

$13,393

Median Starting Salary

$73,050

#9

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

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

The school is known for being a extremely selective school.

Acceptance Rate

30%

Annual Degrees Awarded

61

SAT Score

1,320–1,470

Est. Net Price *

$9,809

Median Starting Salary

$72,994

#10

#10 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 fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

53%

Annual Degrees Awarded

41

SAT Score

1,230–1,460

Est. Net Price *

$8,701

Median Starting Salary

$72,034

#11

#11 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

8%

Annual Degrees Awarded

13

SAT Score

1,490–1,580

Est. Net Price *

$20,680

Median Starting Salary

$75,566

#12

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

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA

The school is a extremely selective school. They receive approximately 44,000 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

16%

Annual Degrees Awarded

55

SAT Score

1,340–1,500

Est. Net Price *

$17,360

Median Starting Salary

$76,125

#13

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

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

The institution is a highly selective school. They receive about 14,000 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

46%

Annual Degrees Awarded

23

SAT Score

1,340–1,500

Est. Net Price *

$31,539

Median Starting Salary

$75,853

#14

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

Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH

The institution is a fairly selective school. They receive about 58,200 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

57%

Annual Degrees Awarded

73

SAT Score

1,250–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$19,474

Median Starting Salary

$64,101

#15

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

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM

The institution is known for being a non selective school.

Acceptance Rate

97%

Annual Degrees Awarded

5

SAT Score

1,130–1,330

Est. Net Price *

$12,471

Median Starting Salary

$67,473

#16

#16 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 fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

68

SAT Score

1,330–1,510

Est. Net Price *

$14,272

Median Starting Salary

$70,657

#17

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

Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ

The institution is known for being a non selective school. They receive about 62,000 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

37

SAT Score

1,090–1,320

Est. Net Price *

$14,934

Median Starting Salary

$68,646

#18

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

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

The school is a fairly selective school. The school receives roughly 43,800 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

64%

Annual Degrees Awarded

30

SAT Score

1,160–1,390

Est. Net Price *

$22,253

Median Starting Salary

$73,893

#19

#19 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 33,000 applicants.

Acceptance Rate

4%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,510–1,590

Est. Net Price *

$30,958

Median Starting Salary

$80,838

#20

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

University of California-Davis
Davis, CA

The school is a highly selective school. The institution receives about 87,000 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

49%

Annual Degrees Awarded

31

SAT Score

1,180–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$16,640

Median Starting Salary

$71,525

#21

#21 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

87%

Annual Degrees Awarded

12

SAT Score

980–1,160

Est. Net Price *

$11,586

Median Starting Salary

$69,929

#22

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

North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

The institution is a highly selective school. They receive roughly 33,000 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

48%

Annual Degrees Awarded

31

SAT Score

1,280–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$14,328

Median Starting Salary

$64,932

#23

#23 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 somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

75%

Annual Degrees Awarded

21

SAT Score

1,210–1,390

Est. Net Price *

$21,512

Median Starting Salary

$66,778

#24

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

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI

The school is a fairly selective school. They receive about 54,000 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

60%

Annual Degrees Awarded

35

SAT Score

1,260–1,450

Est. Net Price *

$13,484

Median Starting Salary

$65,032

#25

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

Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

The school is a fairly selective school. They receive approximately 59,400 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

69%

Annual Degrees Awarded

44

SAT Score

1,210–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$14,619

Median Starting Salary

$65,388

#26

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

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

The institution is a highly selective school. They receive about 47,000 applications each year.

Acceptance Rate

49%

Annual Degrees Awarded

44

SAT Score

1,250–1,430

Est. Net Price *

$23,732

Median Starting Salary

$66,701

#27

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

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

The school is a somewhat selective school. The institution receives about 34,500 applications every admission...

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

27

SAT Score

1,220–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$26,076

Median Starting Salary

$75,705

#28

#28 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

56%

Annual Degrees Awarded

66

SAT Score

1,220–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$20,109

Median Starting Salary

$67,059

#29

#29 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

53%

Annual Degrees Awarded

25

SAT Score

1,380–1,520

Est. Net Price *

$40,070

Median Starting Salary

$73,044

#30

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

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

The school is a fairly selective school. They receive approximately 27,600 applications every admission...

Acceptance Rate

71%

Annual Degrees Awarded

17

SAT Score

1,210–1,390

Est. Net Price *

$23,873

Median Starting Salary

$65,810

#31

#31 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

30%

Annual Degrees Awarded

10

SAT Score

1,420–1,540

Est. Net Price *

$38,166

Median Starting Salary

$71,775

#32

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

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

The institution is a fairly selective school. The school receives roughly 35,000 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

67%

Annual Degrees Awarded

27

SAT Score

1,270–1,470

Est. Net Price *

$22,996

Median Starting Salary

$62,681

#33

#33 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

73%

Annual Degrees Awarded

39

SAT Score

1,290–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$17,468

Median Starting Salary

$65,027

#34

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

Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI

The school is known for being a non selective school. The institution receives about 8,040 applications every...

