Engineering · California

Engineering colleges in California

CampusPin lists 314 U.S. colleges in California that offer Engineering programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Engineering majors apply math, physics, and design to build the physical and digital systems that power society, from bridges and chips to medical devices and aircraft.

Schools in California that offer Engineering

Engineering programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 314 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

314

Public / private

18 / 32

Universities / 2-year

39 / 11

Cities represented

38

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$15,977

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

30% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Ashford University

31,389 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Engineering program

  • Calculus I–III, differential equations, linear algebra
  • Physics (mechanics, electromagnetism)
  • Engineering statics, dynamics, materials
  • Discipline-specific core (e.g., circuits for EE, thermo for ME)
  • Engineering design process and project management
  • CAD, simulation, and lab techniques
  • Engineering ethics and professional practice
  • Senior capstone design project (often industry-sponsored)

Where a Engineering degree can lead

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer

Typical pay: $73,000–$110,000 early-career (varies widely by discipline; BLS, 2024 mechanical engineers median $102,320)

Engineering is an umbrella term for ABET-accredited programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedical, aerospace, industrial, and computer engineering. Every engineering BS includes 3–4 semesters of calculus, differential equations, and physics, plus a discipline-specific sequence (thermodynamics, circuits, statics, fluid mechanics, etc.) and a senior capstone design project.

Engineering programs are credit-heavy, usually 128+ credits versus 120 for a BA, and many require a Fundamentals of Engineering exam pass for licensure tracks. Graduates can pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license after 4 years of supervised work.

Engineering in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Engineering schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 314+ Engineering programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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