Best Tech Universities in the USA: 2026 Ranking
Technology and engineering studies in the United States open doors to the world’s most innovative industries. American universities dominate global STEM rankings, and their graduates create groundbreaking technologies in Silicon Valley, NASA, and research laboratories worldwide. For international students planning the application process for studies in the USA in technical fields, the ranking below will help them choose the best university to match their ambitions. It’s also worth familiarizing yourself with the cost of studying in the USA and available scholarships.
Top 50 Technology Universities in the USA (2026 Ranking)
| Rank | University | State | Type | Acceptance Rate 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Massachusetts | Private | ~3.9% |
| 2 | Stanford University | California | Private | ~3.7% |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | California | Public | ~11.6% |
| 4 | Harvard University | Massachusetts | Private | ~3.6% |
| 5 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | California | Private | ~3.1% |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia | Public | ~16% |
| 7 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania | Private | ~11% |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | California | Public | ~8.8% |
| 9 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Illinois | Public | ~43% |
| 10 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas | Public | ~29% |
| 11 | Purdue University | Indiana | Public | ~49% |
| 12 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Michigan | Public | ~18% |
| 13 | Cornell University | New York | Private | ~8.7% |
| 14 | Princeton University | New Jersey | Private | ~5.7% |
| 15 | Columbia University | New York | Private | ~3.9% |
| 16 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | California | Public | ~24% |
| 17 | Texas A&M University | Texas | Public | ~57% |
| 18 | Northwestern University | Illinois | Private | ~7% |
| 19 | Yale University | Connecticut | Private | ~4.6% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania | Public | ~55% |
| 21 | University of Washington | Washington | Public | ~48% |
| 22 | University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Private | ~5.4% |
| 23 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Wisconsin | Public | ~49% |
| 24 | University of Southern California | California | Private | ~9.9% |
| 25 | Johns Hopkins University | Maryland | Private | ~7% |
| 26 | Michigan State University | Michigan | Public | ~78% |
| 27 | University of Maryland, College Park | Maryland | Public | ~44% |
| 28 | Ohio State University | Ohio | Public | ~53% |
| 29 | University of Chicago | Illinois | Private | ~5.2% |
| 30 | University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) | California | Public | ~26% |
| 31 | Duke University | North Carolina | Private | ~5% |
| 32 | Arizona State University | Arizona | Public | ~88% |
| 33 | University of Florida | Florida | Public | ~23% |
| 34 | University of Minnesota Twin Cities | Minnesota | Public | ~65% |
| 35 | University of California, Davis | California | Public | ~37% |
| 36 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | North Carolina | Public | ~17% |
| 37 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Massachusetts | Public | ~64% |
| 38 | Rice University | Texas | Private | ~7.7% |
| 39 | University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado | Public | ~80% |
| 40 | University of California, Irvine | California | Public | ~21% |
| 41 | University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) | Illinois | Public | ~73% |
| 42 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Jersey | Public | ~66% |
| 43 | University of Virginia | Virginia | Public | ~19% |
| 44 | University of Arizona | Arizona | Public | ~87% |
| 45 | Iowa State University | Iowa | Public | ~91% |
| 46 | Colorado State University | Colorado | Public | ~90% |
| 47 | University of California, Riverside | California | Public | ~65% |
| 48 | Boston University | Massachusetts | Private | ~11% |
| 49 | University of Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | Public | ~57% |
| 50 | University of Georgia | Georgia | Public | ~39% |
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering excellent engineering and technology programs. MIT is a leader in many fields of technology, such as computer engineering, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The university is renowned for its innovative approach to learning and research, placing a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity and innovation. MIT boasts many leading laboratories and research centers, such as the MIT Media Lab and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), which conduct advanced research on future technologies. Annual tuition at MIT for the 2025/2026 academic year is approximately $65,500 USD, but the university offers a generous financial aid program – over 60% of students receive scholarships. If you are interested in applying to MIT, please refer to our guide: how to get into MIT. It is also worth considering what SAT score will be required – the median at MIT is 1540-1580.
2. Stanford University
Stanford University is a leading technology university that offers excellent engineering and technology programs. Stanford is renowned for its strong programs in computer, electrical, mechanical, and materials engineering. The university is known for its excellent approach to innovation, collaboration with industry, and strong ties to Silicon Valley, making it an ideal place for future engineers and technologists. Stanford University offers a wide range of research laboratories, such as the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), which conduct pioneering research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and medical technologies. The cost of studying at Stanford in 2025/2026 is approximately $65,000 USD in tuition per year, but Stanford practices need-blind admission and covers 100% of demonstrated financial need. Check out how to get into Stanford and browse the best programs at Stanford.
3. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is one of the most prestigious public universities in the USA, offering excellent programs in engineering and technology. Berkeley is particularly known for its strong programs in electrical, computer, materials, and chemical engineering. The university places a strong emphasis on research and innovation, making its engineering programs among the best in the world. Berkeley supports research and development through numerous research centers, such as Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence, energy technologies, and nanotechnology. As a public university, Berkeley offers relatively affordable tuition for California residents (approximately $15,000 USD per year), while for international students, tuition is approximately $48,000 USD per year (2025/2026).
4. Harvard University
Harvard University, though more known for the arts and humanities and social sciences, also offers excellent engineering and technology programs that rank among the world’s best. Harvard offers programs in fields such as biomedical engineering, materials engineering, and computer engineering. The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity, combining engineering with biological sciences, medicine, and other scientific fields. Harvard supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. If you are considering applying, please refer to the guide: how to get into Harvard and a comparison of Harvard vs MIT vs Stanford.
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a small but exceptionally prestigious university, known for its excellent engineering and science programs. Caltech offers programs such as electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering, and its research programs are among the most advanced in the world. Caltech places a strong emphasis on fundamental research, and its laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Caltech supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which conducts advanced research in space technologies, and the Resnick Sustainability Institute, which focuses on research into sustainable development technologies. With only about 1,000 undergraduate students, Caltech offers an exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio (3:1), allowing for intensive research collaboration from the first year of study.
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology, known as Georgia Tech, is a leading technology university that offers excellent engineering and science programs. Georgia Tech specializes in fields such as computer engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and industrial engineering. The university places a strong emphasis on the practical application of technology, making it an ideal place for individuals who wish to develop their engineering skills in the context of real industrial problems. Georgia Tech supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM). As a public university, Georgia Tech offers competitive tuition – approximately $14,000 USD for residents and approximately $34,000 USD for international students per year (2025/2026).
7. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is one of the most prestigious technology universities, known for its excellent programs in computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. CMU is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, combining engineering with other scientific fields, making it one of the leaders in technological innovation. Programs such as computer engineering, computer science, and materials engineering are among the best in the world. Carnegie Mellon operates numerous research centers, such as the Robotics Institute and the Software Engineering Institute, which conduct pioneering research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the leading public universities in the USA, offering excellent engineering and technology programs. UCLA specializes in fields such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials engineering. UCLA supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Institute for Digital Research and Education and the California NanoSystems Institute, which conduct advanced research in digital technologies, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering.
9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is one of the most renowned public universities in the USA, offering excellent programs in engineering and technology. UIUC specializes in fields such as computer engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, and chemical engineering. UIUC supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Coordinated Science Laboratory and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, which conduct advanced research in computer engineering, nanotechnology, and energy technologies.
10. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most prestigious public universities in the USA, offering excellent engineering and technology programs. The university specializes in fields such as petroleum engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. UT Austin supports research development through numerous research centers, such as the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) and the Cockrell School of Engineering, which conduct advanced research in energy technologies, computer engineering, and materials engineering.
11-20. Remaining Universities in the Top Twenty
Purdue University (rank 11) – a leading technical university known for excellent programs in aerospace, mechanical, and computer engineering. Purdue boasts many alumni who work at NASA and Boeing.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (rank 12) – a renowned public university with excellent programs in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering. The Michigan Robotics Institute conducts pioneering research.
Cornell University (rank 13) – a prestigious Ivy League university with strong programs in computer and materials engineering.
Princeton University (rank 14) – one of the most prestigious universities in the world with excellent programs in chemical and materials engineering.
Columbia University (rank 15) – an Ivy League university in New York with strong programs in computer and biomedical engineering.
UCSD (rank 16) – a leading public university with excellent programs in nanotechnology and neuroengineering.
Texas A&M University (rank 17) – one of the largest public universities with strong programs in petroleum and mechanical engineering.
Northwestern University (rank 18) – a prestigious private university with pioneering research in nanotechnology.
Yale University (rank 19) – an Ivy League university with growing programs in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology.
Pennsylvania State University (rank 20) – a renowned public university with strong programs in materials and mechanical engineering.
