Best Colleges for Stem

New products and procedures are created as a result of innovation, which helps to keep an economy afloat. This creativity and science literacy is predicated on a strong STEM knowledge base. Are you considering getting a stem degree at one of the greatest universities? A list of the best colleges for STEM degrees can be found here. These STEM degree universities provide the best and most standardized STEM programs. Experts concur that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is vital not just as a cornerstone of national security but also to preserve the country’s economy, given the growing demand for people trained in advanced disciplines such as cybersecurity and technology. 

What Is A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Major? 

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is an abbreviation that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This indicates that majors in this category are classified as STEM degrees. 

Most science and engineering degrees, as well as degrees like Animal Science and Nutrition, Agronomy and Crop Science, Environmental Studies, Urban Forestry, Mining Technology, Strategic Intelligence, Undersea Warfare, Nutrition Sciences, Archeology, and Veterinary Anatomy, are all available options. 

In 2012, former President Barack Obama established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to help fulfill a Cross-Agency Priority objective of increasing the number of college graduates in STEM areas by one million in ten years. In addition, President Trump recently signed two bills aimed at encouraging and recruiting more women into STEM disciplines. Aspiring students will discover that the advantages of enrolling in a STEM program far outweigh the disadvantages of other disciplines. 

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STEM education, according to study.com, combines concepts that are generally taught separately in different classrooms and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-world situations.

What are the benefits of pursuing a STEM degree? 

The Information Age, the Digital Age, and the New Media Age are all products of technological science. This is the age we are in right now. With the integration of an information economy into the existing industrial economy, the world of technology is growing, and the future looks bright for students interested in a STEM degree. 

STEM education bridges the racial and gender divides that can exist in the math and science areas. Initiatives have been put in place to increase the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. 

STEM education is also vital for the United States to maintain its position as a global leader. Without STEM education, the United States will continue to fall behind in math and science scores and will be unable to maintain its worldwide position; in addition, scientific and technology breakthroughs will suffer a significant decline. 

As a result, mentors and parents should encourage their children to participate in STEM activities and raise awareness and interest in STEM education at home and in extracurricular activities. 

STEM education and careers must be a national priority in order to compete in the global economy. To comprehend the repercussions of each decision, a component of STEM is used.

 Best Colleges with Stem Degrees 

 United States Merchant Marine Academy 

The United States Merchant Marine Academy helps our country by preparing leaders to work in national security and maritime transportation with honor. Academically, the USMMA is more demanding than any other federal service academy, requiring more credits. 

USMMA’s motto is “actions, not words.” A peek at the Academy’s alumni reveals that it is a top-notch STEM school. USMMA provides unrivaled instruction, leadership, and discipline, despite not having the same breadth of courses as larger universities. All students must complete a core of mathematics, science, English, leadership and ethics, comparative literature and history, naval science, physical education, and ship’s medicine, as well as a sea year (each student will spend around a year at sea) and an internship. After their first year, all students take a written exam to become licensed as a Merchant Marine Officer. 

Marine Transportation, Maritime Logistics and Security, Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, and Marine Engineering & Shipyard Management are the five majors available. Electives are available to supplement majors and, depending on the major, can also be used to earn a minor. Overall, the USMMA’s STEM programs are distinguished by their tradition, prestige, excellence, and rigor. Tuition: $1020 per year 

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a public research university 

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is well-known for its scientific and engineering programs. Caltech is one of the greatest STEM schools in the US because they have produced 38 Nobel Prize winners, pioneered silicon chip design, found the positron, discovered gravitational waves, invented the pH meter, and more. 

Biology & Biological Engineering, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Engineering & Applied Science, Geological & Planetary Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy are the academic departments at Caltech. Caltech not only offers a wide range of STEM degrees, but it also has a 3 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, a number of Nobel laureate faculty, and extensive resources. 

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Seismological Lab, space telescopes such as Spitzer, NuSTAR, Herschel, Planck, WISE, and GALEX, NASA facilities on campus, and the International Observatory Network are all run by the Institute. This network includes Hawaii’s Submillimeter Observatory, California’s Owens Valley Radio Observatory, Washington and Louisiana’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), and Chile’s Chajnantor Observatory. Students delve into STEM issues and research in the real world using these tools and several centers. Tuition: $49,908 per year

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The US Coast Guard Academy

The US Coast Guard Academy, which was established in 1876, offers bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering, Cyber Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Operations Research and Computer Analysis, Marine and Environmental Sciences, Government, and Management. It is the only federal service academy that does not require applicants to be nominated by a member of Congress. 

