Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in California for 2026
California continues to lead the way in innovation, technology, and sustainability—and its engineering schools are at the heart of that progress. From Silicon Valley to Southern California, the state’s colleges offer rigorous, hands-on programs that prepare students for high-demand careers in aerospace, computer engineering, green energy, biomedical innovation, and more.
At Colleges of Distinction, we’re proud to recognize the top undergraduate engineering schools in California for 2026. These institutions have earned distinction not only through academic excellence, but also through their commitment to student success, faculty mentorship, and real-world experience. They reflect our Four Distinctions—Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, and Successful Outcomes—while enriching their engineering programs with industry connections and multidisciplinary learning.
What sets a California Engineering College of Distinction apart?
- ABET accreditation ensures long-term quality and professional relevance.
- Hands-on learning through co-ops, labs, research, and industry internships.
- Multidisciplinary options like civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering.
- Collaborative teaching models that develop both technical skills and leadership.
- Modern facilities that reflect investment in emerging technologies and student support.
- Soft skill development through teamwork, communication, and ethics training.
- Dedicated advising tailored to engineering student pathways and career goals.
- Industry-aligned curricula that reflect California’s economic and innovation landscape.
Below, you’ll find our hand-picked list of the 2026 Colleges of Distinction for Engineering in California—schools that are launching the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and world changers.
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Cal Poly’s Guiding Philosophy, “Learn by Doing,” pushes students to take responsibility over their individual academic journeys. Thanks to California Polytechnic State University’s rigorous, success-oriented academic environment, the University ensures that students are actively involved in unique educational experiences.
ALTERNATIVE BREAKS
Students may choose to participate in alternative breaks, which leads them through service and care within an area in need. Alternative breaks are a great way for students to assess their own privileges against those who are less fortunate. This can be an eye-opening experience that introduces students to the true power they have in effecting change.
Acceptance rate 30% • Net price $16,888
Total Undergrad Population 21,559 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 95% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Electronics and Communications Engineering
Engineering Science
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
As part of the world-class California State University system, Cal State Fullerton prepares its diverse student body for success in a global society. Titans actively engage in hands-on learning, research, clubs and organizations, and volunteer work that enriches the local community.
Cal State Fullerton may be the largest CSU campus with more than 34,000 undergraduate students, but its mission to provide high-impact immersive learning ensures personal, fulfilling experiences for every student. Located in Orange County, CSUF is near Los Angeles, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the beautiful California coastline. Students thrive with the support of one-on-one academic advising, college career specialists, and student success initiatives.
Acceptance rate 87% • Net price $6,283
Total Undergrad Population 37,125 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 22:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA ‧ Public‧ 4-year
California State University, Long Beach is dedicated to providing a high-quality education founded on the principles of superior teaching, research, and service for the people of California and the world. Motivated by the values of diversity, integrity, and service, CSU Long Beach strives to make its world-class education accessible and inclusive. The university looks to change lives by expanding educational opportunities, fostering creativity, and preparing future leaders.
CSU Long Beach is proud of the tight-knit community it has cultivated over the years. With a population of over 34,000—and even its own zip code!—the 323-acre campus beckons those who are ready to learn, explore, and succeed. CSU Long Beach boasts a beautiful campus with state-of-the-art research facilities, performing arts centers, and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Students and members of the surrounding community are encouraged to experience all of the beauty and inspiration the campus has to offer.
Acceptance rate 47% • Net price $9,731
Total Undergrad Population 34,243 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college in Claremont, California specializing in engineering, science, and mathematics. Harvey Mudd boasts an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio which encourages more personalized learning for students in their fields to understand the impact of their work on the world.
Acceptance rate 13% • Net price $42,720 • SAT Range 1480-1560 • Students submitting SAT scores 50%
Total Undergrad Population 949 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 94% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 8:1
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Loyola Marymount University is rooted in its Roman Catholic tradition—a relationship that is directly connected to the school’s personal and academic goals and success. LMU promotes both the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The University’s commitment to Catholicism drives a socially conscious mindset and students are taught to become contributing members of the global community.
SERVICE AT LMU
Every month, LMU takes on a new service initiative with a local non-profit agency. The service project is communicated to the entire LMU campus community. Details of the project, as well as volunteer needs are shared with the student body. Projects change every month, allowing LMU to touch several different parts of the community.
