Engineering is one of those fields that quietly powers everything around us; the roads we drive on, the phones we use, the planes that carry us, and even the clean water that runs from our taps. It’s a career that mixes creativity with logic, problem-solving with innovation.
This discipline offers endless paths for curious minds who love to build, design, and improve the world around them, from civil and mechanical engineering to computer, electrical, aerospace, and chemical engineering.
The demand for skilled engineers has never been higher. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in engineering and architecture are projected to grow by around 6% from 2022 to 2032, with over 170,000 new engineering openings expected each year.
It’s not just about job availability; it pays well, too. The median annual wage for engineers sits comfortably above $90,000, with some specialties, like petroleum or computer engineering, earning well into the six figures.
Your success in engineering depends greatly on where you study. A strong institution doesn’t just hand you a degree; it gives you access to advanced labs, mentorship, real-world projects, and the industry connections that make your first job easier to land. California, being home to Silicon Valley, top research universities, and some of the world’s most innovative companies, offers some of the best engineering education you can find anywhere.
For our list of the top colleges for engineering in California, we reviewed findings from respected ranking sources like U.S. News & World Report, Niche, College Factual, and EduRank, and compared them with each school’s academic reputation, research strength, and employment outcomes. What you’ll find below is a curated list of the top 10 engineering schools in California.
10 Best Colleges for Engineering in California
1. Stanford University School of Engineering
At Stanford, engineering means choice and flexibility. Undergrad students can pick from about 10 department majors (like Aeronautics & Astronautics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering) plus 6 interdepartmental majors (things like Environmental Systems Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, etc.).
The programs mix rigorous fundamentals (math, physics, computing) with hands-on research and labs. Stanford encourages students to double-major, study abroad, or design their own major if the pre-existing ones don’t match exactly what they want.
Also, many graduate and co-term (combined bachelor’s + master’s) options are available, so if you’re aiming for advanced research or deeper specialization, there are paths for that.
2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
At Caltech, the approach is slightly different: smaller, super intense, and very research-centred. Their Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) division has several majors like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical & Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Computing & Mathematical Sciences, and others.
What sets Caltech apart is how early lab work and research come in, even for undergraduate students. They expect students to do foundational coursework (strong in physics, math, chemistry), then quickly involve them in experimental work or in creating/designing things.
Their graduate programs are almost always tied tightly to research, and there’s less fluff — you dive deep.
3. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley’s engineering programs are known for combining depth with breadth. Their Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) major, for example, covers a lot: robotics, integrated circuits, sensing and communication, computer architecture, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy systems, among others.
Also, the Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) department is strong, especially in environmental engineering, water, infrastructure, and sustainability. Students in Berkeley engineering have access to lab work, design teams, many research centers, and strong industry connections because the location (Bay Area / Silicon Valley) gives a lot of real-world collaboration.
Also, for those wanting to combine management/business or entrepreneurship with engineering, Berkeley has specialized master’s programs with those mixes, plus the usual MEng, MS, and PhD.
4. UC San Diego – Jacobs School of Engineering
UCSD “Jacobs” is big, respected, and very industry-connected. First, they have six engineering departments; undergrad and graduate students work across them. One key thing is their “Experience Engineering Initiative”. It aims to give every undergrad hands-on or lab/design work early in the program, so you’re not just doing lectures, you’re doing actual design or team projects from early on.
For working professionals or those who want to stay in the field while studying, they’ve launched new master’s specializations, e.g., in Cyber-Physical-Social Systems and Value Supply Chains. These are designed to be relevant to real engineering problems in supply networks, AI, infrastructure, etc.
5. USC Viterbi School of Engineering
USC Viterbi is known for combining big resources with real-world impact. Their engineering school was founded in 1905, and they focus on research, innovation, and also solving big challenges like restoring vision, robotics for healthcare, quantum computing, etc.
Under the School of Advanced Computing (launched recently), they are integrating computing (both hardware & software), data science, electrical & computer engineering, etc., to get students fluent in modern tech trends.
They have over 40 online graduate engineering programs through “DEN@Viterbi,” meaning if you want flexibility and a strong name, you can get online master’s or certificates in things like aerospace, mechanical engineering, data science, and systems engineering.
6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Samueli School of Engineering
UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering is one of the most respected in the country, known for blending creativity with rigorous science. Students here can major in fields like mechanical, electrical, bioengineering, and computer science, among others.
The program encourages students to solve real-world problems, from building robots to designing sustainable cities. The school partners with industries and research labs across Los Angeles, so students often get hands-on experience while still in school.
7. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly SLO’s College of Engineering has built a reputation as one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in the U.S., especially for students who want to learn by doing. The program emphasizes practical experience from day one, and students build, test, and design as part of their coursework.
The college offers majors in civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, computer, and aerospace engineering, among others. What’s really appealing is how close-knit the community is. Professors know students by name, and many graduates go straight into well-paying jobs thanks to the school’s strong ties with employers in California’s tech and construction industries.
8. University of California, Irvine (UCI) – Samueli School of Engineering
UCI’s engineering school may not be as large as Berkeley or UCLA, but it’s known for its innovation and close mentorship. The Samueli School of Engineering (yes, it shares the same donor name as UCLA’s) focuses heavily on sustainability, health technology, and computing.
Students work on projects that address modern challenges like renewable energy, smart cities, and medical devices. The school’s research facilities are top-notch, and undergraduates can participate in research early on, something not every large university allows.
9. Santa Clara University – School of Engineering
Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering sits right in the middle of Silicon Valley, which gives its students a huge advantage. Being close to big tech companies means students often land internships and jobs at places like Apple, Google, and NVIDIA even before graduating.
The program focuses on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and real-world projects. They offer majors such as civil, computer, mechanical, and electrical engineering, along with graduate options in emerging areas like robotics and sustainable energy.
10. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) – College of Engineering
Cal Poly Pomona is another great choice for students who prefer practical, affordable, and career-ready engineering education. Its College of Engineering is one of the largest in the state, offering programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and computer engineering.
Like its sister campus in San Luis Obispo, Pomona follows the “learn by doing” approach — meaning students spend a lot of time in labs, workshops, and design projects instead of just lectures. The school has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are ready to work immediately after graduation, and many employers in California actively recruit from Pomona’s engineering programs.
FAQs About Studying Engineering in California
1. What are the most popular types of engineering degrees?
Some of the most common branches include civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and chemical engineering. In California, computer and electrical engineering are especially popular due to the tech industry’s influence.
2. How long does it take to earn an engineering degree?
A typical bachelor’s degree takes four years, while a master’s degree adds about one to two more. Many schools also offer combined programs that let you complete both in a shorter time.
3. Are there online engineering programs in California?
Yes, several universities, including USC, Stanford, and UC San Diego, offer online or hybrid options, especially for graduate-level engineering programs.
4. Is it hard to get into engineering school?
Top programs like Stanford, Caltech, and UC Berkeley are very competitive, but California has many excellent public universities that are more accessible and still provide strong education and career opportunities.
5. Do engineering graduates get jobs easily?
Generally, yes. Engineering degrees are highly respected, and most graduates secure jobs soon after graduation, especially from top-ranked schools with strong career support and internship networks.
Conclusion
Your choice of school should fit your goals and learning style. Some students thrive in research-heavy environments, while others prefer programs that focus on design or fieldwork. What matters most is choosing a place that challenges you and helps you grow into the kind of engineer you want to be.
So, as you explore your options, take your time, compare what each school offers, and think about where you’ll get the best mix of support, experience, and opportunity. California has plenty of great choices, and one of them just might be the right fit for you.