Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is a premier hub for engineering education, home to world-class institutions that are consistently recognized among the best in the nation and globally. From the prestigious research powerhouses of UCLA and USC to the specialized intensity of Caltech, the region offers an exceptional range of programs across all major engineering disciplines.
The city’s engineering schools are distinguished by their cutting-edge research, strong ties to industry, and a commitment to addressing society’s most pressing challenges—from artificial intelligence and sustainable energy to biomedical innovations and space exploration. This guide highlights twenty of the best engineering schools in the Los Angeles area, based on academic reputation, program offerings, and unique strengths.
Top 20 Engineering Schools in Los Angeles
1. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute located in Pasadena, consistently ranked among the top engineering schools globally. It ranks #9 globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities and #7 globally in the Times Higher Education Engineering subject rankings.
With a tiny student body of approximately 2,400 students and a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio, Caltech offers unparalleled access to faculty and hands-on research opportunities. The institute manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and owns large-scale research facilities, providing students with unique opportunities to work on space exploration and cutting-edge scientific projects.
Caltech is particularly renowned for its aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and chemistry programs, with mechanical engineering ranked #11 globally and aerospace engineering ranked #14 globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Samueli School of Engineering
The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering is ranked #14 among Best Engineering Schools in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. With an overall score of 80, it is a top public engineering program, consistently ranked in the top 10 among U.S. public engineering schools and recognized as one of the top engineering programs in the world.
The school is home to over 6,500 students, 213 full-time faculty members, and nearly 50,000 active alumni, with tuition for in-state graduate students at $13,140 per year and out-of-state at $28,242 per year. UCLA Samueli is known as the birthplace of the internet, where artificial intelligence, reverse osmosis, mobile communications, and human prosthetics first took significant steps.
In 2021, a UCLA Samueli team won a $7.5 million grand prize in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the school’s online master’s degree program has been ranked #1 by U.S. News for four consecutive years.
3. University of Southern California (USC) – Viterbi School of Engineering
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is ranked #21 among Best Engineering Schools in the United States. With an enrollment of 6,307 full-time graduate students and a tuition of $2,665 per credit, Viterbi offers over 70 graduate programs across eight engineering disciplines, including computer science.
The school features over 30 faculty members elected to the National Academy of Engineering and is home to the first operational quantum computing center in academia. Viterbi is recognized as a leader in artificial intelligence research and offers degrees in aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
USC’s computer science and engineering programs are both ranked #21, with industrial engineering ranked #10, computer engineering #13, and electrical engineering #15 among specialties.
4. University of California, Irvine (UCI) – Samueli School of Engineering
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine is a highly regarded public engineering school located in nearby Irvine, California, approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles. It is ranked among the Best Engineering Schools in the Los Angeles metro area by U.S. News & World Report, with in-state tuition of $13,140 per year and out-of-state tuition of $28,242 per year.
The school has 1,753 full-time graduate students enrolled and offers a rolling application process. UC Irvine is part of the prestigious University of California system and is known for its strong research programs in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science.
5. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – College of Engineering
Loyola Marymount University is a private Catholic university in Los Angeles offering engineering programs to approximately 10,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, providing a strong liberal arts foundation combined with rigorous engineering training. LMU’s engineering program emphasizes ethical engineering practice, service to the community, and sustainable design.
The university’s location in Westchester, near Los Angeles International Airport and major aerospace companies, provides students with valuable internship and employment opportunities in the engineering field.
6. Claremont McKenna College – Engineering Program
Claremont McKenna College, located in Claremont, offers an engineering program through its partnership with the Claremont Colleges consortium. The college has a very low student-teacher ratio of 7:1, providing exceptional individualized attention for students.
In a recent year, seven students graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in engineering. Students can pursue engineering through cross-registration with Harvey Mudd College, one of the nation’s top undergraduate engineering schools. The Claremont Colleges consortium allows students to access a wide range of engineering courses and resources across multiple campuses.
7. Los Angeles Valley College – Engineering
Los Angeles Valley College offers associate degrees and transfer programs in engineering for students seeking an affordable pathway to a four-year engineering degree. The college provides foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles that prepare students for transfer to UC, CSU, and private university engineering programs.
