College earns top national marks in computer, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering
Cal Poly’s College of Engineering has once again secured its place among the nation’s top programs in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guidebook. Ranked No. 5 nationally among master’s-level engineering schools, the college continues to be recognized for its excellence, innovation and Learn by Doing approach.
In the specialty rankings, Cal Poly Engineering stood out across multiple disciplines:
- No. 1 in Computer Engineering
- No. 2 in Civil Engineering
- No. 2 in Mechanical Engineering
- No. 2 in Electrical Engineering
“These results highlight the dedication of our students, faculty and staff who are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said Bob Crockett, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “From designing sustainable infrastructure to advancing the future of computing, our students gain training that sets them apart in their careers.”
One of Cal Poly Engineering’s hallmarks is its Learn by Doing philosophy, which ensures applied, project-based learning begins in a student’s first term. They work side by side in more than 90 specialized laboratories and design studios to take on pressing challenges. With more than 6,000 students, the college offers 13 undergraduate and nine graduate degree programs and consistently sees nearly 90 percent of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within 12 months.
Computer Engineering, ranked No. 1 nationally, showcases this approach especially well. The program integrates electrical engineering and computer science, giving students a solid foundation in both hardware and software.
Every CPE student must also become “Multidisciplinary Certified” before graduation, ensuring they have experience working across engineering fields. With design-centered labs throughout the curriculum and a two-quarter capstone that challenges teams to deliver tangible results, the program exemplifies Cal Poly’s industry-ready preparation.
Crockett noted that the rankings also reflect the college’s emphasis on interdisciplinary problem-solving. “Today’s engineering challenges do not stop at the edges of a single field,” he said. “Our students bridge disciplines in computing, energy, manufacturing and other areas to drive results that have immediate impact.”
Graduates are highly sought after by leading employers, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Northrop Grumman and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This demand is reinforced by an extensive alumni network that supports current students and opens doors across industry.
Faculty lead research in areas such as climate resilience, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing, creating opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions while still on campus.
“Cal Poly engineers are known for being ready on day one,” Crockett said. “These rankings affirm what industry partners already know: our graduates have the knowledge and skills to lead.”
The college’s success reflects Cal Poly’s wider recognition in the 2026 U.S. News rankings, which once again named the university Best in the West — a distinction it has now held for 33 consecutive years.
For more information about the College of Engineering and its programs, visit ceng.calpoly.edu.
