8 Hidden Gem Colleges for Engineering in the Midwest

Often when we think of engineering programs, the big name schools come to mind: MIT, CalTech, Carnegie Mellon, the list goes on. But we can't forget that there are more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. alone, and lots of them have excellent engineering programs.



To give you a glimpse into some options, we've put together a list of 10 hidden gem engineering programs in the Midwest.


Note: As you look at engineering programs, keep your eye out for ABET accreditation—this assures you that the school meets the quality standards of the profession. 


CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY


CWRU, in Cleveland, Ohio, is best known for its research focus, but it was also one of the first to have unique programs in bioengineering and biomedical engineering. At CWRU, students can choose from 12 undergraduate programs that include everything from aerospace engineering to polymer science. With an admit rate of 29%, students need to show their sincere interest in engineering and CWRU to stand out. 


Admit rate: 29%


Cost of attendance: $72,000


IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY


Iowa State offers many different areas of engineering experience, but it's currently refocusing its collective expertise on COVID-19: from developing quick-scan testing to building unique shields for athletes. Looking for ways to help the planet? Students can check out Iowa State's wind-power grid systems. The admit rate is 90%, but that doesn't mean the engineering programs aren't top notch.


Admit rate: 90%


Cost of attendance: $37,200


ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY


Illinois Tech is located in the heart of Chicago. As a tech-focused school, it offers a wide variety of engineering degrees, with all sorts of interesting minors and certificates available. IIT also boasts a higher female to male ratio, which is uncommon in engineering programs.


Admit rate: 23.9%


Cost of attendance: $71,000


MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF OHIO 


Miami University of Ohio is home to the College of Engineering and Computing. But it’s not this combination that makes it truly stand out—instead, it’s the Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering program, where you earn a BS in biomedical and chemical engineering. And with five different combined programs (like Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering), students are graduating with the depth and breadth that employers love. 


Admit rate: 75%


Cost of attendance: $51,000


MICHIGAN STATE


Michigan State's engineering college is one of the oldest on campus. If you're interested in Biosystems and Agriculture Engineering, you’ve come to the right place, and with nine other majors—including Applied Engineering Science—students can find almost anything they're looking for.


Admit rate: 78%


Cost of attendance: $50,400


UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI


From lab research to leadership opportunities, Mizzou offers 8 ABET accredited majors, including Big Data Analytics and Biomedical Innovations & Sustainability. They also have a unique experience to help first-year students integrate into the engineering program, making them ultimately more successful graduates. 


Admit rate: 78%


Cost of attendance: $48,300


ROSE HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 


The Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana has been educating students in STEM since 1874. Students can get experience with a 3D printer in the Maker Lab or try their hand at a unique major: Optical Engineering. With a 98% job placement rate at graduation, it makes the return on investment a good one.


Admit rate: 68%


Cost of attendance: $71,700


SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY


Located in the heart of St. Louis, SLU has one of the few accelerated programs to a Masters of Science in Engineering. If your student is interested in an Aviation major, SLU has it—plus a Flight Science minor. You can combine these options with some of their seven other undergraduate engineering majors. 


Admit rate: 58%


Cost of attendance: $62,000




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