El Espejo: El Espejo is Spanish for mirror and serves as the motto for a service initiative. Here “mirror” is used to emphasize reflection—where volunteers work to find a common connection between them and those they are helping. El Espejo connects LMU students with at-risk middle school students in the community. The mission of this initiative is to educate and mentor students on the importance and potential of intellectual and personal growth.
Acceptance rate 40% • Net price $54,471
Total Undergrad Population 7,336 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 80% • Retention rate 88% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Civil Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
San Diego State University (SDSU) stands as a vibrant hub of academic excellence nestled in the heart of sunny Southern California. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1897, SDSU has evolved into a dynamic institution renowned for its innovative research, diverse student body, and commitment to community engagement. With its stunning campus providing a backdrop of palm trees and Spanish-style architecture, SDSU offers a welcoming environment where students are inspired to explore their passions, expand their horizons, and shape their futures. Whether pursuing rigorous academics, participating in cutting-edge research, or immersing oneself in the vibrant cultural scene, SDSU offers an unparalleled collegiate experience that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Acceptance rate 34% • Net price $19,500
Total Undergrad Population 34,050 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 78% • Retention rate 90% • Student-to-faculty ratio 22:1
San José State University
San José, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Succeed in your personal and professional life with an education from San José State University. SJSU is a Public University in San José, California.
As one of the most transformative universities in the nation, San José State is ready for big change. As part of Transformation 2030, SJSU’s strategic plan, the campus community is dedicated to realizing the university’s potential as a nationally prominent urban public university. San José State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study. With approximately 36,000 students campus wide and nearly 4,300 employees, SJSU is an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and California.
Acceptance rate 80% • Net price $13,833
Total Undergrad Population 27,111 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 65% • Retention rate 86% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Materials Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Engineering-Related Fields
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university, offers its students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and engineering as well as engineering Ph.D.s and master’s and law degrees. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities, SCU strives to educate citizens and leaders who will build a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
SCU, founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, was established on the site of Mission Santa Clara de Asis, the eighth of 21 California missions. Today, the University is committed to promoting academic excellence, enriching its educational experience through the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person, fostering an engaged community, and realizing opportunities available through its location in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Acceptance rate 44% • Net price $49,651 • SAT Range 1340-1500 • Students submitting SAT scores 25%
Total Undergrad Population 6,249 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 88% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
The University of California, Berkeley, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a leading public research university renowned for its academic excellence and activism. Offering over 350 degree programs, Berkeley attracts students passionate about innovation and societal impact. The campus boasts a diverse student body, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous research opportunities. Its proximity to Silicon Valley provides students with unparalleled access to internships and career prospects.
Acceptance rate 12% • Net price $16,997
Total Undergrad Population 33,078 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 93% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
University of California, Davis is a public university in northern California. UC Davis has over 30,000 students studying 107 academic majors. Over 50% of undergraduate Aggies participate in meaningful research.
Whether you’re interested in laboratories or libraries, at UC Davis you can get hands-on research experience. And you’ll be working with top-notch faculty mentors and some of the best graduate students in the world. Undergraduates are encouraged to dive into research at UC Davis. You can do it through internships on campus, at the UC Davis Medical Center, with local industry or under the guidance of a professor.
Acceptance rate 42% • Net price $17,315 • SAT Range 0-0 • Students submitting SAT scores %
Total Undergrad Population 31,797 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 93% • Student-to-faculty ratio 21:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
University of California, Irvine is home to 29,000 undergraduate students. With over 85 bachelor’s degrees offered UCI students have many academic options. UC Irvine is a public university in Orange County, California. In 1965, the University of California, Irvine was founded with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service.
Acceptance rate 26% • Net price $14,647
Total Undergrad Population 29,503 • Setting City • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 86% • Retention rate 94% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
UC Santa Barbara is a noted institution located on the edge of the Pacific, a perfect natural environment for research. The serene atmosphere is conducive not only to academic success, but also many outdoor and recreational activities.
UCDC
The UCDC program is a partnership between schools in California and Washington D.C. Though this program, students from UCSB and other California institutions are able to work, study, and intern in the nation’s capital. UCDC is open to junior and senior students looking to expand their educational and hands-on experience. Some elect to do an internship, which requires 32 hours of work a week, while others choose to complete a research seminar and take elective courses for credit.
