Best colleges in PA for civil engineering?

What are some of the top colleges in Pennsylvania for civil engineering? I'm interested in learning about their engineering programs and what makes them unique. Any specific strengths or opportunities I should know about?

Pennsylvania hosts a range of excellent institutions known for their strong engineering programs, including civil engineering. Here are a few that stand out:

1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn): Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science is known for its rigorous and innovative curriculum. For civil engineering, Penn emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, enhancing basic engineering principles with design, systems analysis, and sustainability. Unique to Penn is its Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology that allows students to concurrently earn degrees from the School of Engineering and Wharton School of Business, which could be ideal if you're also interested in the business side of engineering projects.

2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at CMU ranks among the nation's top engineering programs. One strength of CMU is its emphasis on research, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects. CMU's program also stands out for its comprehensive approach to problem-solving that encourages students to consider the larger social, economic, and environmental contexts of their work.

3. Lehigh University: The Rossin College at Lehigh offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. One distinctive feature of Lehigh's program is the opportunity to choose a concentration within civil engineering (structural engineering, environmental engineering, etc.), allowing you to focus on an area of interest. Lehigh maintains strong connections with industry professionals, which provides students with networking and job placement opportunities.

4. Penn State University: Penn State's College of Engineering has a well-respected civil engineering department known for equipping students with a solid foundation in engineering principles. Penn State differentiates itself with its Learning Factory, where students work on real-world projects provided by industry sponsors. The university also has an honors program (Schreyer Honors College) which provides students with additional research and academic opportunities.

Remember, when choosing a college, you should also consider factors beyond academic programs like location, size, culture, cost, etc. It's important not only to find a college with a strong civil engineering program but also one where you'll thrive as a student.