You may acquire a STEM degree while paying $0 tuition at the USCGA. Graduates are commissioned to serve our country and are guaranteed outstanding job possibilities as a result. Cadets will have “healthy bodies, strong hearts, and attentive brains,” as well as a “strong sense of honor.” Experienced teachers and small class sizes distinguish outstanding engineering, cyber, environmental science, and naval architecture schools. Cadets can choose to participate in an Honors Program, which includes international summer internships and graduate school scholarships such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and others. If you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree in STEM, there are several alternatives available, like Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Safety Systems, Information Operations & Cyber Intelligence, and Naval Engineering, to name a few. The Center for Arctic Study & Policy (CASP) at CG is a fantastic place to get some real-world experience. CASP brings together experts in STEM domains to collaborate and advance our knowledge. 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a public research university 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world’s most prestigious research universities. Nearly 100 Nobel laureates, several Rhodes, Truman, and other scholars, and recognition from numerous major rating organizations are among MIT’s achievements. 

STEM and MIT are a match made in heaven. MIT has 30 departments spread across five colleges, three of which are classified as STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering). There are numerous amazing research facilities, labs, and opportunities available, allowing for maximum focus on discovery, hands-on learning, and real-world invention. A wind tunnel, a research nuclear reactor, a glass lab, and UROPs (undergraduate research opportunities) are just a few of the labs and resources available. 

The oldest Aerospace program in the United States is housed at MIT. Few engineering colleges can boast of having as many degrees or as qualified faculty. Biological and chemical engineering, as well as electrical and nuclear engineering, are all options. If you’re interested in a STEM field, chances are MIT has it. If you are accepted and work hard, you will soon be developing robots, discovering medicines, and making scientific breakthroughs that benefit our society and planet. Tuition: $49,832 per year

The Naval Academy of the United States of America 

In 1845, the United States Naval Academy was founded. It is critical for the Navy and Marine Core to train officers in order to secure our land and people. The Academy specializes in STEM education and is located in Annapolis on a National Historic Landmark property. 

The Navy’s education program is designed to prepare service members who are “proficient in scientific investigation, logical reasoning, and problem-solving.” About 20 STEM majors are available at the Academy. Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Quantitative Economics, and Ocean Engineering are just a few examples. 

The fact that since 2013, at least 65 percent of graduates commissioned into the US Navy have completed academic majors in STEM subjects is another indicator of the Navy’s commitment to STEM. Students (midshipmen) and staff at USNA actively promote STEM programs to teachers and students in grades K-12. This is not only a service to our community, but it also aids in the development of leadership qualities. Two resources to enhance a STEM area are the Navy’s Center for Cyber Security Studies (CCSS) and the USNA Makerspace. The Makerspace is a place where people can come together to discuss ideas, tinker with, hack, modify, and explore technology, and imagine the future. 

Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college in New York City. 

Since 1955, Harvey Mudd College has provided a private undergraduate education with a focus on STEM fields. Claremont Colleges, which consists of seven universities, share a campus and resources. If you’re looking for an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum, HMC’s Individual Program of Study is a great alternative (IPS). The IPS option necessitates a unique mix of two or more STEM disciplines, as well as faculty assistance and Academic Dean permission.

There are amazing resources in addition to academic possibilities. The Hixon Center for Sustainable Environmental Design, Design Education, and the Hixon-Riggs Program for Responsive Science and Engineering are three interdisciplinary centers. HMC offers study abroad opportunities, many research funding opportunities, summer research programs, and the Clinic Program, a 50-year-old research-industry relationship. Tuition: $54,636 per year

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a private university in Roseville, Indiana. 

STEM education is a priority at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. For the past 20 years, the small, private school has been ranked #1 in U.S.News and World Report’s Undergraduate Education in Engineering, and they have experience dating back to 1874. 

Rose-Hulman is a destination for STEM education, research, and learning. 100% of the degrees offered at the school are in STEM fields. Students benefit from small classes and excellent facilities, which are known for academic rigor and instructional competence. 

The Branam Innovation Center promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, while the MiNDs Lab investigates nanotechnology and the Oakley Observatory studies star photometry, supernovae, and comets. In addition to research, Rose-Hulman offers top-notch career services and assistance to all students. Rose-Hulman Ventures is a program that connects students with technology-related businesses. 

