University of Kwazulu-Natal

15 Top Undergraduate Civil Engineering Schools 2026

Bonisiwe Shabane
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15 top undergraduate civil engineering schools 2026

The undergraduate engineering program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys. To appear on an undergraduate engineering survey, a school must have an undergraduate engineering program accredited by ABET. The programs below are schools whose highest engineering degree offered is a bachelor's or master's. Read the methodology » To unlock full rankings, expanded profiles and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass!

Update: The 2026 rankings have been updated since the September 23, 2025 publication date. The updated rankings are noted below. For more information, please read this correction. Create your own custom rankings of the Best Engineering (Doctorate Not Offered) recommended based on your preferences. Think about your ideal college experience as you take this five- minute quiz. Don't sweat it — you can continue to customize your list once you receive your school matches.

The school you get your certificates is a determinant factor in how you can build a successful career. Pulling through the walls of civil engineering is a challenging task. Therefore, make sure you find yourself in one of the top undergraduate civil engineering schools. If your passion is driven towards designs and construction, then, consider grooming this talent you have into something more professional. In making the right choice for the top undergraduate civil engineering schools, give thoughts on the cost of tuition, the number of programs, and accreditation. See the table of contents below for an overview of the topics discussed in this article.

According to Wikipedia, civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams,... Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Civil Engineering. A graph of 16.2M citations received by 461K academic papers made by 559 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to... We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website. The best cities to study Civil Engineering in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are Berkeley, Stanford, Cambridge, and Ann Arbor.

Stanford University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in civil engineering. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall. There were approximately 181 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the civil engineering program at Stanford University make $11,971 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce. It is difficult to beat Massachusetts Institute of Technology if you wish to pursue a degree in civil engineering.

Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, MIT is a private not-for-profit school with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #1 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means MIT is a great school overall. There were roughly 47 civil engineering students who graduated with this degree at MIT in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the civil engineering major at Massachusetts Institute of Technology make $17,036 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce. It is difficult to beat University of California - Davis if you want to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a fairly large student population.

This university ranks 10th out of 161 schools for overall quality in the state of California. Civil engineering is one of the most important and versatile engineering disciplines, focusing on designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that shapes our world. From roads and bridges to buildings and water systems, civil engineers play a key role in developing safe, sustainable, and efficient structures. The United States is home to many top-tier civil engineering schools, offering rigorous programs and hands-on learning experiences for aspiring engineers. Here’s a list of the Top Civil Engineering Universities in the USA, based on academic excellence, research capabilities, and industry connections. These institutions provide outstanding programs that prepare students for a successful career in civil engineering.

MIT is often ranked as the best engineering school globally, and its Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is no exception. Offering cutting-edge programs in structural, environmental, and geotechnical engineering, MIT is a leader in civil engineering research. Stanford’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is renowned for its innovative research in transportation, infrastructure, and sustainable construction. Stanford offers interdisciplinary programs with opportunities for hands-on learning and internships in Silicon Valley. UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering consistently ranks among the best, and its Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is no different. Known for its cutting-edge research in structural engineering, environmental systems, and materials, UC Berkeley provides a comprehensive education in civil engineering.

Dreaming of designing eco-friendly cities, or creating bridges that last generations? Then civil engineering might just be your perfect path—and the USA is one of the best places to start. With world-class universities, and endless opportunities to get hands-on experience, studying civil engineering in the U.S. gives you both the knowledge and the tools to make a real impact. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from why the U.S. is a top destination for engineering students, to a full list of the top 50 universities, plus admission tips, tuition costs, and financial aid options.

Studying in the USA? Secure your accommodation hassle-free today! Thinking about becoming a civil engineer and wondering where to study? The USA might just be your perfect destination. From skyscrapers and bridges to smart cities and eco-friendly buildings, the U.S. is packed with real-life examples of engineering brilliance—and it’s also home to some of the world’s best civil engineering schools.

Studying civil engineering in the US means you’ll not only learn from top professors but also gain real experience, work on big projects, and open doors to exciting job opportunities all around the world. Let’s take a look at why the U.S. stands out when it comes to civil engineering education: Planning to study civil engineering in the United States? You’re not alone! With the U.S.

being a global leader in infrastructure development, innovation, and engineering research, it’s a top destination for aspiring civil engineers. But choosing the right university isn’t just about prestige—it’s also about finding the best value for your investment. To help you make a smart, informed decision, we’ve created this comprehensive and easy-to-follow table of the Top 50 Civil Engineering Universities in the USA for 2025: The undergraduate engineering program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys. To appear on an undergraduate engineering survey, a school must have an undergraduate engineering program accredited by ABET. The programs below are schools whose highest engineering degree offered is a bachelor's or master's.

Read the methodology » To unlock full rankings, expanded profiles and more, sign up for the U.S. News College Compass! Update: The 2026 rankings have been updated since the September 23, 2025 publication date. The updated rankings are noted below. For more information, please read this correction.

Create your own custom rankings of the Best Engineering (Doctorate Not Offered) recommended based on your preferences. Think about your ideal college experience as you take this five- minute quiz. Don't sweat it — you can continue to customize your list once you receive your school matches. Many college graduates like design and construction always want to study civil engineering. However, gaining admission into some of the best undergraduate civil engineering schools is usually arduous. Studying in any of the best schools for civil engineering will help you develop the skills you need to build a career.

Are you looking for the top civil engineering schools to pursue a career in? Then, this article is the right one for you. Here, you will choose the best engineering school considering tuition fees, program types, and location. However, civil engineering is the most common and, maybe, the oldest engineering profession. Civil engineering schools prepare students to enter the workforce after they receive an associate degree. Also, the entry requirements for those wishing to study civil engineering vary between schools.

Many top civil engineering schools ask for strong academic grades in mathematics and science subjects. Many courses in this field are highly selective and competitive due to the specialized nature of civil engineering.

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The undergraduate engineering program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys. To appear on an undergraduate engineering survey, a school must have an undergraduate engineering program accredited by ABET. The programs below are schools whose highest engineering degree offered is a bachelor's or master's. Read the methodology » To unlock full rankings, expanded profiles and more, sign...

Update: The 2026 Rankings Have Been Updated Since The September

Update: The 2026 rankings have been updated since the September 23, 2025 publication date. The updated rankings are noted below. For more information, please read this correction. Create your own custom rankings of the Best Engineering (Doctorate Not Offered) recommended based on your preferences. Think about your ideal college experience as you take this five- minute quiz. Don't sweat it — you ca...

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The school you get your certificates is a determinant factor in how you can build a successful career. Pulling through the walls of civil engineering is a challenging task. Therefore, make sure you find yourself in one of the top undergraduate civil engineering schools. If your passion is driven towards designs and construction, then, consider grooming this talent you have into something more prof...

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Stanford University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in civil engineering. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall. There were approximately 181 civil engineering students who graduated with this degr...