Career growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is expected to surge in the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are expected to grow by 13% during this period, highlighting their increasing importance amid advancing science and technology. This is why knowing which are the best STEM colleges to go to is important.
While 45% of STEM jobs are computer-based, the field also encompasses careers in engineering, life sciences, and mathematics. The Bureau predicts explosive growth in careers such as Architecture and Engineering, Life, Physical and Social Sciences, and Computers and Mathematics in the coming years.
STEM colleges offer a broad spectrum of courses, spanning from aerospace studies to marine biology, requiring careful consideration to find the ideal STEM focus for each student. In this blog, we will share relevant tips and insights on how to choose the best STEM college for you.
- What Are the Best STEM Colleges in the US?
- Tips for Getting into a Top STEM College
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Best STEM Colleges in the US?
It’s important to find a STEM college program that offers a variety of studies, exposing you to the variety of available STEM careers. Here is a list of the best STEM colleges and universities in the U.S:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: 4%
As the top-ranked engineering school in the country, MIT attracts some of the brightest minds in the world. With nearly 20 research centers on campus, you’ll have the chance to explore a wide range of topics, from ocean engineering and cancer research to nanotechnology—making it one of the best STEM colleges in the US.
MIT emphasizes hands-on learning through a framework of service to society, encouraging you to collaborate with faculty to solve global challenges. Founded in 1861, MIT has been at the forefront of technological advancement since the Industrial Revolution. You can choose from degrees such as:Â
- aeronautics and astronautics
- electrical engineering
- computer science
- nuclear science and engineering
2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Pasadena, CA
Acceptance rate: 3%
Founded in 1891, Caltech consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. Positioned just outside Los Angeles, Caltech is a world-renowned private institution and ranks #7 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
You’ll have unique opportunities to work with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), as well as NASA-owned telescopes like NuSTAR, Planck, Spitzer, and Galex. Caltech also receives research grants from top institutions, including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Health and Human Services—establishing it as one of the best STEM colleges in the US.
There are roughly 2,200 students at Caltech, with around 55% of them studying at the graduate level. The student-faculty ratio is at 3:1. With a smaller student body, you’ll benefit from close collaboration with faculty on research projects, making Caltech an ideal environment for deep academic exploration.
3. Stanford University – Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate: 4%
Stanford is well-known for making STEM fields accessible to everyone, thanks to its dedicated Office of STEM Outreach (OSO). This office is focused on increasing engagement, participation, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields—positioning itself among the best STEM colleges in the US.
Stanford also offers numerous STEM-related programs each year, giving you opportunities to further your development in the field, even as a high school student.
These programs are perfect for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills outside the classroom. Keep an eye on the latest opportunities to boost your academic journey.
4. Princeton University – Princeton, NJ
Acceptance rate: 6%
At Princeton, you’ll find a culture of support and engagement designed to help you succeed in STEM. The university focuses on promoting equity, access, and excellence in STEM by encouraging collaboration among administrators, students, and faculty.
You’ll have access to a wide variety of STEM classes and majors, ranging from science and technology to engineering and math. Princeton’s engineering department alone offers multiple specialties, including:Â
- chemical and biological engineering
- civil and environmental engineering
- computer science
- mechanical and aerospace engineering
5. Harvard University – Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: 3%
It’s no surprise that Harvard is included on this list. As one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard excels in everything it offers, including STEM majors.
STEM education at Harvard is focused on building critical 21st-century skills like collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. The university’s diverse STEM programs are designed to prepare you for the future labor market, equipping you with the tools you need to succeed.
Harvard offers countless STEM pathways, and your journey will depend on your chosen field of interest. No matter what you pursue, Harvard will help you excel in this ever-evolving field.
6. UC Berkeley – Berkeley, CA
Acceptance rate: 11%
UC Berkeley is renowned for offering one of the best liberal arts programs in the country, alongside a rigorous STEM curriculum. You can choose from several STEM-related departments, including:Â
- College of Chemistry
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences
- Bioengineering
The university’s Letters & Science College, the largest at UC Berkeley, houses over 60 departments spanning the social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, and more. With such a wide range of options, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find your perfect fit—proving itself worthy of being among the best STEM colleges in the US.
7. Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate: 11%
Carnegie Mellon is a global leader in engineering, computing, and science programs. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the College of Engineering ranks among the best in the world, while the Mellon College of Science and the Department of Mathematical Sciences share similar recognition.Â
At Carnegie Mellon, you’ll experience a strong STEM education with opportunities to collaborate on cross-disciplinary research. World-class instructors will challenge you while sharing with you the skills and insights you need to thrive in the professional world.
8. Harvey Mudd College – Claremont, CA
Acceptance rate: 13%
Though Harvey Mudd may not be as well-known as some of the other West Coast schools, it’s a top contender in STEM education. You’ll find a wide range of STEM majors across seven academic departments, including:Â
- biology
- chemistry
- computer science
- engineering
Harvey Mudd is also committed to increasing the number of women in STEM fields through its Women’s Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (WISTEM) initiative, which aims to create a more inclusive environment. This makes it one of the best STEM colleges.
9. University of California – San Diego, CA
Acceptance rate: 24%
UC San Diego offers a unique STEM focus with a strong emphasis on marine biology and oceanography. Located near the ocean, UCSD is perfect for students interested in hands-on learning through field trips to marine ecosystems like intertidal zones and salt marshes.
Originally established as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD has expanded into a full-fledged university offering programs in physical and biological sciences, engineering, medicine, and more. You can also explore its nationally ranked pharmaceutical sciences program.
10. Rice University – Houston, TX
Acceptance rate: 9%
Located in Houston’s Museum District, Rice University is a top-ranked institution with a special concentration in applied sciences and research. Three of its eight schools are devoted to STEM:Â
- George R. Brown School of Engineering
- School of Architecture
- Wiess School of Natural Sciences
With more than 50 undergraduate majors to choose from, Rice offers plenty of opportunities for research and collaboration in areas like chemical and biomolecular engineering, bioengineering, and civil and environmental engineering—proving itself as one of the best STEM colleges.
11. Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA
Acceptance rate: 16%
As one of the nation’s best technical and research institutions, Georgia Tech offers a rich history dating back to 1885. Its College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business are both highly ranked, while the Georgia Tech Research Institute conducts extensive research for industry and government.
Georgia Tech leads the way in shaping the economic shift toward information and technology. You’ll have access to a wide range of degree programs, including:
- biomedical engineering
- computational media
- aerospace engineering
Tips for Getting into a Top STEM College
If you already know that a degree in the STEM field is what you want to study in college, you’re already farther than three-fourths of students who have no idea what they want to study or who will change their mind at least once—and, sometimes, even more.
Now, the question is how to get into these top STEM colleges. There are steps you can start taking in high school to help increase your chances of getting admitted into the best STEM colleges. Here are a few:
1. Take STEM courses in high school.
By definition, STEM is a multidisciplinary field. As many of you might already know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Many high school courses fall under this large umbrella which is good news for students who are seeking to pursue a degree in this field.
This next point might sound obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Students interested in STEM majors should take as many STEM courses in high school as reasonably possible. What does that mean exactly?
Well, you can’t only take STEM classes, nor should you. Plus, you don’t want to take so many that your grades end up slipping. It’s not easy getting into college with a low GPA. High schoolers need to find that happy medium of challenging themselves with tough STEM courses while still getting excellent grades.
Taking Advanced Placement (AP) and honors STEM courses is an excellent choice. Admissions officers love to see students who push themselves by taking college-level courses. Plus, many of these classes have weighted GPAs which can help average out to better academic performance overall.
2. Participate in STEM-related extracurriculars.
GPA and academic performance are a fundamental part of the college admissions process. However, high schoolers shouldn’t underestimate the influence of extracurricular activities on their chances of getting into their top-pick schools. Admissions officers want to see that students are succeeding in and outside of the classroom.