UCEAP
The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) provides UC students a range of global education and internship opportunities. There are 393 programs available in 43 countries, providing students with plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular destinations include: Australia, France, Hong Kong, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, and Spain.
Acceptance rate 28% • Net price $15,283
Total Undergrad Population 23,232 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 85% • Retention rate 92% • Student-to-faculty ratio 17:1
Engineering Majors Offered
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
The University of Southern California, situated in Los Angeles, is a premier private research university known for its strong programs in film, business, and engineering. USC offers a dynamic campus life with over 1,000 student organizations, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Students benefit from the university’s extensive alumni network and its location in a global hub for entertainment, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Acceptance rate 10% • Net price $41,496 • SAT Range 1440-1550 • Students submitting SAT scores 32%
Total Undergrad Population 21,023 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 92% • Retention rate 97% • Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1
University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA ‧ Private‧ 4-year
A Campus Steeped in Tradition
Founded in 1851, University of the Pacific holds the distinction of being the first chartered university in California. The 175-acre campus is stunning in its beauty, with traditional brick and ivy-covered buildings accompanied by more than 100 species of regional and international trees. This gorgeous campus has caught the attention of Hollywood, having been used as a set for such films as Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and Flubber.
Inside and Outside the Classroom
Small class sizes and personal attention are two enormous benefits of a Pacific education. The student-centered institution strives to educate the leaders of tomorrow through intensive academic study, experiential learning, and service to the community. A vibrant campus life enriches and supports each Pacific student’s college experience. Students participate in over 150 student clubs and organizations, Greek life, intramural sport clubs, and community outreach opportunities. They also attend chart-topping concerts and fun university events.
Student Success
Offering a variety of useful resources, University of the Pacific is committed to helping students succeed. The Four-Year Guarantee facilitates each student’s goal to earn their Bachelor’s Degree within four years. Competitive accelerated programs go even further to prepare very dedicated and talented freshmen for their professional degrees. Alumni leave Pacific equipped to make their mark and practice their professions at the highest level.
Acceptance rate 95% • Net price $30,975 • SAT Range 1160-1420 • Students submitting SAT scores 27%
Total Undergrad Population 3,297 • Setting City • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 66% • Retention rate 89% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
What to Know About Engineering Colleges in California: FAQs
Colleges of Distinction has recognized top engineering programs including Harvey Mudd College, UC Berkeley, USC, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara University. These institutions offer rigorous academics, strong faculty support, and career-ready learning.
Students can choose from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical, civil, electrical, biomedical, computer, environmental, and aerospace engineering. Schools like UC Irvine and CSU Long Beach offer ABET-accredited programs across multiple specializations
Yes. Public universities like San José State, UC Davis, and CSU Fullerton offer affordable in-state tuition, strong faculty, and direct pathways to tech and engineering careers throughout California.
Absolutely. Internships, co-ops, capstone projects, and research opportunities are core to these programs. Schools such as San Diego State University and University of the Pacific have strong industry connections and support students in applying what they learn outside the classroom.
Many public schools offer affordable in-state rates, and private colleges like Loyola Marymount and University of the Pacific offer generous financial aid. You can also search for national and state-based awards in our Mega List of Scholarships.
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About Our Methodology: Each year, Colleges of Distinction identifies top undergraduate engineering schools through a rigorous evaluation based on our Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Our 2026 list highlights California colleges and universities that integrate high-impact educational practices directly into their engineering programs.
What sets these institutions apart?
- ABET accreditation ensures stability and adherence to national quality standards.
- Real-world experience is built into the curriculum through internships, co-ops, and research projects that prepare students for the professional environment.
- Multidisciplinary learning allows students to explore a wide range of engineering fields—from mechanical and electrical to biomedical, civil, and computer engineering.
- Collaborative classroom culture promotes teamwork, leadership, and communication—skills essential for the modern workplace.
- Facility investments support student success through access to advanced technology and up-to-date engineering labs.
- Dedicated advising and mentoring ensures that students stay on track toward graduation and career success.
- Industry connections help students build a professional network before graduation, particularly in California’s thriving tech, biotech, and engineering sectors.
These Colleges of Distinction don’t just teach engineering—they empower future engineers to innovate, lead, and make a difference in the world. Learn more about our full methodology here.