The school’s location in the San Fernando Valley provides access to the broader Los Angeles engineering and technology industry. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized academic advising, and the college offers flexible scheduling with day and evening classes to accommodate working students and those with family responsibilities.
8. Pasadena City College – Engineering Program
Pasadena City College, located near Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, offers a comprehensive engineering transfer program. The college provides coursework in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering that transfers to four-year universities.
Students can complete lower-division engineering requirements at an affordable cost before transferring to top engineering schools. The college’s proximity to Pasadena’s technology and aerospace industry provides students with internship and networking opportunities. PCC serves a diverse student body and offers support services including tutoring, counseling, and transfer assistance.
9. Santa Monica College – Engineering Program
Santa Monica College, located in the Westside of Los Angeles, offers a well-regarded engineering transfer program with courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering fundamentals. The college has one of the highest transfer rates to UC and CSU systems in California.
Students can complete lower-division engineering requirements before transferring to four-year universities, often saving significantly on tuition costs. SMC’s location in the heart of the Westside provides access to technology companies and engineering firms for internships and employment. The college offers small class sizes and dedicated faculty advisors.
10. Glendale Community College – Engineering Transfer Program
Glendale Community College offers an engineering transfer program that prepares students for admission to four-year engineering schools. The college provides coursework in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and physics.
Students benefit from small class sizes, affordable tuition, and supportive faculty who help guide students through the transfer process. GCC serves the San Fernando Valley and Glendale communities, providing accessible education to students from diverse backgrounds. The college’s articulation agreements with UC and CSU campuses ensure that students can transfer credits seamlessly.
11. El Camino College – Engineering Program
El Camino College, located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles, offers an engineering transfer program that prepares students for admission to four-year engineering schools. The college provides foundational coursework in engineering principles, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, with a focus on building strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Students can complete lower-division requirements at an affordable cost before transferring to prestigious engineering programs. El Camino’s location near the aerospace and defense industries of the South Bay provides students with valuable internship and networking opportunities.
12. East Los Angeles College – Engineering Program
East Los Angeles College offers an engineering transfer program that serves the eastern Los Angeles communities. The college provides coursework in engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and physical sciences, preparing students for transfer to four-year universities.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical applications of engineering principles. ELAC serves a diverse student population and offers support services including tutoring, counseling, and financial aid assistance. The college’s location in Monterey Park provides access to the broader Los Angeles engineering and technology industry.
13. California State University, Dominguez Hills – Engineering
California State University, Dominguez Hills offers engineering programs with a focus on computer engineering and information technology. The university serves the South Bay region of Los Angeles and provides affordable engineering education through the California State University system.
Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty with industry experience. CSUDH is committed to serving a diverse student body and offers support services including tutoring, career counseling, and internship placement. The university’s location near the aerospace and technology industries of the South Bay provides valuable employment opportunities.
14. California State University, Northridge – Engineering
California State University, Northridge is a leading California State University campus in the San Fernando Valley offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering. Programs include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. CSUN offers affordable tuition through the CSU system and has strong ties to the local technology and manufacturing industries.
The university serves a large, diverse student body and provides support services including tutoring, career counseling, and internship placement. CSUN’s location provides access to the engineering and technology industry in the San Fernando Valley.
15. California State University, Los Angeles – Engineering
California State University, Los Angeles offers engineering programs including civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. The university provides affordable engineering education through the California State University system and serves a diverse student population in East Los Angeles. CSULA emphasizes hands-on learning, practical applications of engineering principles, and community engagement.
The university’s location near downtown Los Angeles provides access to the city’s engineering, construction, and technology industries.
16. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Engineering
Cal Poly Pomona is a highly regarded polytechnic university offering comprehensive engineering programs approximately 30 miles east of Los Angeles. The university is known for its “learn by doing” philosophy and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering.
Cal Poly Pomona’s engineering programs are among the top in the California State University system and provide students with extensive hands-on laboratory and project experience. The university’s location in the San Gabriel Valley provides access to engineering and technology companies throughout Southern California.
17. Woodbury University – Engineering
Woodbury University, located in Burbank, offers engineering programs with a focus on sustainable design and urban engineering. The private university provides small class sizes and personalized instruction, with a student-teacher ratio that ensures individualized attention.
