Best Engineering Schools in Tempe (2026 Guide)
Tempe, Arizona is one of the Southwest’s fastest-growing tech hubs, powered largely by Arizona State University and its expanding engineering ecosystem. If you are searching for the best engineering schools in Tempe, this comprehensive guide breaks down programs, rankings, degrees, tuition, research strength, and career outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona State University (ASU) dominates engineering education in Tempe and is nationally ranked across multiple disciplines.
- ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering enrolls over 30,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Top majors include mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, aerospace, computer science, and industrial engineering.
- Strong industry partnerships with Intel, Honeywell, Boeing, and TSMC drive high internship and job placement rates.
- Tempe offers access to Phoenix’s growing semiconductor and clean energy industries.
Top Engineering School in Tempe
Unlike large metro areas with multiple institutions, Tempe’s engineering landscape centers primarily on one powerhouse institution: Arizona State University (ASU). Within ASU, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering houses multiple specialized schools offering undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees.
1. Arizona State University – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Location: Tempe Campus
Institution Type: Public Research University
Accreditation: ABET-accredited programs
National Reputation: Frequently ranked among the top 50 public engineering schools in the United States
ASU’s engineering school is one of the largest and most innovative in the country. Its size enables strong research funding, advanced lab facilities, and deep industry connections.
Available Engineering Degrees in Tempe
ASU offers more than 25 engineering-related programs. Major disciplines include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Science Engineering
Both Bachelor of Science and graduate degrees including MS and PhD options are available across most disciplines.
Engineering School Comparison – Tempe at a Glance
SchoolNational Public Rank RangeUndergrad Tuition (In-State)Grad Tuition (In-State)Acceptance RateGraduation RateASU – Ira A. Fulton Schools of EngineeringTop 50 Public~$12,000 per year~$13,000 per year~85%~66%
Note: Tuition varies by residency and program. Out-of-state students pay significantly higher rates. Always verify current costs on the official university website.
Why ASU Engineering Stands Out in Tempe
1. Research Facilities and Innovation
ASU invests heavily in research infrastructure. Students have access to:
- MacroTechnology Works semiconductor research labs
- Biodesign Institute for biomedical innovation
- Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative
- Advanced robotics and AI development labs
The university consistently ranks highly for innovation and interdisciplinary research opportunities. Undergraduate students can participate in faculty-led research, which is uncommon at many large universities.
2. Industry Partnerships in the Phoenix Tech Corridor
Tempe sits within a booming semiconductor and aerospace market. ASU partners with:
- Intel
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Boeing
- Northrop Grumman
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
- Raytheon Technologies
These relationships translate into internship pipelines, co-op programs, and sponsored research projects. Engineering students benefit from hands-on experience before graduation.
3. Career Outcomes and Salary Potential
Engineering graduates from ASU report strong outcomes:
- High job placement rates within six months of graduation
- Median starting salaries often exceeding $70,000 depending on discipline
- Strong recruitment presence at career fairs with hundreds of employers
Electrical, computer science, and aerospace engineering graduates typically command the highest starting salaries.
Graduate vs Undergraduate Engineering in Tempe
Undergraduate Engineering
ASU's undergraduate programs emphasize:
- Project-based learning
- Capstone industry-sponsored design projects
- Access to research labs
- Student organizations such as Formula SAE, robotics clubs, and solar car teams
The freshman engineering experience integrates hands-on coursework early, which improves retention and practical skill development.
Graduate Engineering Programs
Graduate students benefit from:
- Research assistantships
- Access to federal and private grants
- Advanced laboratories and specialized equipment
- Flexible tracks including thesis and non-thesis options
Graduate engineering degrees in Tempe are particularly strong in electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, and sustainability-focused engineering fields.
Student Experience in Tempe
Campus and Facilities
The Tempe campus features modern engineering buildings, collaborative maker spaces, and innovation hubs. The climate allows year-round campus events and outdoor engagement.
Student Reviews and Culture
Students frequently cite:
- Large class sizes in early courses
- Diverse student population
- Strong entrepreneurship culture
- Abundant internship opportunities
While competitive programs can be rigorous, academic advising and tutoring centers support engineering students throughout their studies.
How We Determined the Best Engineering School in Tempe
This guide evaluates schools based on:
- National and public university rankings
- Program accreditation status
- Research funding and facilities
- Career outcomes and salary data
- Employer partnerships
- Student satisfaction indicators
- Program diversity and specialization
Given that ASU is the primary engineering institution physically located in Tempe, the evaluation focuses on internal strengths across disciplines rather than comparing multiple separate institutions.
Popular Engineering Majors in Tempe
Mechanical Engineering
One of the largest programs, with strong ties to aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Electrical Engineering
Highly ranked with strong semiconductor and power systems research aligned with Arizona’s chip manufacturing expansion.
Computer Science and Engineering
Growing rapidly due to demand in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
Aerospace Engineering
Supported by proximity to major aerospace employers across Phoenix and Arizona.
Biomedical Engineering
Integrated with the Biodesign Institute for real-world medical innovation.
Is Tempe a Good City for Engineering Students?
Yes. Beyond academics, Tempe offers strategic benefits:
- Affordable living compared to California tech cities
- Expanding semiconductor industry
- Warm climate and active lifestyle
- Strong startup ecosystem
The broader Phoenix metro area continues attracting advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and renewable energy investments. This growth increases regional demand for engineers.
Who Should Choose Engineering in Tempe?
- Students seeking strong industry access without Ivy-level tuition costs
- Future engineers interested in semiconductors, aerospace, or energy
- Entrepreneurially minded students who value innovation
- Graduate researchers pursuing funded lab opportunities
ASU’s scale provides breadth of opportunity. Motivated students who seek internships early and engage in research often gain the most value from the Tempe engineering ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engineering Schools in Tempe
Is ASU the only engineering school in Tempe?
Yes. Arizona State University is the primary accredited engineering institution physically located in Tempe. Other Arizona universities may offer engineering programs but are based in different cities.
Are ASU engineering programs ABET accredited?
Yes. Most core engineering disciplines at ASU are ABET accredited, ensuring they meet national quality standards.
What is the hardest engineering major at ASU?
Disciplines like electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering are often considered among the most rigorous due to advanced mathematics and physics requirements.
How competitive is admission?
ASU has a relatively high overall acceptance rate, but specific engineering programs may have more selective GPA and prerequisite requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engineering Schools in Tempe
Is Arizona State University the only engineering school in Tempe?
Yes. Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is the only major accredited engineering school based in Tempe. Other Arizona universities with engineering programs are in cities like Tucson and Flagstaff, not Tempe.
Are ASU engineering degrees in Tempe ABET accredited?
Most core engineering majors at ASU in Tempe, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and aerospace engineering, are ABET accredited. You should always confirm accreditation for your specific program on ASU’s official catalog.
What engineering majors can you study in Tempe?
On the Tempe campus, you can study majors like mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, computer science, industrial, construction management, and materials science engineering, plus related graduate programs.
How much does engineering tuition cost at ASU Tempe?
In-state undergraduates pay about $12,000 per year in base tuition, and in-state graduate students pay about $13,000 per year. Out-of-state tuition is higher. Exact costs vary by program and term, so you should check ASU’s current tuition calculator.
What are career outcomes like for ASU engineering graduates in Tempe?
ASU engineering graduates often report strong job placement within six months and median starting salaries around or above $70,000, especially in fields like electrical engineering, computer science, and aerospace engineering. Many roles are with Phoenix-area employers in semiconductors, aerospace, and energy.














