Safety Schools for Engineering | Best 9 Schools to Consider

If you plan pursuing a degree in engineering, selecting the right schools is crucial. While many students dream of attending prestigious institutions like MIT or Caltech, it’s important to have options that offer strong engineering programs and being more accessible in terms of admissions. These options, known as “safety schools for engineering,” provide excellent education, diverse majors, and robust student support services, making them an ideal backup for students with ambitious academic goals.

If you’re looking for good safety schools with affordable tuition, impressive campus resources, and competitive engineering degrees, then you should consider applying to these schools: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Missouri University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Colorado School of Mines. You are assured of an admission as these schools all accept at least two-thirds of their applicants.

What Are Safety Schools?

Safety schools are colleges or universities where students have a high chance of acceptance based on their academic performance, test scores, and other admissions criteria. For engineering students, safety schools serve as reliable options to ensure they can pursue their goals even if they aren’t accepted into their top-choice institutions.

To qualify as a safety school, a college typically has:

1. Higher acceptance rates (50% or more)
2. Strong academic standards with ABET-accredited engineering programs
3. Affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities
4. Diverse engineering majors with robust campus resources
5. High starting salaries for graduates

Best 9 Safety Schools for Engineering

To create our list of the 9 best engineering safety schools, we focused on a few key factors: acceptance rates, test score ranges, program reputation, graduate success, and starting salaries.

For a true safety school, it must have an acceptance rate of at least 50%. Schools with lower acceptance rates can be unpredictable — even students with excellent grades and test scores might get rejected, waitlisted, or deferred for unclear reasons.

Schools with acceptance rates below 50% often receive far more applications than they have spots available, especially from highly qualified students. Because of this, we only included schools that accept at least half of their applicants. Most of the schools on our list have acceptance rates closer to 75% or higher.

We also looked at test score midranges (the 25th to 75th percentile) for each school. To determine if a school is a true safety, compare your scores to these ranges. If your scores are above a school’s 75th percentile, it’s likely a good safety option for you.

Additionally, we only included schools with ABET-accredited engineering programs that are well-respected in the industry. Earning an engineering degree is a big commitment no matter where you go, so it’s important to choose a program that will help you stand out in the job market. Every school on this list offers a degree that will impress employers and set you up for great career opportunities.

Finally, we considered starting salaries for graduates. We only selected schools where the average engineering graduate earns at least $70,000 right after graduation.

With these criteria in mind, here are our top 9 engineering safety schools.

1. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

• Location: Terre Haute, IN
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,290-1,460
• Average Starting Salary: $80,157

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, is a top-ranked undergraduate engineering college with a 73% acceptance rate. Known for its rigorous academic standards, it offers a small, liberal arts-like campus atmosphere with a strong focus on engineering and STEM programs. The school has an “easy to get in, hard to stay in” reputation, emphasizing academic excellence and student success.

Rose-Hulman graduates earn an impressive average starting salary of $80,157, with strong job placement rates. It is consistently ranked #1 for undergraduate engineering programs (non-doctorate) by U.S. News & World Report. The institute combines personalized student support services with top-tier campus resources to prepare students for highly successful careers.

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

• Location: Rochester, NY
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,280-1,430
• Average Starting Salary: $75,300

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), located in Rochester, New York, is a highly regarded STEM-focused university with a 67% acceptance rate. It offers diverse engineering programs and is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning through cooperative education (co-op) programs.

With an average starting salary of $75,300 for graduates, RIT boasts excellent student outcomes and strong connections with top engineering employers. The campus features cutting-edge facilities and robust student support services to foster academic and career success.

Its self-selective applicant pool ensures a highly motivated student body, and RIT’s reputation attracts recruiters nationwide. The school is an ideal choice for students seeking a balance between academics and real-world experience.

3. Missouri University of Science and Technology (MUST)

• Location: Rolla, MO
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,160-1,350
• Average Starting Salary: $72,600

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, Missouri), is a leading engineering-focused institution with a 73% acceptance rate. Renowned for its rigorous STEM programs and ABET-accredited engineering degrees, MUST attracts students who are serious about pursuing careers in technical fields.

Graduates enjoy an average starting salary of $72,600, and enjoys high recruitment from top employers across the Midwest and beyond. The university offers affordable tuition, diverse engineering majors, and state-of-the-art campus resources, making it an excellent safety school.

MUST’s self-selective applicant pool ensures a motivated student body, and its small-town location fosters a close-knit academic community. It is a go-to choice for aspiring engineers seeking quality education and career opportunities.

4. Colorado School of Mines

• Location: Golden, CO
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,340-1,460
• Average Starting Salary: $79,300

Colorado School of Mines, is a prestigious institution specializing in engineering and applied sciences, with a 58% acceptance rate. Known for its rigorous academic programs, it offers top-notch ABET-accredited engineering degrees and exceptional campus resources. Graduates benefit from nearly 100% job placement and an impressive average starting salary of $79,300, with many working in tech hubs like Denver.

