Iowa Mechanical Engineering Schools
If you want to start a new career as a mechanical engineer, the first step is getting a degree from an Iowa mechanical engineering school….
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Iowa Engineering Schools
Iowa’s engineering landscape reflects its agricultural roots and growing innovation economy. From biosystems and civil engineering to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, Iowa’s universities offer affordable, high-quality engineering education with strong ties to industry and research.
Why Study Engineering in Iowa
Iowa provides engineering students with excellent academic opportunities, strong industry partnerships, and a low cost of living. With a focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy, the state supports a broad array of types of engineering jobs.
Highlights include:
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Leadership: Iowa State University is nationally recognized in this field.
- Investment in Infrastructure and Sustainability: Statewide support for environmental, civil, and renewable energy projects.
- Affordable Public Education: Competitive tuition and robust state aid make engineering degrees more accessible.
- Hands-On Learning and Research Opportunities: Strong emphasis on co-ops, internships, and applied research at Iowa’s leading institutions.
Some of the Top Engineering Schools in Iowa
Iowa is home to nationally respected engineering programs that combine research, hands-on experience, and industry engagement. The schools listed below represent top options in the state. A full list of ABET-accredited programs will be included later in this profile.
Iowa State University College of Engineering
Iowa State University's College of Engineering offers a comprehensive range of ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs across a variety of disciplines. Undergraduate students can choose from more than a dozen engineering majors including aerospace, agricultural, biological systems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, construction, cybersecurity, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, mechanical, and software engineering. The college also offers interdisciplinary minors, certificates, and accelerated and concurrent degree options.
Graduate students have access to internationally recognized research opportunities and outstanding facilities as they pursue advanced degrees in areas aligned with global challenges. Iowa State emphasizes collaboration and innovation through hands-on research and professional development supported by leading faculty.
Student support services include in-depth orientation, academic advising, career services, study abroad programs, and more than 90 engineering student organizations. The college also promotes leadership, global engagement, and diversity through a welcoming, student-focused community.
About the University
Iowa State University is a public land-grant research institution located in Ames, Iowa. Known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and science programs, ISU provides a robust academic environment with a focus on innovation and community engagement.
University of Iowa College of Engineering
The University of Iowa's College of Engineering offers a focused selection of engineering majors designed to equip students with skills for impactful careers and transformative research. Undergraduate majors include biomedical, chemical, civil, computer science and engineering, electrical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering. The college also supports minors and certificate options in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate science, sustainability, and technological entrepreneurship. An Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) program provides an accelerated path to a graduate degree.
Graduate students can pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in the same disciplines, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research related to health, the environment, and emerging technologies. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student support through dedicated centers and career services.
All undergraduate engineering programs are ABET-accredited. The college also supports industry partnerships and offers numerous resources including the Engineering Technology Center and Hanson Center for Communication.
About the University
The University of Iowa is a public research university located in Iowa City, known for its strengths in healthcare, writing, and research. As Iowa's oldest university, it offers a broad spectrum of academic programs with a strong emphasis on community engagement and student success.
Engineering Scholarships and Financial Aid in Iowa
Iowa offers several financial aid programs and scholarship opportunities to help engineering students reduce the cost of their education. These include state grants, merit-based awards, and university-specific scholarships.
Key programs and resources include:
- Iowa Tuition Grant: Provides need-based aid to Iowa residents attending eligible private institutions.
- Kibbie Grant (Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant): Supports students pursuing high-demand fields, including certain engineering programs at community colleges.
- Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship: Covers tuition for eligible students enrolled in high-demand career programs, including engineering technologies.
- Iowa State University Engineering Scholarships: Offers a broad range of awards for undergraduate and graduate engineering students.
- University of Iowa College of Engineering Scholarships: Provides merit-based and donor-funded scholarships for engineering majors.
Students should also complete the FAFSA to access federal and many state-level financial aid opportunities.
Engineering Licensure and Other Resources in Iowa
Engineers in Iowa must be licensed to offer services directly to the public or in regulated environments. The state also supports a professional community that helps students and engineers navigate licensure and career development.
Key organizations and resources include:
- Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board (IELSEB): Manages licensure for professional engineers, including FE and PE exam requirements and renewals.
- Iowa Financial Aid Application: Required for some Iowa grants and scholarships.
- Iowa Engineering Society (IES): Provides networking, advocacy, and continuing education for engineers across the state.
- Iowa State College of Engineering: Offers extensive research and co-op programs in both traditional and emerging engineering fields.
- University of Iowa College of Engineering: Emphasizes research, innovation, and professional development, particularly in biomedical and environmental engineering.
These resources play a vital role in supporting academic achievement and helping engineers meet licensure and career goals in Iowa.
FAQs About Engineering Education in Iowa
Can I earn an engineering degree online in Iowa?
While most engineering programs in Iowa are campus-based, students can also pursue an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree through accredited national or regional programs.
What are Iowa’s strongest engineering fields?
Iowa is known for its strengths in agricultural, biosystems, mechanical, and civil engineering. Renewable energy and environmental engineering are also prominent due to the state’s sustainability focus.
Is licensure required to work as an engineer in Iowa?
Yes. Licensure is necessary for engineers working on public projects or offering services independently. The Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board oversees this process.
Do Iowa universities offer internships or co-op programs?
Yes. Both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa have strong relationships with regional and national employers and offer structured co-op and internship opportunities.
ABET-Accredited Engineering Programs in Iowa
Enrolling in an ABET-accredited engineering degree program ensures that your education meets national standards for academic quality and professional readiness. These programs are critical for students pursuing licensure or planning to enter technical and regulated fields.
Iowa offers a range of ABET-accredited engineering programs at its major public universities. These programs span traditional disciplines such as civil and mechanical engineering, as well as specialized areas like agricultural and biomedical engineering.
| Cornell College | Mount Vernon | - Engineering |
| Dordt University | Sioux Center | - Engineering |
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology | Ames | - Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering - Agricultural Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Construction Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Materials Engineering - Software Engineering - Biological Systems Engineering - Cyber Security Engineering - Environmental Engineering |
| The University of Iowa | Iowa City | - Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Science and Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Occupational and Environmental Health (Industrial Hygiene) - Biomedical Engineering - Chemical Engineering |
| Loras College | Dubuque | - Engineering |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls | - Electrical Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology |
| St. Ambrose University | Davenport | - Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Iowa was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses may change, readers are encouraged to consult the ABET official website and the individual university websites for the most current information. Additional resources mentioned earlier—such as Iowa College Aid and the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board—can also support your academic and licensure journey.
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