College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2023 Most Focused Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Engineering in the Southeast Region

53 Ranked Colleges
2,407 Degrees Awarded
$32,500 Avg Cost*
Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

Engineering is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 7th of all the majors we analyze. In 2020-2021, 198,468 degrees were awarded to students with this major. In 2019-2020, engineering graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $68,653 and had an average of $23,855 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 40,301 engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $65,769 and $24,379 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 2,407 engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $74,087 and $0 respectively.

For this year’s “Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region” ranking, we looked at 53 colleges that offer a degree in engineering. The colleges and universities that top this list are recognized because their engineering program is one of the largest majors offered at the school.

Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Engineering Schools

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Engineering Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region

The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region doctor’s degree engineering students.

Top 25 Most Focused Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Engineering in the Southeast Region

1

Out of the 53 schools in the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus landed the #1 spot on the list. Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus is a large school located in Atlanta, Georgia that handed out 379 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Engineering at Georgia Tech

2
NC State crest
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

Out of the 53 schools in the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, North Carolina State University landed the #2 spot on the list. North Carolina State University is a large school located in Raleigh, North Carolina that handed out 214 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read more about Engineering at NC State

3
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Virginia Tech. The school came in at #3 for the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region. Virginia Tech is a large school located in Blacksburg, Virginia that handed out 179 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Virginia Tech Engineering Report

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend The University of Tennessee - Knoxville. The school came in at #4 for the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s engineering degrees to 111 students in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Engineering at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Florida Institute of Technology. The school came in at #5 for the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region. Florida Institute of Technology is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Melbourne, Florida. It awarded 28 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Engineering at Florida Tech

6
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina

Duke University landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 87 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 97%.

Full Duke University Engineering Report

7
NC A&T crest
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina

North Carolina A & T State University ranked #7 on this year’s Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. This fairly large school is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 30 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Engineering at North Carolina A & T State University

8
University of Virginia crest
University of Virginia - Main Campus
Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia - Main Campus did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #8. University of Virginia - Main Campus is a large school located in Charlottesville, Virginia that handed out 97 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Virginia Engineering Report

9

University of Alabama in Huntsville ranked #9 on this year’s Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. UAH is located in Huntsville, Alabama and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 25 doctorate’s engineering degrees to qualified students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Engineering at UAH

10
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina

Clemson University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 81 doctorate’s engineering degrees to qualified students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Engineering at Clemson University

11
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee

Vanderbilt University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. Vanderbilt is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 45 doctorate’s engineering degrees to qualified students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Engineering at Vanderbilt University

12
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

University of Florida landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. UF is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 163 doctorate’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 97%.

Read more about Engineering at University of Florida

13

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College landed the #13 spot on the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this large public school handed out 57 degrees to qualified doctorate’s engineering students in 2020-2021.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Louisiana State University Engineering Report

14
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama

Auburn University did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #14. Auburn University is a large school located in Auburn, Alabama that handed out 60 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Engineering at Auburn University

15

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach ranked #15 on this year’s Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is a medium-sized school located in Daytona Beach, Florida that handed out 11 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Engineering at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach

16
Louisiana Tech crest
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana

Louisiana Tech University ranked #16 on this year’s Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. Louisiana Tech University is a public institution located in Ruston, Louisiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 15 doctorate’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Engineering at Louisiana Tech

17
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

Mississippi State University did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #17. Mississippi State is a large public school situated in Mississippi State, Mississippi. It awarded 40 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Engineering at Mississippi State University

18
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas

University of Arkansas came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. This large school is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and it awarded 48 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read full report on Engineering at UARK

19
WVU crest
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia University ranked #19 on this year’s Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. Morgantown, West Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s engineering degrees to 41 students in 2020-2021.

Full West Virginia University Engineering Report

20

University of Central Florida came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking. This large school is located in Orlando, Florida, and it awarded 118 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 92%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Engineering at University of Central Florida

21
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida

University of Miami did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 32 degrees to qualified doctorate’s engineering students in 2020-2021.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full U Miami Engineering Report

22
UK crest
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky

With a ranking of #22, University of Kentucky did quite well on the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. This large school is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and it awarded 41 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Engineering at University of Kentucky

23
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia

With a ranking of #23, Emory University did quite well on the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region list. This fairly large school is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it awarded 25 doctorate’s engineering degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Emory University Engineering Report

24

University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #24. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, this large public school handed out 50 degrees to qualified doctorate’s engineering students in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 90%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of South Carolina - Columbia Engineering Report

25

University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well in the 2023 Schools for a Doctorate Highly Focused on Engineering Major in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #25. Located in Tampa, Florida, this large public school awarded 71 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s engineering students in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Engineering at University of South Florida - Main Campus

Switch to a More Focused Major

General Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for General Engineering in the Southeast Region

Agricultural Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Agricultural Engineering in the Southeast Region

Chemical Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Chemical Engineering in the Southeast Region

Computer Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Computer Engineering in the Southeast Region

Engineering Mechanics
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Engineering Mechanics in the Southeast Region

Engineering Science
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Engineering Science in the Southeast Region

Materials Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Materials Engineering in the Southeast Region

Mining Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Mining Engineering in the Southeast Region

Ocean Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Ocean Engineering in the Southeast Region

Systems Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Systems Engineering in the Southeast Region

Polymer & Plastics Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Polymer & Plastics Engineering in the Southeast Region

Industrial Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Industrial Engineering in the Southeast Region

Robotics Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Robotics Engineering in the Southeast Region

Other Engineering
Most Focused Doctor's Degree Colleges for Other Engineering in the Southeast Region

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

Credits

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options