30 Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering in USA 2024

Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering is all about finding ways to protect our environment by improving things like water and air quality, managing waste, and creating sustainable systems. Here’s a list of the 30 best colleges for environmental engineering in USA 2024, including details about GPA, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, requirements, job prospects, and what makes each program special.

1. Stanford University

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1495
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 4.3%
Requirements: Excellent grades, high test scores, and strong background in science and math.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in government agencies, consulting firms, and environmental organizations, focusing on sustainability and conservation projects.
Academic Highlights: Stanford offers state-of-the-art labs and research opportunities in areas like water treatment, air pollution, and renewable energy. Students can participate in hands-on projects and internships with leading companies and organizations.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

GPA: 4.0
Median SAT: 1530
Median ACT: 35
Acceptance Rate: 6.7%
Requirements: Exceptional grades, top test scores, and strong interest in environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Many graduates become environmental consultants, engineers, and researchers working on cutting-edge environmental technologies.
Academic Highlights: MIT’s program focuses on innovative solutions to environmental challenges, with extensive research opportunities in areas like climate change, sustainable design, and environmental policy. Students have access to advanced facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration.

3. University of California, Berkeley

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 16.8%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UC Berkeley offers comprehensive courses in water resources, air quality, and ecological engineering. The program emphasizes real-world applications and provides numerous opportunities for fieldwork and research.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

GPA: 4.0
Median SAT: 1550
Median ACT: 35
Acceptance Rate: 6.4%
Requirements: Outstanding grades, top test scores, and a strong background in science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and high-tech companies focusing on environmental innovations.
Academic Highlights: Caltech’s program integrates rigorous scientific training with practical engineering solutions. Students engage in cutting-edge research on environmental systems, sustainability, and technological advancements.

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5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in engineering firms, environmental agencies, and research organizations, addressing issues like water quality and waste management.
Academic Highlights: The program offers a strong foundation in core engineering principles, with specialized courses in environmental systems and sustainability. Students benefit from hands-on learning and extensive research opportunities.

6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 22.9%
Requirements: High grades, good test scores, and a strong interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in government, industry, and non-profit sectors, focusing on environmental protection and sustainability projects.
Academic Highlights: Michigan’s program includes courses in environmental chemistry, water resources, and air pollution control. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

7. Georgia Institute of Technology

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1460
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 20.6%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for solving environmental problems.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work as environmental engineers, consultants, and researchers, developing sustainable solutions for various environmental challenges.
Academic Highlights: Georgia Tech offers a robust curriculum in environmental engineering, with courses in sustainable design, water quality, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and research projects.

8. University of Texas at Austin

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 31.8%
Requirements: High academic performance, good test scores, and a strong interest in environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers comprehensive courses in environmental engineering, with a focus on water resources, air quality, and waste management. Students benefit from hands-on learning and numerous research opportunities.

9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 14.3%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UCLA’s program focuses on practical solutions to environmental problems, with extensive research opportunities in areas like water quality, air pollution, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

10. University of Florida

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 31.1%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research organizations, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: The program offers a strong foundation in core engineering principles, with specialized courses in environmental systems, water resources, and waste management. Students benefit from hands-on learning and extensive research opportunities.

11. University of Washington

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1340
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 51.8%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UW offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

12. Virginia Tech

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 66.3%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: Virginia Tech offers a robust curriculum in environmental engineering, with courses in sustainable design, water quality, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and research projects.

13. Carnegie Mellon University

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 15.4%
Requirements: High academic performance, excellent test scores, and a strong interest in environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in government, industry, and non-profit sectors, focusing on environmental protection and sustainability projects.
Academic Highlights: CMU’s program includes courses in environmental chemistry, water resources, and air pollution control. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

14. University of Wisconsin-Madison

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 57.2%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UW-Madison offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

15. Texas A&M University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 63.0%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research organizations, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: The program offers a strong foundation in core engineering principles, with specialized courses in environmental systems, water resources, and waste management. Students benefit from hands-on learning and extensive research opportunities.

Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering in USA

16. University of California, Davis

GPA:

3.8
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 39.1%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UC Davis offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

17. Purdue University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1290
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 59.8%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: Purdue offers a robust curriculum in environmental engineering, with courses in sustainable design, water quality, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and research projects.

18. University of Colorado Boulder

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 78.4%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: CU Boulder offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

19. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 56.7%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UMN offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

20. Pennsylvania State University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1290
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 49.1%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research organizations, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: Penn State offers a strong foundation in core engineering principles, with specialized courses in environmental systems, water resources, and waste management. Students benefit from hands-on learning and extensive research opportunities.

21. Clemson University

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 47.2%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: Clemson offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

22. University of Maryland, College Park

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 44.1%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UMD offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

23. North Carolina State University

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1310
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 46.9%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: NC State offers a robust curriculum in environmental engineering, with courses in sustainable design, water quality, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and research projects.

24. University of Southern California (USC)

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 11.4%
Requirements: High academic performance, excellent test scores, and a strong interest in environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in government, industry, and non-profit sectors, focusing on environmental protection and sustainability projects.
Academic Highlights: USC’s program includes courses in environmental chemistry, water resources, and air pollution control. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

25. University of Notre Dame

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 15.8%
Requirements: High academic performance, excellent test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: Notre Dame offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

26. Ohio State University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 53.7%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research organizations, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: OSU offers a strong foundation in core engineering principles, with specialized courses in environmental systems, water resources, and waste management. Students benefit from hands-on learning and extensive research opportunities.

27. University of Arizona

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 84.6%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: Arizona offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

28. University of Utah

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1260
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 62.1%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a keen interest in environmental engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental protection.
Academic Highlights: Utah offers a robust curriculum in environmental engineering, with courses in sustainable design, water quality, and environmental policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and research projects.

29. University of Iowa

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1260
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 83.7%
Requirements: Good academic performance, solid test scores, and a passion for environmental issues.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: Iowa offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students can engage in fieldwork and internships with leading organizations.

30. University of Connecticut

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1310
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
Requirements: Strong academic record, good test scores, and a passion for environmental science and engineering.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in government, private industry, and non-profits, addressing environmental problems and promoting sustainability.
Academic Highlights: UConn offers a comprehensive program in environmental engineering, with courses in water quality, air pollution control, and ecological engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and can participate in interdisciplinary research projects.

Best Universities for Environmental Engineering – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for environmental engineering is a critical step toward a rewarding career in solving environmental challenges. The top 30 Best Universities for Environmental Engineering above provide robust academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and promising professional outcomes. With strong foundations in core engineering principles and specialized courses in environmental systems, water resources, and sustainability, these institutions prepare students to excel in various sectors, including government, private industry, and non-profits. By considering factors like GPA, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, and unique program highlights, you can identify the best college to match your educational and career aspirations, setting the stage for success in the field of environmental engineering.