Woodbury’s engineering programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, combining engineering with architecture and business. The university’s location in Burbank provides access to the entertainment and technology industries, including major studios and aerospace companies in the San Fernando Valley.
18. Azusa Pacific University – Engineering
Azusa Pacific University, located in the San Gabriel Valley approximately 25 miles east of Los Angeles, offers engineering programs with a focus on integrating faith and engineering practice.
The university provides bachelor’s degrees in engineering with concentrations in mechanical and civil engineering. APU emphasizes ethical engineering practice, service to the community, and sustainable design. The university’s location provides access to engineering and technology companies throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles region. Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty mentorship.
19. Santa Monica College – Engineering Transfer Program
Santa Monica College, located in the Westside of Los Angeles, offers a well-regarded engineering transfer program with courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering fundamentals.
The college has one of the highest transfer rates to UC and CSU systems in California and offers small class sizes and dedicated faculty advisors. Students can complete lower-division engineering requirements before transferring to four-year universities, often saving significantly on tuition costs. SMC’s location in the heart of the Westside provides access to technology companies and engineering firms for internships and employment.
20. Los Angeles Pierce College – Engineering Program
Los Angeles Pierce College, located in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley, offers an engineering transfer program that prepares students for admission to four-year engineering schools. The college provides coursework in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and physics.
Students benefit from small class sizes, affordable tuition, and supportive faculty who help guide students through the transfer process. Pierce College serves the San Fernando Valley community and offers articulation agreements with UC and CSU campuses to ensure seamless credit transfer.
Comparison Table
| School | Type | Location | Key Feature | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | Private | Pasadena | #9 globally, manages JPL | High |
| UCLA – Samueli School of Engineering | Public | Los Angeles | #14 in US, #1 online master’s | $13,140 (in‑state) |
| USC – Viterbi School of Engineering | Private | Los Angeles | #21 in US, quantum computing center | $2,665/credit |
| UC Irvine – Samueli School of Engineering | Public | Irvine | Rolling admission | $13,140 (in‑state) |
| Loyola Marymount University | Private | Los Angeles | 15:1 student‑teacher ratio | High |
| Claremont McKenna College | Private | Claremont | 7:1 student‑teacher ratio | High |
| Cal State Northridge | Public | Northridge | Affordable CSU system tuition | Low–Moderate |
| Cal State LA | Public | Los Angeles | CSU system, diverse student body | Low–Moderate |
| Cal Poly Pomona | Public | Pomona | “Learn by doing” philosophy | Low–Moderate |
| Woodbury University | Private | Burbank | Sustainable design focus | High |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Choosing the Right Program: Consider your career goals when selecting an engineering school. If you are interested in research and academia, UCLA and Caltech offer world-class research facilities and faculty. If you prefer hands-on, industry-focused training, USC Viterbi and Cal Poly Pomona provide strong industry connections and practical experience.
Cost Considerations: Public universities like UCLA and UC Irvine offer significantly lower tuition for in-state students at $13,140 per year compared to private universities like USC at $2,665 per credit . Community colleges offer the most affordable pathway to an engineering degree, allowing students to complete lower-division requirements before transferring to four-year universities.
Specialization Strengths: USC Viterbi is particularly strong in computer science (#21) and has top specialty rankings in industrial engineering (#10), computer engineering (#13), and electrical engineering (#15) . UCLA Samueli is ranked #1 in online engineering master’s programs . Caltech excels in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics, with mechanical engineering ranked #11 globally.
Location and Industry Access: Engineering schools in Los Angeles benefit from proximity to major industries including aerospace, entertainment technology, biomedical, and renewable energy. Schools like Caltech have direct partnerships with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, while USC and UCLA have strong ties to Silicon Beach and the broader technology ecosystem.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers an exceptional range of engineering education options, from the globally recognized research powerhouses of Caltech, UCLA, and USC to affordable and accessible community college transfer programs.
Whether you are seeking a career in aerospace engineering with ties to NASA, pursuing artificial intelligence research at a quantum computing center, or looking for an affordable pathway to an engineering degree through the CSU system, the city provides outstanding opportunities for aspiring engineers.
With world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong industry connections, Los Angeles engineering schools prepare graduates to address society’s most pressing challenges and build successful careers in this dynamic field.