Best US colleges for engineering, overall?

As a junior in high school, I'm starting to plan my applications for next year. What are the best colleges in the USA for engineering, and what factors make them top choices?

Certainly, engineering is a broad field with many specialties, but if we're talking about overall reputation for quality in engineering, there are several colleges in the U.S. that consistently stand out. Many of these colleges have strong relationships with industries and high rates of post-graduation employment. Plus, they all feature rigorous coursework, renowned faculty, and abundant research opportunities. Here are a few:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Known worldwide for its engineering programs. MIT's School of Engineering offers various fields such as Aeronautics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

2. Stanford University: Stanford's School of Engineering is recognized for its cutting-edge research and innovation, particularly in the fields of Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering.

3. University of California—Berkeley: Home to a highly ranked College of Engineering with departments like Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech is renowned for its small size which allows for more personalized attention and research opportunities.

5. University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign: Known for having one of the largest and top-ranked engineering programs in the nation, offering a myriad of specialized engineering degrees.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): This public institution is highly ranked for its College of Engineering, especially in areas like Industrial Engineering and Aerospace Engineering.

Remember, the "best" engineering college will depend on what you want from your college experience and your career goals. While these schools are all excellent for engineering overall, some may be stronger in specific sub-fields, so I recommend looking into the ones that offer strong programs in the area of engineering that interests you.