2026 Best Systems Engineering Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Our analysis ranked Johns Hopkins University the best school in the country for a degree in systems engineering. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Baltimore. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. About 241 systems engineering degrees were awarded at Johns Hopkins University in the most recent year. Systems Engineering graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $135,107 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $13,426. See the full systems engineering program report for Johns Hopkins University

2

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY

United States Merchant Marine Academy came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best systems engineering schools. United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public school located in the suburb of Kings Point. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. About 36 systems engineering degrees were awarded at United States Merchant Marine Academy in the most recent year. Graduates of the systems engineering program make about $69,847 in their early career. Get the full systems engineering details for United States Merchant Marine Academy

3

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the top schools for systems engineering. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Pennsylvania awarded about 88 systems engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Systems Engineering graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. University Of Pennsylvania graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Read more about the systems engineering program at University Of Pennsylvania

4

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Students looking for a strong systems engineering program will find one at Cornell University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 129 systems engineering students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Systems Engineering graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $117,455 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete this degree. Get the full systems engineering details for Cornell University

5

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Students looking for a strong systems engineering program will find one at George Washington University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 96 systems engineering students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, systems engineering degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $119,258. George Washington University graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Read more about the systems engineering program at George Washington University

6

Stevens Institute Of Technology
Hoboken, NJ

Stevens Institute Of Technology placed #6 among the best systems engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Hoboken, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 87% of students finish within six years. Stevens Institute Of Technology awarded about 271 systems engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, systems engineering degree recipients from Stevens Institute Of Technology generally make around $110,877. Typical student debt for the program is $26,767. See the full systems engineering program report for Stevens Institute Of Technology

7

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute placed #7 among the best systems engineering schools. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Troy. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. About 29 systems engineering degrees were awarded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the most recent year. Systems Engineering graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of $77,378 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,975. More information about a degree in systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

8

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University came in at #8 for systems engineering this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. About 25 systems engineering degrees were awarded at Drexel University in the most recent year. Systems Engineering graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $28,838. More information about a degree in systems engineering from Drexel University

9

Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University World Campus landed the #9 spot for systems engineering this year. This large public university is located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University World Campus graduates 34% of students within six years. There were roughly 35 systems engineering students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University World Campus in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in systems engineering from Pennsylvania State University World Campus