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35 Best Public PhD Engineering Universities in the United States

Of the 35 Public PhD Engineering universities in the United States, Princeton University ranks highest at #15 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Next come Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) and University of Notre Dame (QS World #294). The universities on this list offer 84 matching courses between them.

35 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

By university type

How these universities are ranked

7 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #575 (University of South Carolina); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Princeton University has the largest research record in this group, with 27,547,724 citations and an h-index of 1,557. 2 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

The split is 35 public to 0 private institutions. By location, Texas (1) and Ohio (1) account for the most of those we can place. The University of Texas at Dallas is the largest, with 21,751 students.

Inside the course list

The usual length is 4–6 years and null. 99% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake). Georgia Institute of Technology offers the widest choice, with 16 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 2 of these universities. Kent State University at Kent is the least expensive at USD 23,082 a year and The University of Texas at Dallas the most at USD 40,144; the middle of the range is about USD 40,144. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United States for Public PhD Engineering?

Princeton University (QS World #15), Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) and University of Notre Dame (QS World #294) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Public PhD Engineering in the United States?

Of those with published fees, Kent State University at Kent is the least expensive at about USD 23,082 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Public PhD Engineering in the United States?

35 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Public PhD Engineering course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years, with null the next most common.

When do Public PhD Engineering courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then.

Which university has the most Public PhD Engineering courses in the United States?

Georgia Institute of Technology, with 16, ahead of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (7).

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