The school’s stunning location near the Rocky Mountains provides a vibrant and scenic environment for students. Mines attracts a highly self-selective applicant pool, ensuring a motivated and talented student body. It is an excellent choice for students seeking a challenging academic environment and strong career outcomes in engineering.

5. Milwaukee School of Engineering

• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,170-1,370
• Average Starting Salary: $71,497

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), in Wisconsin, is a highly regarded institution with a 61% acceptance rate and a focus on STEM and engineering programs. Known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, MSOE offers ABET-accredited degrees and strong student support services.

Graduates earn an average starting salary of $71,497, with top companies nationwide recruiting from the school. Its urban campus provides access to diverse amenities and professional opportunities, while the rigorous curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for engineering careers.

MSOE combines affordability, strong academic standards, and excellent career outcomes, making it a great safety school for aspiring engineers. Its reputation continues to grow as more students discover its value.

6. Texas A&M University

• Location: College Station, TX
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,150-1,370
• Average Starting Salary: $70,176

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas, is a renowned public research institution with a 63% acceptance rate and a strong engineering program ranked among the nation’s best. Its College of Engineering offers a wide range of ABET-accredited degrees and extensive research opportunities across various disciplines.

Known for its affordability and generous scholarship programs, Texas A&M ensures access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. Graduates enjoy an average starting salary of $70,176 and benefit from the school’s vast alumni network, which provides excellent career connections.

The university’s culture is deeply rooted in tradition, leadership, and community service, creating a vibrant and supportive environment. Texas A&M is an excellent choice for students seeking top-tier engineering education with a balance of academics and campus life.

7. Michigan Technological University

• Location: Houghton, MI
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,120-1,330
• Average Starting Salary: $71,600

Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech), Houghton, Michigan, is a top-ranked STEM-focused institution with a 76% acceptance rate. Known for its strong engineering and computer science programs, many of which are ABET-accredited, it prepares students for technical and research-based careers.

Graduates earn an impressive average starting salary of $75,000, with excellent job placement rates and strong connections to industry leaders. The scenic campus, situated near Lake Superior, provides a unique blend of outdoor recreation and academic rigor.

Michigan Tech emphasizes hands-on learning, innovation, and sustainability, fostering a supportive environment for aspiring engineers and scientists. It’s an ideal choice for students seeking a top-tier technical education in a close-knit community.

8. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

• Location: Socorro, NM
• Acceptance Rate: 97%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,110-1,320
• Average Starting Salary: $71,391

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), located in Socorro, New Mexico, is a renowned STEM-focused university with a 97% acceptance rate. It offers strong programs in engineering, computer science, and physical sciences, emphasizing research and hands-on learning.

Graduates benefit from an average starting salary of $71,391 and have excellent career opportunities in fields like energy, mining, and technology. Known for its small class sizes and personalized education, New Mexico Tech fosters close faculty-student interactions.

The campus is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, offering access to outdoor activities and a quiet academic environment. It’s an excellent choice for students seeking affordable, high-quality technical education in a close-knit community.

9. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

• Location: Rapid City, SD
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Middle 50% SAT Range: 1,150-1,370
• Average Starting Salary: $75,843

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines), located in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a leading STEM-focused institution with an 80% acceptance rate. It offers strong ABET-accredited engineering programs and emphasizes hands-on learning and research opportunities.

Graduates enjoy an impressive average starting salary of $75,843, with excellent job placement rates in industries like mining, energy, and technology. The campus is situated near the Black Hills, providing a scenic and outdoor-friendly environment for students.

Known for its affordability and high return on investment, SD Mines is a top choice for students pursuing careers in engineering and applied sciences. Its supportive academic community and focus on practical skills prepare students for success.

Safety Schools for Engineering in Texas

Texas offers some excellent safety schools for engineering, including:

1. Texas A&M University

With its high acceptance rate and strong engineering programs, Texas A&M is a top choice for students seeking a backup school in Texas.

2. University of Houston

Known for its affordable tuition and diverse majors, UH provides students with excellent academic standards and connections to major engineering firms in Texas.

3. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech combines rigorous engineering programs with robust campus resources and scholarship opportunities, making it a reliable safety school.

Which School Is Best for Engineering in Nigeria?

Nigeria boasts several reputable institutions for engineering, with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology often regarded as the best for engineering programs. LAUT offers a variety of accredited engineering degrees, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

The school is known for:

• High academic standards
• Modern campus resources
• Robust student support services

Other notable options include the Covenant University and University of Ilorin, both offering diverse majors and strong reputations in engineering education.

Conclusion on Safety Schools for Engineering

Choosing the right safety schools for engineering ensures you have reliable backup options that align with your academic and career goals. Schools like Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Texas A&M University provide strong engineering programs, affordable tuition, and excellent student support services.

Remember, safety schools aren’t just backups—they offer real opportunities to earn respected engineering degrees and launch successful careers. Whether you’re considering schools in the U.S. or abroad, take the time to research options that fit your needs. With these 9 safety schools for engineering, you’re well on your way to achieving your dreams.