21-30. Strong Engineering Universities
University of Washington (rank 21) – a leading public university with excellent programs in computer science and computer engineering. Its proximity to Microsoft and Amazon headquarters creates unique internship and employment opportunities.
University of Pennsylvania (rank 22) – an Ivy League university with a strong GRASP Lab conducting pioneering research in robotics.
University of Wisconsin-Madison (rank 23), USC (rank 24), Johns Hopkins University (rank 25) – the latter particularly excels in biomedical engineering and medical technologies.
Michigan State University (rank 26), University of Maryland (rank 27), Ohio State University (rank 28), University of Chicago (rank 29), UCSB (rank 30) – each of these universities offers specializations in various fields of engineering, from energy technologies to optoelectronics.
31-40. Universities with Outstanding Specializations
Duke University (rank 31) – excellent programs in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. Arizona State University (rank 32) – one of the fastest-growing universities in the USA with an innovative approach to STEM education. University of Florida (rank 33), University of Minnesota (rank 34), UC Davis (rank 35) – universities with strong research programs and industry collaboration.
UNC Chapel Hill (rank 36) focuses on innovative research in biomedical engineering. UMass Amherst (rank 37) is known for its programs in robotics and artificial intelligence. Rice University (rank 38) – a prestigious private university in Texas with an individualized approach to students. CU Boulder (rank 39) stands out for its collaboration with NASA. UC Irvine (rank 40) – strong programs in microelectronics and biomedicine.
41-50. Solid Engineering Programs
UIC (rank 41), Rutgers University (rank 42), University of Virginia (rank 43), University of Arizona (rank 44), Iowa State University (rank 45), Colorado State University (rank 46), UC Riverside (rank 47), Boston University (rank 48), University of Pittsburgh (rank 49), University of Georgia (rank 50) – each of these universities offers solid engineering programs with unique specializations, from optical technologies (Arizona) to sustainable development (Colorado State) to agricultural engineering (Iowa State and Georgia).
How to choose the right technology university?
Choosing a technology university is one of the most important educational decisions. Here are some key criteria:
- Specialization – each university has its strengths. MIT and Stanford dominate in AI and computer science, Caltech in space sciences, Georgia Tech in industrial engineering.
- Costs and scholarships – the cost of studying in the USA varies drastically between public and private universities. Check out scholarships for international students.
- Location and industry connections – proximity to Silicon Valley (Stanford, Berkeley), Boston (MIT, Harvard), or Research Triangle (Duke) can be significant for internships and careers.
- Career prospects – graduates of these universities are highly valued in the job market. Learn more about careers after prestigious universities.
International students interested in technical studies in the USA are encouraged to seek assistance from College Council, which can help with university selection, preparation for the SAT exam, and the entire application process. You can also prepare for exams on the Prepclass.io platform.
Read also
- Best Universities in the USA: Arts and Humanities
- Best University in the USA: Harvard, MIT, or Stanford?
- Student Life at Stanford – Campus, Dorms, and Extracurricular Activities
- Ivy League – The Elite League of American Universities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best technology university in the USA?
According to most 2026 rankings, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranks first among technology universities in the USA, ahead of Stanford University and Caltech.
How much do technology studies cost in the USA?
Tuition at private technology universities (MIT, Stanford, Caltech) is approximately $60,000-$67,000 USD per year (2025/2026). Public universities are less expensive – from approximately $12,000 USD (residents) to approximately $48,000 USD (international students) per year. Many universities offer scholarships and financial aid programs.
Can international students get scholarships for technology studies in the USA?
Yes. Many top universities (MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Caltech) apply need-blind or need-aware admission policies for international students and cover a significant portion of the costs. International students can also apply for Fulbright scholarships and other support programs.
What SAT score is needed for the best technology universities?
For top-ranked universities (MIT, Stanford, Caltech), the median SAT score is 1540-1580 out of 1600. For universities ranked 10-30, a score of 1400-1500 is competitive. Public universities outside the top ten often accept scores of 1200-1400.
What does the application process for technology universities in the USA look like?
The process includes submitting an application through the Common App or a coalition platform, SAT/ACT scores, application essays, letters of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities, and academic transcripts. The early application (Early Decision/Action) deadline is usually November, and the regular deadline is January.
Which public university is best for technology studies?
UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor consistently rank among the top public technology universities. They offer world-class education at lower tuition rates than private universities.
