Best Engineering Colleges in Scottsdale

Best Engineering Colleges in Scottsdale (2026 Guide)

Scottsdale is known for its thriving tech ecosystem, proximity to Phoenix, and access to top-tier universities. If you're searching for the best engineering colleges in Scottsdale, you likely want more than a list. You want accreditation details, program strengths, tuition comparisons, and real career outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Scottsdale itself has limited traditional four-year engineering campuses, but it offers strong pathways through local colleges and nearby ASU.
• Arizona State University (Tempe campus, 15–20 minutes away) is the top-ranked engineering school serving Scottsdale residents.
• Scottsdale Community College offers cost-effective pre-engineering pathways with transfer agreements.
• All top options provide access to Arizona’s booming aerospace, semiconductor, renewable energy, and tech sectors.
• ABET accreditation is critical when evaluating any engineering program.

What to Look for in an Engineering College

Before diving into the rankings, here are the four non-negotiables smart students evaluate:

1. ABET Accreditation

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ensures program quality. If a program is not ABET-accredited, think carefully before enrolling.

2. Specializations Offered

Top engineering schools provide programs such as:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering

3. Industry Connections and Internships

Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area are home to Intel, Honeywell Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, ON Semiconductor, and a growing startup ecosystem. Strong university-industry partnerships significantly impact job placement.

4. Return on Investment

Consider tuition costs, average starting salaries, graduation rates, and career placement outcomes.

Top Engineering Colleges Serving Scottsdale

1. Arizona State University – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (Tempe Campus)

Location: Tempe, AZ (15–20 minutes from Scottsdale)
Accreditation: ABET-accredited programs
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

While not physically in Scottsdale, ASU is the clear leader for engineering students in the Scottsdale area. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering consistently ranks among the top public engineering schools in the U.S.

Why ASU Stands Out

• 25,000+ engineering students across disciplines
• Top 50 nationally for undergraduate engineering programs
• Strong research funding and innovation focus
• Dedicated entrepreneurship support through ASU’s innovation hubs

Popular Engineering Programs

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Career Outcomes

Graduates frequently land roles at Intel, Boeing, GM, Honeywell, and major tech firms. The average starting salary for ASU engineering graduates typically ranges from $70,000 to $85,000, depending on specialization.

Best For: Students seeking a nationally ranked, research-driven engineering education near Scottsdale.

2. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) – Pre-Engineering Pathway

Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Levels: Associate degrees and transfer programs

Scottsdale Community College does not offer full bachelor’s engineering degrees, but it provides an affordable and strategic transfer pathway into ASU and other Arizona universities.

Why Choose SCC?

• Significantly lower tuition than four-year universities
• Smaller class sizes
• Transfer agreements with Arizona State University
• Strong foundational coursework in math, physics, and engineering

Ideal Pathway Strategy

Many students complete two years at SCC, then transfer to ASU’s engineering program, saving thousands in tuition while maintaining academic quality.

Best For: Budget-conscious students who plan to transfer into a four-year engineering program.

3. Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus (East Mesa)

Location: Mesa, AZ (25–30 minutes from Scottsdale)
Accreditation: ABET-accredited programs
Focus: Applied engineering and hands-on learning

ASU’s Polytechnic campus offers a more applied, project-based engineering environment. It is especially known for:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Robotics and Automation Systems
• Aeronautical Management Technology
• Engineering Technology degrees

The Polytechnic model emphasizes labs, hands-on instruction, and industry-aligned coursework.

Best For: Students who prefer smaller class sizes and applied engineering careers rather than research-heavy tracks.

Side-by-Side Comparison

InstitutionLocationABET AccreditedDegree LevelsApprox. Tuition (In-State)Best ForArizona State University (Tempe)Tempe, AZYesBachelor’s, Master’s, PhD$12,000–$14,000/yearTop-tier research engineeringScottsdale Community CollegeScottsdale, AZNo (Pre-Engineering)Associate$2,500–$3,000/yearTransfer pathwayASU PolytechnicMesa, AZYesBachelor’s, Master’s$12,000–$14,000/yearHands-on applied engineering

Engineering Specializations in High Demand in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s proximity to Phoenix makes it part of one of the fastest-growing tech corridors in the Southwest. Engineering fields with strong hiring demand include:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Semiconductor and Electrical Engineering
• Automation and Robotics
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Software and Computer Systems Engineering

Intel’s multibillion-dollar semiconductor investments in Arizona continue driving demand for electrical and computer engineers.

Student Perspective

Many ASU engineering students highlight:

• Strong internship pipelines starting sophomore year
• Accessible research opportunities
• Flexible campus options
• Active engineering clubs and competitions

Students from Scottsdale often appreciate being close enough to commute while attending a nationally recognized university.

Cost and Financial Aid Considerations

In-State Advantage

Arizona residents benefit from significantly reduced tuition at public institutions like ASU.

Merit Scholarships

ASU offers renewable merit-based scholarships based on GPA and standardized test scores.

2+2 Transfer Savings Strategy

Starting at Scottsdale Community College and transferring to ASU can reduce total tuition costs by $10,000 to $20,000 over four years.

Is There an ABET-Accredited Engineering College in Scottsdale?

Currently, there is no standalone, four-year ABET-accredited engineering university physically located in Scottsdale city limits. However, Scottsdale residents have immediate access to ABET-accredited programs at ASU’s Tempe and Polytechnic campuses, both within a short commute.

How to Choose the Right Engineering School Near Scottsdale

1. Identify your intended specialization.
2. Confirm ABET accreditation.
3. Compare research versus applied learning environments.
4. Evaluate internship pipelines.
5. Calculate total cost of attendance.

For most students in Scottsdale, Arizona State University remains the strongest and most comprehensive engineering option, supplemented by cost-saving and pathway opportunities at Scottsdale Community College.

Frequently Asked Questions about Engineering Colleges in Scottsdale

Are there any ABET-accredited engineering colleges in Scottsdale?

No. There is no four-year ABET-accredited engineering program located inside Scottsdale city limits. You can, however, access ABET-accredited engineering degrees at Arizona State University’s Tempe and Polytechnic campuses within a short commute from Scottsdale.

What is the best engineering option near Scottsdale for a full bachelor’s degree?

For a full bachelor’s degree, your strongest nearby options are Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at the Tempe campus and the ASU Polytechnic campus in Mesa. Both offer ABET-accredited programs, many majors, and strong ties to local tech and engineering employers.

How can you start engineering at Scottsdale Community College and transfer to ASU?

You can complete your math, science, and introductory engineering courses at Scottsdale Community College, then use established transfer pathways to move into ASU’s engineering programs. Many students follow a 2+2 plan: two years at SCC for lower-division coursework, then two years at ASU to finish the bachelor’s degree.

Which engineering majors are in highest demand around Scottsdale and Phoenix?

Around Scottsdale and Phoenix, employers often seek graduates in electrical and computer engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics and automation, renewable energy engineering, and software or computer systems engineering. Growth in aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy supports demand in these fields.

How much can you save by starting at Scottsdale Community College before transferring?

If you complete your first two years at Scottsdale Community College and then transfer to ASU, you can often reduce total tuition by about $10,000 to $20,000 over four years as an in-state student. This strategy works well if you follow the recommended pre-engineering and general education courses for your target ASU major.

What starting salaries can you expect with an engineering degree near Scottsdale?

Many ASU engineering graduates in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area report average starting salaries in the range of about $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on specialization and employer. Fields such as electrical, computer, and aerospace engineering often fall on the higher end of this range.