Complete List of STEM Colleges in the US


STEM colleges are specialized institutions focusing on education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Unlike traditional colleges, STEM colleges emphasize hands-on, practical learning in these fields, preparing students for careers in rapidly evolving sectors like biotechnology, information technology, and engineering.

The concept of STEM-focused education has grown in importance as the global economy increasingly relies on these fields. Historically, many colleges offered courses in science and mathematics, but the term "STEM" gained popularity in the early 21st century as a unified approach to integrating these disciplines.

These powerhouse institutions have a rich history of nurturing groundbreaking minds. MIT, for example, opened its doors in 1861, revolutionizing engineering education with a hands-on approach. Caltech, established in 1891, has Nobel laureates like Albert Einstein and Linus Pauling among its alumni.

But STEM colleges aren't just for brainiacs! While academics are important, these schools also value curious thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators. Students from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate, experiment, and push the boundaries of what's possible.

What does it take to get into one of these Colleges?

  • Top grades and standardized test scores are obviously helpful, but many STEM colleges also look for a strong foundation in math and science courses. Think AP Calculus, Physics C, and beyond!
  • Passion projects and extracurricular activities that showcase your STEM skills and interests are another key ingredient. Participating in science fairs, robotics competitions, or coding clubs can make you stand out.
  • Research experience gives you a taste of the real world and demonstrates your initiative. Internships, volunteering in labs, or even independent research projects can boost your application.

If you're drawn to the challenges and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or AI, exploring the list of STEM colleges we've compiled could be your first step toward an exciting and impactful career.

Net Price Acceptance Rate Graduation Rate
Stanford University logo Stanford University Stanford CA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $14,402 4% 96%
California Institute of Technology logo California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $30,162 4% 93%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology logo Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $30,958 4% 96%
University of Pennsylvania logo University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $14,578 6% 96%
Johns Hopkins University logo Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD 4 year Private (Non Profit) $20,680 8% 95%
United States Naval Academy logo United States Naval Academy Annapolis MD 4 year Public N/A 8% 91%
Rice University logo Rice University Houston TX 4 year Private (Non Profit) $18,521 10% 92%
Harvey Mudd College logo Harvey Mudd College Claremont CA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $33,838 10% 94%
University of California-Los Angeles logo University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles CA 4 year Public $13,393 11% 92%
United States Air Force Academy logo United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy CO 4 year Public N/A 12% 86%
Carnegie Mellon University logo Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $37,450 14% 93%
University of California-Berkeley logo University of California-Berkeley Berkeley CA 4 year Public $17,652 14% 93%
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus logo Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta GA 4 year Public $17,360 16% 92%
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering logo Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Needham MA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $36,494 18% 97%
United States Coast Guard Academy logo United States Coast Guard Academy New London CT 4 year Public N/A 19% 92%
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor logo University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor MI 4 year Public $19,205 20% 94%
Webb Institute logo Webb Institute Glen Cove NY 4 year Private (Non Profit) $19,231 20% 77%
United States Merchant Marine Academy logo United States Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point NY 4 year Public $4,422 25% 81%
University of California-Irvine logo University of California-Irvine Irvine CA 4 year Public $11,633 29% 84%
Case Western Reserve University logo Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH 4 year Private (Non Profit) $38,166 30% 84%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo logo California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo CA 4 year Public $20,708 33% 85%
Lehigh University logo Lehigh University Bethlehem PA 4 year Private (Non Profit) $31,539 46% 87%
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences logo Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Concord NC 4 year Private (Non Profit) $18,506 46% 79%
DigiPen Institute of Technology logo DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond WA 4 year Private (For Profit) $35,559 46% 57%
Capitol Technology University logo Capitol Technology University Laurel MD 4 year Private (Non Profit) $24,946 46% 51%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh logo North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh NC 4 year Public $14,328 48% 84%
Clemson University logo Clemson University Clemson SC 4 year Public $23,732 49% 86%
Stevens Institute of Technology logo Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken NJ 4 year Private (Non Profit) $40,828 53% 87%
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute logo Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy NY 4 year Private (Non Profit) $40,070 53% 84%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus logo University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle WA 4 year Public $8,701 54% 84%