How does the Naval Academy rank as an engineering school?

I'm interested in pursuing engineering and I'm considering the Naval Academy for college. I want to know if it offers a strong engineering program and what sets it apart from other engineering schools.

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland has a strong reputation for its engineering programs and routinely places highly in national rankings. According to U.S. News and World Report, in 2024, the Naval Academy was ranked as the 6th best undergraduate engineering program among schools where a doctorate degree is not offered.

One unique feature that sets the Naval Academy apart in engineering education is the combination of an engineering curriculum with officer leadership training. This results in a degree program with a strong emphasis on solving practical problems and instills a spirit of teamwork—a skill often required in professional engineering environments.

Additionally, the USNA offers a smaller class size and greater interaction with faculty compared to larger, civilian engineering schools. The faculty is also composed of acclaimed academics and experienced professionals, many of whom are military officers that bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Moreover, the comprehensive nature of the engineering programs at the Naval Academy allows students to gain exposure to various domains of engineering, such as mechanical, electrical, naval architecture, aerospace, etc. This gives students a more integrated understanding of engineering.

Finally, in terms of post-graduation, going to the Naval Academy means you're committing to serve as a naval officer upon graduation, which can provide unique opportunities and experiences within engineering fields related to defense and national security.

Keep in mind that attending any military academy, including the Naval Academy, is a serious commitment and the experience is a marked departure from a traditional college experience. Therefore, it's important to be sure about both the military commitment and your interest in engineering before deciding to apply.