10 Best STEM Colleges in the U.S. 2025

Undergraduate students can choose from many academically rigorous STEM schools offering financial aid, research projects, and other unique opportunities.

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational programs. Completing an undergraduate degree in one of these fields can lead to a thriving career as an engineer, chemist, and many more in-demand professions.

Stem graduates from top schools typically have completed hands-on research projects with faculty or community partners, which prepares them for further education or to enter the workforce. We discuss some of the top STEM schools in the U.S., exploring their unique incentives, such as research opportunities, financial aid, and more.

Top STEM Schools in the U.S.

Prospective STEM students have many schools to choose from. Below, we explore the top STEM colleges with financial aid, research opportunities, internships, and more unique academic initiatives.

1. California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (CalTech) is one of the top STEM colleges in the U.S. It offers 28 undergraduate degree options in fields such as:

biology
chemical engineering
astrophysics
electrical engineering
physics

Students can participate in many research opportunities due to the 1:1 ratio of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) instructors to students. Most undergraduates participate in the Undergraduate Research Fellowship during the summer term to gain valuable experience.

2. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a leading STEM college in New England. It was founded in Massachusetts in 1865 and has since become well-known for its project-based learning methods.

Since over 400 employers visit campus to recruit students every year, graduates of WPI have access to many great career opportunities. Also, undergraduates are automatically considered for institutional merit-based or need-based scholarships to help make earning a degree more affordable.

3. Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology is based in Chicago and offers 50 undergraduate programs in STEM fields. Students benefit from hands-on experience through several institutional programs, gaining career-ready skills and experiences.

The school's Elevate Program has students participate in internships, projects, mentorships, and research. Another program is the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program, which joins students of varying majors to solve real-world problems. Students gain teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills, which are useful for most jobs.

4. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University is a public university founded in 1885. The school offers dozens of undergraduate degrees in STEM fields.

Undergraduates can participate in many experiential research opportunities through school programs such as Senior Design, Enterprise, Pavlis Honors College, and the Alley Makerspace. Michigan Tech partners with well-known organizations, such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for research projects.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta is one of the top research institutions in the U.S., having been awarded over $1.37 billion in research awards annually. Undergraduates choose from various degree options, as the school offers many types of STEM majors as well as some humanities programs.

Students can apply for state and Georgia Tech scholarships, like the Zell Miller Scholarship or the HOPE Scholarship, to help lower tuition costs. Many undergraduates also participate in need-based work-study positions around campus to help pay for college.

6. Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college that offers STEM majors in engineering, science, and mathematics. Students receive a well-rounded curriculum that includes classes in the humanities and arts.

Students benefit from the low faculty-to-student ratios and hands-on learning experiences. Every undergraduate completes a research project in their senior year.

7. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a public research institution in Terre Haute, IN. Students can major in fields such as:

biochemistry
biomedical engineering
computer science
physics
optical engineering

Plenty of financial aid opportunities are available, including the Noblitt Scholars Program. This award is given to 40 incoming first-year students and includes significant financial assistance, unique academic experiences, and leadership opportunities.

8. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is one of the oldest universities in the U.S. and offers many STEM programs. Undergraduates can study subjects such as:

aerospace engineering
biomolecular science
biology
chemical engineering
environmental engineering

STEM students have opportunities to complete research projects with experts. Specifically, students across all academic fields can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, a year-long research project with faculty or community partners.

9. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private global research institution with campuses in Pittsburgh, Qatar, and Silicon Valley. Students can major in numerous STEM fields as well as social sciences, humanities, and fine arts.

Many financial assistance opportunities are available, as Carnegie Mellon has committed over $141.1 million to undergraduate aid. Students whose families earn under $75k annually can even attend school for free.

10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research institution that offers many STEM degrees. Students can study aerospace engineering, biochemistry, or computer science, among many other options.

There are many need-based and merit scholarships available for STEM students. Scholarship recipients in the Grainger College of Engineering typically receive between $3,000 and $15,000 every year.

Our Selection Criteria for STEM Rankings

Students interested in exploring STEM degrees can choose from many universities. To narrow down the options, we selected top schools based on several ranking factors.

Accreditation: All schools on this list are accredited.
Program type: We chose schools that specifically offer a range of STEM bachelor's degrees.
Academic excellence: The schools on this list are committed to academic excellence. They offer various opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research, mentorship, or leadership programs.

What Are STEM Programs?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These interrelated fields require soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Undergraduate STEM programs help students deepen these skills and prepare for technical careers. Some of the possible fields include but are not limited to:

chemistry
physics
environmental science
mathematics
civil engineering
aerospace engineering
actuarial science
computational mathematics

What Is the Best STEM Degree To Get?

Determining the best STEM degree to pursue depends on individual career goals and interests. Each degree offers unique opportunities and aligns with different sectors, so it's essential to consider the future.

For undergrads interested in technology and innovation, a degree in computer science may be ideal since this field is rapidly growing at a 26% rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, students drawn to problem-solving and design may be better suited for enrolling in an engineering program. Meanwhile, students passionate about research and scientific discovery would likely find a degree in biology, chemistry, or environmental science to be the best fit.

Read On: Easiest STEM Majors

Find a STEM College Near You

If you're interested in pursuing a STEM program, check out all of the best colleges in your state below. Contact each school for more info about the admissions process or financial aid opportunities.