Which schools in Virginia have the best engineering programs?

I'm looking into engineering schools in Virginia but don't know which ones offer the top programs. I'm aiming for a balance of academics, hands-on experience, and a good campus environment. Any suggestions?

There are several key universities in Virginia known for their strong engineering programs, each offering a balance of rigorous academics, hands-on experience, and collegial campus environments.

1. University of Virginia (UVA): UVA's School of Engineering & Applied Science is one of the oldest in the U.S. and has offerings in a broad range of specialties, from biomedical engineering to systems engineering. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem-solving, providing opportunities for research and internships for its students.

2. Virginia Tech: The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech is highly ranked nationally, offering 14 undergraduate degree programs including unique disciplines like mining and minerals engineering. The university is renowned for hands-on laboratory and field experiences as well as research opportunities. It's also worth noting that Blacksburg offers a vibrant college town setting.

3. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): VCU’s School of Engineering offers practical and industry-standard programs. Its unique offerings include Biomedical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering programs.

4. George Mason University: GMU's Volgenau School of Engineering is known for its programs in cutting-edge fields like cybersecurity engineering and bioengineering.

5. Old Dominion University: ODU's Batten College of Engineering and Technology is an excellent choice for those interested in modeling, simulation, and visualization engineering. The university facilitates practical learning through a cooperative education program that blends academic and professional experience.

Investigate these colleges further to see which one would match your needs and goals best. Look into the specific courses offered in each engineering program, the type of faculty mentoring available, and the internship and co-op opportunities. You could also explore student life, extracurricular activities, and campus culture to see which universities might be a good fit for you. Prioritize the factors that matter most to you as you do your research.