Best colleges for a general engineering degree?

I'm not sure which specific area of engineering I want to study, so I'm considering a general engineering degree. What are the top colleges for this in the U.S.? Is there anything I should specifically consider when looking at these programs?

When you're looking at colleges that offer high-quality general engineering programs, some standouts include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. These schools have broad and strong engineering programs that allow for a lot of exploration before you need to commit to a specialty.

It's important to keep in mind that some schools may not offer a "General Engineering" degree per se, but instead have a flexible curriculum in the initial years where students are exposed to a range of disciplines before they specialize. For instance, at Stanford, students can declare engineering undeclared (ENGR-UND) for their early years and have an opportunity to explore various branches before settling into a major.

A key factor to weigh when evaluating these programs is the flexibility they offer. Look at how easy it is to switch engineering disciplines once you’ve started. Some schools make this process fairly straightforward, while others may require additional applications or impose grade requirements to transfer.

Additionally, consider the resources available to undergraduate engineering students at each school. Schools with strong engineering programs typically have state-of-the-art labs and equipment. They also may have more opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and co-op programs, which can be valuable for gaining practical experience and exploring potential specializations.

Lastly, consider the school’s connections to industry and the outcomes for engineering graduates—things like average starting salaries, job placement rates, and types of companies where graduates end up working.

Remember that the best school isn't necessarily the highest-ranked one, but the one where you'll be happiest and most successful. Factors like location, cost, size, student life, and academic pressure are all important to consider in addition to the strength of the engineering program.