by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Pre-Engineering covers Pre-Engineering. A Program That Prepares Individuals For Admission Or Transfer To A Baccalaureate-Level Program In Any Of The Fields Of Engineering. Examples: [Pre-Engineering Transfer Program]. Continue reading for the important information every pre-engineering student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering pre-engineering programs.
In the U.S., pre-engineering is a widely-pursued major, with 2,722 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Pre-Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 192 schools to determine the best overall colleges for pre-engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of pre-engineering programs later in this article.
There are several pre-engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 288 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,158 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 23 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 253 |
With 192 different pre-engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased pre-engineering school rankings to help you.
Those considering pre-engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering, General | 10,144 |
| Applied Engineering | 545 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
