What are the Best Colleges in North Carolina for Engineering in 2025?

North Carolina continues to stand out as a premier destination for aspiring engineers in 2025. With nationally ranked programs, cutting-edge research, and a strong job market, the state offers a wide range of engineering disciplines—from civil and mechanical to biomedical and computer engineering. This blog explores the top colleges in North Carolina for engineering based on academic reputation, faculty excellence, facilities, and job outcomes.

1. North Carolina State University (NC State) – Raleigh

Why It’s a Top Pick:

NC State is the flagship engineering university in the state and ranks consistently among the top public engineering schools in the U.S. As of 2025, it’s nationally recognized for its College of Engineering, which is one of the largest and most research-intensive programs in the Southeast.

Key Features:

• Top-ranked programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

• Home to Centennial Campus, an innovation hub with industry partners like IBM and Cisco.

• Offers co-op and internship opportunities with over 300 companies.

• Over 20 engineering student organizations for hands-on project experience.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering): #25 (public)

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~44%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$75,000/year for engineering graduates

2. Duke University – Durham

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering offers an elite, research-driven environment perfect for students aiming for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. While smaller than NC State’s program, Duke is known for its personalized approach and strong research funding.

Key Features:

• Strong in biomedical, environmental, and electrical engineering.

• Emphasis on undergraduate research and global innovation programs.

• Faculty include members of the National Academy of Engineering.

• Access to start-up incubators and tech entrepreneurship programs.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering): #18 (overall)

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~6%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$82,000/year

3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)

 Why It’s a Top Pick:

UNC Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing engineering schools in North Carolina, bolstered by its urban location and ties to Charlotte’s growing tech and construction industries. It’s especially strong in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Key Features:

• Strong industry connections in Charlotte’s banking and energy sectors.

• Access to the EPIC (Energy Production and Infrastructure Center).

• Offers excellent value for in-state students.

• Practical, job-ready programs with hands-on labs and capstones.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering): #132 (tie)

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~79%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$66,000/year

4. North Carolina A&T State University – Greensboro

Why It’s a Top Pick:

As the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for engineering, NC A&T is a national leader in diversity in STEM. It has one of the top engineering colleges among HBCUs and produces the most African American engineers in the U.S.

Key Features:

• Nationally recognized College of Engineering.

• Strong focus on aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering.

• Extensive partnerships with companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing.

• Offers both undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering): #140–160 range (by peer ranking)

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~57%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$70,000/year

5. Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Wake Forest has a relatively new but rapidly growing engineering program. The university emphasizes a liberal arts approach to engineering, creating well-rounded graduates with strong technical and communication skills.

Key Features:

• Offers Bachelor of Science in Engineering with concentrations in biomedical and mechanical engineering.

• Small class sizes and strong mentorship from faculty.

• Emphasis on project-based learning and leadership.

• Ideal for students looking for a personalized, interdisciplinary experience.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering – Non-Doctorate Schools): Top 50

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~25%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$68,000/year

6. East Carolina University (ECU) – Greenville

Why It’s a Top Pick:

ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology focuses on applied engineering and industry-readiness, offering degrees in fields such as biomedical, industrial, and mechanical engineering.

Key Features:

• Affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.

• Hands-on training and internships through regional partnerships.

• Good option for students seeking practical, career-focused programs.

• Offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering disciplines.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering): Unranked nationally but regionally respected

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~90%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$62,000/year

7. Elon University – Elon

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Elon’s engineering program is relatively new but emphasizes experiential learning. It blends a liberal arts curriculum with project-based engineering coursework, making it ideal for students who want both technical and creative skills.

Key Features:

• Offers Bachelor of Science in Engineering with flexible pathways.

• Emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and leadership.

• Facilities include the new Innovation Quad for collaborative engineering education.

• Smaller class sizes and highly engaged faculty.

Notable Stats:

• U.S. News 2025 Rank (Undergraduate Engineering – Non-Doctorate): Top 70

• Acceptance Rate (2025 est.): ~74%

• Average Starting Salary: ~$64,000/year

Key Considerations for Choosing an Engineering College in NC:

Accreditation (ABET)

Ensure the engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which is critical for licensure and employment.

Specialization Options

Look into whether the college offers your preferred major: civil, mechanical, electrical, biomedical, computer, or environmental engineering.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities

Colleges like NC State and UNC Charlotte excel in work-integrated learning, which improves employability.

Cost & Financial Aid

Public universities in North Carolina often provide better value for in-state students, while private universities like Duke and Wake Forest offer significant merit aid or scholarships.

Post-Graduation Employment

Review each school’s job placement rates, career services, and industry connections.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina boasts a diverse and competitive landscape of engineering colleges in 2025—from powerhouse research universities like NC State and Duke, to dynamic, career-ready programs at UNC Charlotte and NC A&T. Whether you’re seeking innovation, inclusion, or industry access, there’s a school in North Carolina that fits your engineering dreams.

Start with your goals, explore your options, and choose a college where you’ll build not just knowledge—but your future.