With three career fairs and personal career service support, Rose has a 98 percent job placement rate. Study abroad and foreign exchange programs are also available through the Institute. Rose is, in general, the entire STEM package. You’ll find it at Rose, whether you enjoy Biology and discovering Magnetic Bacteria or you’re seeking for an engineering degree that will land you a wonderful career. Tuition: $48,012 per year 

 

Colorado School of Mines is a public university in Colorado. 

An Episcopal bishop realized the need for higher education in Golden City in the late 1800s. The Colorado School of Mines, also known as “the Mines,” is a public university in Colorado that offers engineering and applied science degrees. With a new student recreation facility and the Center for Technology and Learning Media, the Mines has enjoyed considerable expansion in recent years (CTLM). With approximately $65 million in research prizes in 2018, research is critical. 

The objective of Mines is to advance knowledge of the earth, energy, and environment. STEM disciplines and degrees are their specialty in order to accomplish this. Mines is likely to have any kind of engineering you’re looking for. Chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, metallurgical, geophysical, nuclear, and petroleum are some of the alternatives.

 Graduate degrees, as well as a combined Bachelor/program, Master’s are available at Mines. The School provides research facilities as well as opportunities to supplement and enhance classroom learning. The Colorado Center for Renewable Energy Economic Development (CREED) is a collaborative research effort between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Colorado’s top institutions. Biofuels, Solar, and Wind are the three research areas/centers of CREED. 

The undergraduate research options at Mines are also significant. You can conduct independent research to help rejuvenate our nation’s water system, enhance polymer materials, and investigate renewable resources through Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU).

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a public university in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s slogan is Theory and Practice, and it effectively encapsulates WPI’s educational paradigm. WPI educates students with The Strategy, a personalised plan that integrates theory, practice, and personal interest. WPI has 14 departments and over 50 degree programs (primarily in STEM). WPI’s retention rate of 97 percent proves its effectiveness. 

The WPI Plan is the school’s distinguishing feature. Hands-on learning, global immersion, project-based learning, personalised and customised courses, and team-based learning are all included in the Plan. This educational paradigm not only develops exceptional engineers, but it also requires students to take responsibility for their lives and education from the start.

 Employers frequently comment on how well graduates interact in groups, resolve conflicts, and solve problems. There are a few schools that are better in STEM subjects. Engineering, computer science, mathematics, biology, physical sciences, and other disciplines are available at WPI. 

The school is well recognized for its engineering program, which is well suited to the pedagogical philosophy of using project-based learning to engage with real-world challenges. WPI was awarded the Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Engineering and Technology Innovation in 2016. 

With over 20 centers/institutes, you can study and learn about a variety of topics. You can look into Holographic Studies and Laser Micro-mechaTronics, for example, or Global Public Safety. WPI is a fantastic choice because of these unique chances. Tuition: $48,628 per year

FAQs 

What should I look for in a small college where I can pursue a STEM degree? 

Before you apply for a STEM degree, you should research tiny colleges. Small liberal arts colleges are recommended by educational consultants and college counselors for students who want a unique experience that larger universities may not provide. When it comes to picking a small institution for a STEM degree, there are a few things to consider. 

When looking for a small college to pursue a STEM degree at, students should consider the graduation rate outcomes. Students who attend schools with high graduation rates are more likely to succeed. Job prospects, graduate school acceptance rates, and pre-professional program admission rates are all factors to consider. 

Faculty-to-Student Ratio 

The majority of small colleges, including those on our list, provide a more intimate learning environment. Student-to-faculty ratios of 10 to one or less are common in these schools. Small liberal arts colleges have an average student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to one. Because to the small class numbers, the undergraduate experience is prioritized. While some of the best small colleges have a student-to-faculty ratio of seven to one, larger public universities have ratios of 18 to one or 24 to one. The more intimate the learning experience, the smaller the class size. 

Uniqueness 

Small institutions offer unique extracurricular activities, organizations, and research possibilities to their students. Students will have numerous opportunities for growth at a school that lays a higher emphasis on the undergraduate experience. Summer programs, international experiences, and research opportunities are just a few of the benefits of attending a small institution for a STEM degree.

What kind of salary can I expect with a STEM degree? 