Acceptance Rate

86%

Annual Degrees Awarded

23

SAT Score

1,160–1,360

Est. Net Price *

$17,826

Median Starting Salary

$70,014

#35

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

University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD

The institution is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

52%

Annual Degrees Awarded

34

SAT Score

1,340–1,510

Est. Net Price *

$17,146

Median Starting Salary

$65,929

#36

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

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

The school is known for being a fairly selective school. The institution receives approximately 36,800...

Acceptance Rate

56%

Annual Degrees Awarded

38

SAT Score

1,240–1,440

Est. Net Price *

$22,168

Median Starting Salary

$69,621

#37

#37 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

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

15

SAT Score

1,150–1,380

Est. Net Price *

$16,990

Median Starting Salary

$69,821

#38

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

University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

The institution is a non selective school. They receive about 18,300 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

95%

Annual Degrees Awarded

27

SAT Score

1,130–1,380

Est. Net Price *

$12,972

Median Starting Salary

$70,727

#39

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

University of North Texas
Denton, TX

The school is a somewhat selective school. They receive 24,858 applications annually.

Acceptance Rate

81%

Annual Degrees Awarded

24

SAT Score

1,010–1,240

Est. Net Price *

$11,915

Median Starting Salary

$69,139

#40

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

Alfred University
Alfred, NY

The institution is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

67%

Annual Degrees Awarded

8

SAT Score

1,080–1,310

Est. Net Price *

$25,377

Median Starting Salary

$65,191

#41

#41 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

66%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

1,240–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$26,789

Median Starting Salary

$75,186

#42

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

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

The school is known for being a somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

84%

Annual Degrees Awarded

14

SAT Score

1,010–1,240

Est. Net Price *

$14,603

Median Starting Salary

$71,174

#43

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

Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton, OH

The school is a non selective school. They receive about 6,300 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

96%

Annual Degrees Awarded

9

SAT Score

940–1,190

Est. Net Price *

$14,198

Median Starting Salary

$64,297

#44

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

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

The school is a non selective school. They receive approximately 18,200 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

86%

Annual Degrees Awarded

35

SAT Score

1,030–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$11,877

Median Starting Salary

$71,696

#45

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

University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV

The school is a non selective school. They receive approximately 9,420 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

88%

Annual Degrees Awarded

14

SAT Score

1,050–1,250

Est. Net Price *

$16,398

Median Starting Salary

$67,625

#46

#46 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 somewhat selective school.

Acceptance Rate

81%

Annual Degrees Awarded

7

SAT Score

1,000–1,240

Est. Net Price *

$15,435

Median Starting Salary

$65,842

#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

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

26

SAT Score

1,050–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$15,828

Median Starting Salary

$65,328

#48

#48 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 highly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

33%

Annual Degrees Awarded

41

SAT Score

1,230–1,420

Est. Net Price *

$20,708

Median Starting Salary

$72,298

#49

#49 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

91%

Annual Degrees Awarded

42

SAT Score

1,090–1,320

Est. Net Price *

$15,422

Median Starting Salary

$65,143

#50

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

Winona State University
Winona, MN

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

Acceptance Rate

77%

Annual Degrees Awarded

20

SAT Score

1,010–1,220

Est. Net Price *

$17,283

Median Starting Salary

$68,747

#51

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

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

The school is a somewhat selective school. They receive about 50,600 applications every admission cycle.

Acceptance Rate

83%

Annual Degrees Awarded

28

SAT Score

1,110–1,330

Est. Net Price *

$8,738

Median Starting Salary

$67,687

#52

#52 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

94%

Annual Degrees Awarded

27

SAT Score

1,110–1,340

Est. Net Price *

$20,043

Median Starting Salary

$66,210

#53

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

University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA

The institution is known for being a fairly selective school.

Acceptance Rate

65%

Annual Degrees Awarded

22

SAT Score

1,090–1,310

Est. Net Price *

$13,502

Median Starting Salary

$64,781

#54

#54 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

6

SAT Score

1,080–1,240

Est. Net Price *

$15,713

Median Starting Salary

$66,657

#55

#55 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

89%

Annual Degrees Awarded

11

SAT Score

970–1,210

Est. Net Price *

$17,083

Median Starting Salary

$67,535

*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 1,516 Materials Engineering degrees granted each year at the Bachelors degree level, 66% percent of whom are men and the other 34% 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 188 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 Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary and Materials Engineers. 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 Cost Estimators, Architectural and Engineering Managers 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
1,516
Female Students
515 (33%)
Male Students
1,001 (66%)

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