What are the best western colleges for engineering?

I'm looking to pursue an engineering degree and prefer staying in the western part of the US. What colleges are known for excellence in engineering in that region? Any schools with strong academic and practical engineering programs?

There are a number of western institutions that are well-regarded for their strong engineering programs, in terms of both academic rigor and practical, hands-on experience.

1. Stanford University: Stanford's engineering school is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. It's known for its research opportunities and strong community of faculty and student innovators.

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech has an excellent reputation for its engineering programs. It's particularly strong in fields such as Civil, Mechanical, and Environmental Engineering.

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools. It's known for its rigorous courses and world-class faculty.

4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's engineering school offers broad-based engineering programs with opportunities for research and internships.

5. University of Southern California (USC): USC's Viterbi School of Engineering offers both breadth and depth across many disciplines, with multiple majors and opportunities for interdisciplinary study.

Each of these schools would be an excellent choice for studying engineering in the western U.S. They each have their unique strengths and culture, so it's also important to consider which of these would be the best fit for you personally. Be sure to look into the specific engineering programs at each school, to see if they align with your interests and goals.