Best Engineering Schools in the Midwest 2025: Career Guide

The Midwest has long been recognized as a powerhouse for its engineering education. It’s been the home of renowned universities and advanced research institutions.

As 2025 continues to be a highly competitive year for applicants, students are turning to this region for academic excellence and strong career prospects.

With major STEM employers like 3M, Caterpillar, and Collins Aerospace headquartered in the Midwest, there are many opportunities for internships, hands-on experience, and post-graduation employment.

Key Takeaways

• The Midwest is a top destination for engineering education with affordable tuition, strong research institutions, and nationally recognized programs.
• Students gain internship opportunities through university partnerships with STEM employers, including Caterpillar, John Deere, and Boeing.
• Schools like UND, UUIC, Purdue, Michigan Tech, and others provide a strong academic foundation and innovative industries.

Top Engineering Schools in the Midwest

The Midwest is home to some of the nation’s most prominent engineering schools, featuring world-class faculty, strong industry connections, and rigorous engineering programs.

Whether you’re interested in aerospace, civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering, the schools listed below offer the resources to succeed in the field.

1. University of North Dakota (UND)

The University of North Dakota (UND), located in Grand Forks, is a well-established public research university with affordable tuition and high academic standards. Through its College of Engineering and Mines (CEM), UND provides a student-focused learning environment with small class sizes and strong faculty support.

What sets UND apart is its strong network of industry connections and its commitment to real-world learning. Many engineering students participate in internships, co-ops, and senior design projects with notable companies such as NASA, 3M, Collins Aerospace, and John Deere.

The university is also home to major research initiatives, including the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). It also collaborates with government agencies and private industry on multi-million dollar projects related to clean energy, sustainability, and innovation.

UND is essential in the Red River Valley Research Corridor and is recognized for its leadership in aerospace through the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. These connections give students access to advanced research, technology, and engineering career opportunities.

UND offers a wide variety of engineering degrees, including:

• Aerospace Engineering BS program
• Biomedical Engineering BS program
• Chemical Engineering BS program
• Civil Engineering BS program
• Cybersecurity Engineering BS program
• Electrical Engineering BS program

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is ranked among the top public universities in the United States. Grainger College of Engineering is recognized for its comprehensive education in the country.

UIUC offers engineering disciplines like computer, electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, industrial, and biological engineering.

Students at UIUC benefit from a strong academic foundation with real-world applications. The university maintains partnerships with Intel, ADM, and Caterpillar for startup activity and tech innovation in the Midwest.

UIUC is also essential for national research efforts through affiliations with organizations like the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and the Discovery Partners Institute.

3. Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public research institution with an excellent reputation in engineering. It offers a wide variety of high-ranking undergraduate and graduate programs.

Purdue places a significant emphasis on innovation and applied research skills, which then draws students’ attention from all around the world. It offers degrees in aerospace, mechanical, agricultural, and biological engineering.

The university’s programs have state-of-the-art facilities and an extensive network of alumni working in engineering and technology roles. Purdue maintains connections with Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and Cummins.

4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a flagship public university known for its large-scale research output. The school has a diverse student body and maintains a strong presence in traditional and emerging fields of engineering. 

Michigan’s engineering strengths include mechanical, aerospace, and robotics engineering. Its programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating engineering with medicine, public policy, and sustainability. 

The university partners with industry leaders like Ford, General Motors, and Siemens. It’s also involved in research initiatives funded by the NSF and NIH. It also provides students with strong access to internships, research opportunities, and career pathways across established companies. 

5. University of Wisconsin–Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a premier research university renowned for its strong academic reputation and vibrant campus life. The school provides strong programs in mechanical, biomedical, electrical, chemical, and civil engineering.

Students are encouraged to engage in research and hands-on projects during their early academic careers. Wisconsin-Madison maintains close relationships with industry and government agencies through institutes like the Wisconsin Energy Institute and the Grainger Institute for Engineering.

6. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a well-regarded public university with one of the largest engineering colleges in the U.S. The school offers a practical, research-driven approach to engineering.

Students can choose from a wide variety of disciplines, including mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, and industrial engineering. One key strength is its connection to the Ames National Laboratory, a Department of Energy facility on campus.

These partnerships and industry collaborations create opportunities for career readiness and hands-on learning. 

7. Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)

Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) is a specialized public university that focuses on engineering, science, and technology. Its programs are known for academic excellence and an emphasis on experiential learning.

Key disciplines include mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering. The university also offers unique programs in mining and geological engineering.

Missouri S&T supports applied learning through student design teams and project-based courses. Its industry connections and access to research projects prepare students in traditional and specialized areas. 

8. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University is a public research university in Houghton, Michigan, with strong technical programs. The College of Engineering provides a project-based curriculum designed to prepare students for future careers.

Popular programs include mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental, and computer engineering. Michigan Tech offers students real-life projects and job placement opportunities through its Enterprise Program and partnerships with companies like GM. 

The close-knit campus environment supports academic and personal growth for students. 

9. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a major public research university that combines academic excellence with a range of internship opportunities. Engineering options include aerospace, biomedical, mechanical, civil, and computer engineering. 

The school also fosters interdisciplinary work across disciplines such as sustainability, public health, and technology. Its unique facilities, such as the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory and the Minnesota Nano Center, offer students the opportunity to conduct research and develop innovative solutions. 

10. Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)

Illinois Tech is a private research university in Chicago that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied engineering. The Armour College of Engineering provides a focused and hands-on approach to engineering.

Key programs include biomedical, mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering. The school offers a strong foundation in cybersecurity, power systems, and aerospace engineering.

Students also benefit from experiential learning through the Elevate program and access to tech entrepreneurship through the Kaplan Institute. Illinois Tech gives students direct access to industry connections, networks, and research opportunities in Chicago.

How to Choose the Right Engineering School

Choosing the right engineering school can feel overwhelming, but narrowing your options gets easier when you know what to look for. Start by looking at the location of your school, whether you want to be close to home or explore a new city or country. Think about the weather, living costs, and travel distance.

Next, explore each school’s engineering specializations. Some universities excel in mechanical or civil engineering, while others lead in computer, aerospace, or environmental engineering. Make sure the program matches your interests and career goals.

Class size is another important factor, where smaller classes may offer more individualized support from faculty staff. On the other hand, larger universities might provide access to more research opportunities and labs. Consider internship programs, industry connections, and job placement opportunities, as each makes a difference in life after graduation.

Whenever possible, visiting campuses or attending virtual tours can help you feel the academic atmosphere. Speak with current students or alumni about social life, support services, or the studying experience. The right engineering school offers a strong educational foundation and a place where you can succeed.

Engineering Excellence Awaits in the Midwest

The Midwest continues to be home to high-quality, affordable engineering education. Strong partnerships, supportive communities, and respected academic programs can be perfect additions to your engineering career. 

Among the top choices, the University of North Dakota (UND) delivers hands-on learning, innovative research opportunities, and a welcoming environment that prepares students for the real world.

If you’re ready to build your future with passion and purpose, join one of the Midwest’s leading schools of engineering. Apply to UND today and take advantage of every opportunity!

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