Top 10 Engineering Schools With High Acceptance Rates 2026

Engineering degrees can lead to lucrative careers in many different fields. Unfortunately, students who struggled in high school may feel that they don't have a pathway to earning an engineering degree.

While it's true that some engineering schools are highly exclusive, there are also engineering schools with high acceptance rates. Keep reading to learn more about colleges with good engineering programs and high acceptance rates.

How Competitive Are Engineering Schools?

Schools that offer engineering programs range in competitiveness. Some of the most well-known schools, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) or Stanford University, have acceptance rates of 5% or less. However, there are many other schools that offer engineering programs and have an acceptance rate of over 90%.

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for an Engineering School?

A high acceptance rate at any school is generally considered to be anything over 50%, meaning they accept more applicants than they reject. But many schools with engineering programs have far higher acceptance rates, with over 100 schools accepting 90% of students or more.

What Are the Easiest Engineering Schools To Get Into?

Colleges that offer multiple engineering degrees and also have high acceptance rates include:

• Harding University: 99% acceptance rate
• University of Texas El Paso: 100% acceptance rate
• South Dakota State University: 99% acceptance rate

Best Engineering Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates

A high acceptance rate school is a great option if your high school grades or test scores aren't ideal. Below, we've highlighted some excellent schools that offer various engineering programs and have high acceptance rates.

1. Harding University

Harding University is a private Christian school in Searcy, AR. It offers several bachelor's degrees in engineering, including degrees in:

• biomedical engineering
• civil engineering
• computer engineering
• mechanical engineering

To apply, students will need to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores, and a reference. The school admitted all applicants in the most recently reported school year.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $25,962 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

2. University of Texas at El Paso

At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering. Fields of engineering for bachelor's degrees include aerospace and aeronautical engineering, construction engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and metallurgical and materials engineering.

UTEP, a public research university, is located in El Paso, TX. Applicants are assessed based on class rank and their ACT or SAT scores, but students who do not meet the minimum can still gain acceptance through the school's probationary review admissions program.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Estimated tuition cost: $9,744 per year (in-state); $25,502 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ABET

3. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University offers bachelor's through doctoral degrees in engineering in fields like agricultural and biosystems engineering, electrical engineering, healthcare systems engineering, and mechanical engineering. SDSU is a public research university in Brookings, SD.

Freshmen qualify for admission if they meet one of the following: a high school GPA of at least 2.6, at least an 18 on the ACT or a 970 on the SAT math and critical reading sections, graduated in the top 60% of their graduating class, or score a level three or higher on the math and English language arts Smarter Balance Assessment.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• Estimated tuition cost: $9,299 per year (in-state); $12,809 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC, ABET

4. Liberty University

The undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees at Liberty University are available in online and on-campus formats. At the bachelor's level, students can earn degrees in civil engineering or industrial engineering technology online and options like computer, electrical, and industrial engineering on campus.

Liberty, located in Lynchburg, VA, is a conservative evangelical school. Both online and in-person students need to submit their high school transcripts, and other items may be required on a case-by-case basis.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• Estimated tuition cost: $22,362 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ABET

5. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) is a public research university in Oxford, MS. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering, including degrees in fields like:

• chemical engineering
• computer engineering
• geological engineering
• mechanical engineering

Applicants will need to submit their high school transcripts, and those below a certain GPA are required to submit test scores. Those whose test scores fall below certain limits will need to enroll in developmental courses.

• Acceptance rate: 98%
• Estimated tuition cost: $9,772 per year (in-state); $28,600 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ABET

6. Oklahoma Christian University

Students at Oklahoma Christian University (OC) can earn bachelor's or master's degrees in engineering. Bachelor's degrees are available in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering.

OC, a private Christian school, is located in Edmond, OK. Students will need to send in their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores with their applications.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $27,180 per year
• Accreditation: HLC, ABET

7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offers bachelor's through doctoral degrees in areas like civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics and robotics engineering.. SIUE is a public university in Edwardsville, IL.

Students with a cumulative 2.6 high school GPA, a cumulative 2.0 high school GPA, and a 990 SAT or 19 ACT, or who rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, will be automatically admitted to SIUE. Students with a GPA of 2.0 to 2.59 will have their application reviewed by a committee.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $12,922 per year
• Accreditation: HLC, ABET

8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering are available through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). Several engineering fields are available, including aerospace engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

UCCS, located in Colorado Springs, CO, is a public research institution. First-year students will need to submit their high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT test scores are optional but encouraged.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $10,149 per year (in-state); $24,336 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC, ABET

9. University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is a public research institution in Laramie, WY. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields of engineering like:

• architectural engineering
• environmental engineering
• energy and petroleum engineering
• mechanical engineering

For assured admission, a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 is required. Students with a GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 are admitted with support. Test scores are optional for admission, but can help you secure better financial aid.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,768 per year (in-state); $24,178 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC, ABET

10. California State University, Fresno

Through the Lyles College of Engineering at California State University Fresno (Fresno State), students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering. Areas of study include civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fresno State, a public research university, is located in Fresno, CA. Applicants must submit their high school transcript that shows they completed core high school coursework.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,350 per year (in-state); $19,950 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ABET

Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools With High Acceptance Rates

Admission requirements for schools with engineering programs and high acceptance rates can vary. Most require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent, or to be in the process of finishing their diploma. Other requirements may include:

• a minimum high school GPA
• ACT/SAT test scores
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays

Note that some schools may have additional requirements for students entering an engineering program, such as prerequisite college coursework.

FAQs About Engineering Schools With High Acceptance Rates

A school with a high acceptance rate can help you reach your engineering goals even if you struggled in high school. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about schools with engineering programs and high acceptance rates.

Are There Any Engineering Schools With a 100% Acceptance Rate?

Two schools with engineering degrees have a 100% acceptance rate: Harding University and the University of Texas at El Paso. The University of Mississippi and Liberty University follow with 99% acceptance rates.

What Is the #1 School in the U.S. for Undergraduate Engineering?

The number one school for undergraduate engineering in the U.S. depends on who you ask, but common answers include:

• MIT
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

What Is the Hardest Engineering To Get Into?

The hardest engineering schools to get into are Caltech and Harvard University, which both have acceptance rates of 3%. Columbia University, Princeton University, and Stanford University all have acceptance rates of 4%.

What Is the Easiest Engineering Major?

The easiest engineering major will depend on your skill set and aptitudes. For students who struggle with physics and advanced math, some ''easier degrees'' might include:

• industrial engineering, as it's more focused on systems and efficiency
• environmental engineering, as it's often less technical than other fields
• software engineering, as it requires different math fields and less physics

However, some students may be good with math and physics but struggle in areas like problem-solving. The best way to determine which major will be easy for you is to reflect on your skills and research the different options available.

Explore Engineering Programs

Start your journey toward an engineering career by exploring the high-acceptance schools listed above. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.