STEM positions provide a significant income premium, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, the average income for non-STEM employment is $40,020, whereas the average compensation for STEM positions is $89,780. That’s more than double the pay of non-STEM jobs. 

It’s vital to look at average salaries for various different sorts of STEM careers to determine earning potential and how much money one may make with a STEM degree. 

Engineers make an average of $83,160 per year. Chemical engineers, for example, make more money than other engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for chemical engineers is $108,540, with the top 10% of earners earning more than $168,960. 

Materials scientists make an average of $99,460 per year. The top ten percent of materials scientists make more than $165,290 per year. Chemists are also well compensated. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chemists is $79,300, with the top 10% earning $139,650. 

Computer jobs are also well-paying. Computer and information research scientists make an average of $126,830 per year, while computer network architects make $116,780 per year. Computer hardware engineers, information security analysts, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are all high-paying computer jobs. All of these technology-related positions pay well over six figures on average.

What are the advantages of pursuing a STEM degree at a small college? 

Small universities are beneficial for scientific students, according to a recent Forbes article. Small liberal arts universities may appear to be a strange choice for a professional scientist or a student interested in research. Although research I universities have access to cutting-edge technology and world-renowned instructors, top-ranked research institutions may not provide the same experience for undergraduates as a small liberal arts college. 

The student population at tiny colleges, such as those on our list of outstanding small colleges for STEM degrees, ranges from 1,500 to 2,500. Science classes are kept small at research universities, where they would normally be given in large lecture halls. In a class of 400 students, students do not get lost. Small liberal arts universities’ largest introductory classes may be limited to 30 or 40 people. Science and technology classes, especially introductory classes, are frequently capped at 18 or 20 people. 

Another advantage of pursuing a STEM degree at a small college is the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research. This may seem counterintuitive considering the institution’s modest size, but smaller colleges have a plethora of research options. Small institutions allow students to participate in significant research projects, join professors on study missions overseas, and form bonds with peers and teachers.

Which STEM degrees are the most popular at small colleges? 

For those interested in majoring in STEM, small colleges offer a variety of degree programs. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are broad categories, but there are numerous degrees within these subjects. The following are some of the most popular STEM programs: 

Biology 

In tiny institutions, biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences are among the most popular majors. Many biology majors intend to go to medical school, dental school, or another pre-professional degree after graduation. Students studying biology might expect to take coursework and laboratories in general and organic chemistry, physiology and anatomy, and zoology. 

The field of computer science 

A bachelor’s degree in computer science provides a broad range of highly valuable abilities, such as programming, hardware troubleshooting, and data set organization. Students studying computer science learn a variety of programming languages, spend hours coding, and tackle challenging issues. Computer science degrees can lead to excellent salaries immediately out of college and long-term work prospects. 

Mathematics and statistics 

High-level employment as data analysts, statisticians, and actuaries are aggressively marketed to math majors. As a result, math and statistics programs at small institutions are among the most popular STEM degrees. You’ll most likely take classes in complex analysis, differential geometry, introduction to algebraic structures, statistics, and topology as a math major.

What are the greatest STEM degrees for future high-paying jobs? 

Significant progress has been made in science, technology, and research throughout the last few decades. We are currently living in a technologically advanced era. Humans are living longer lives as a result of advances in medicine and healthcare. Automobiles have improved in speed and efficiency. Energy has improved in terms of cleanliness and economic effectiveness. These developments have resulted in the creation of jobs. STEM occupations are among the top vocations of the future, but many of them require a STEM degree to obtain. 

Listed below are many degrees that will help you acquire a top future job. 

Atmospheric Sciences is a field of study that deals with the atmosphere. 

Because of global warming and changes in the earth’s climate and weather patterns, atmospheric sciences, also known as meteorology, is a top vocation of the future. These highly trained scientists work in labs and weather stations to determine weather alerts, predict disasters, and conduct research. 

Game Art and Design 

Game design is a rapidly expanding sector with numerous job opportunities. The video-game business alone is worth $30 billion, and as more people turn to online gaming and gaming apps, professionals will be needed to create art and design for these programs and apps. 

Energy that is both sustainable and renewable 

A profession in sustainable energy is one of the future’s fastest-growing fields. Clean vehicle engineers, solar installers, sustainability professionals, and turbine technicians are all examples of clean energy or sustainable energy employment. A degree in sustainable and renewable energy can lead to a promising career path.

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