One of the best areas to display your dedication and eagerness in the STEM field is by participating in related activities.
These could be clubs at school, local competitions, quizzes and tests, summer programs, internships, or anything else that takes place out of school. The key is finding something you enjoy that’s related to the STEM field.
Committing your free time to increase your knowledge in the field and developing new skills and abilities looks great on your application. It shows colleges and universities that you’re serious about pursuing a degree in the STEM field. Here are some excellent STEM-related extracurriculars to consider participating in.
- First Competitions. Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.
- Botball. Educational Robotics Program that engages middle and high school students in a team-oriented robotics competition.
- Vex Robotics Competition. The largest and fastest-growing middle and high school robotics program globally with over 20,000 teams from 50 countries playing in over 1700 competitions worldwide.
- Zero Robotics. A robotics programming competition where the robots are SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites) inside the International Space Station.
- Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is transforming how Congress views computer science and STEM.
- STEM Video Game Challenge. The challenge was launched in September of 2010 at the White House by President Obama.
- Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division.
- Genius Olympiad. GENIUS Olympiad promotes a global understanding of environmental issues and the achievement of sustainability through basic science, arts, creative writing, engineering, design, and business development.
- National Ocean Sciences Bowl. The NOSB is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable citizens and environmental stewards.
- Google Science Fair. Students submit a project in which science is used to help change the world.
- Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting results of their STEM projects to a panel of judges.
- Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Through a global network of local, regional and national science fairs, top students are selected from millions, all who have demonstrated their knowledge of science and engineering to further their understanding of the world and improve the way we work and live.
- Modeling the Future Challenge. To compete, students conduct their own research project modeling real-world data to analyze risks and make recommendations to companies, industry groups, governments, or organizations.
- Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament. Founded in 1998, HMMT is one of the largest and most prestigious high school competitions in the world. Each tournament draws close to 1000 students from around the globe, including top scorers at national and international olympiads.
3. Focus on all of your academic subjects.
When you’re positive about what degree to pursue in college, you might be tempted to focus all of your attention on classes related to that field. For example, as an aspiring STEM-degree holder, you might want to commit fully to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math classes while letting other courses fall by the wayside.
This is a risky bet and ill-advised since admissions officers look at your entire academic performance, not just classes related to your intended major.
So, hypothetically speaking, a student who received a 4.0 average in STEM classes but barely passed all other courses might have a harder time getting accepted than a student who did just above-average in all courses.
It’s important to strive for high academic performance across the board. It not only shows colleges that you’re a well-rounded student, but it also demonstrates your ability to stay organized, focused, determined, and consistent—all qualities that will help you in college.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some colleges with good science programs?
Schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Stanford University, and Carnegie Mellon University consistently rank among the top STEM colleges.
2. What unique programs or research opportunities can I expect at the best STEM colleges?
The best STEM colleges offer unique opportunities like undergraduate research programs, internships, and partnerships with government agencies or industry.
For example, Caltech manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, giving you the chance to work on space exploration projects. Carnegie Mellon is known for its interdisciplinary research in robotics and AI, and Stanford offers numerous outreach programs to increase access to STEM education.Â
3. Is criminal justice a stem major?
No, criminal justice is not considered a STEM major. STEM refers to fields in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while criminal justice typically falls under the social sciences or humanities.
Criminal justice programs focus on law enforcement, legal systems, criminology, and corrections, which are more related to social science disciplines.
Takeaways
- Some of the best STEM colleges in the US are MIT, Caltech, Stanford, Princeton, and Harvard.
- If you want to get into the best STEM colleges, you have to keep in mind that aside from taking STEM classes in high school, you also have to maintain good standing in your other grades. It’s important to strive for high academic performance across the board—this will impress admissions officers.
- Excited to enter your dream STEM college? We can help. With more than a decade of expertise, we at AdmissionSight have in-depth knowledge of the admissions process and real-world experience helping students succeed.
