Determine the scope of your ratings. When comparing engineering schools, compare like with like. For instance, do not compare schools with highly ranked electrical engineering departments with schools that have highly ranked environmental engineering departments. Compare undergraduate programs only with other undergraduate programs. Some schools have highly regarded undergraduate programs, while others are known for graduate studies. The ranking of international programs can also figure into your ratings. Determine if you will include schools outside the United States.
Examine the rankings of the major publications that rate engineering schools. Do not rely entirely upon these as a determining factor, but they can serve as a useful guide. U.S. News & World Report is generally considered one of the most reliable guides to engineering schools in the United States. They do not provide much information regarding undergraduate programs, but you can use their rankings to gain a better understanding of the strengths of the various departments within the engineering school. This publication breaks down its rankings into subcategories like chemical engineering, electrical engineering and aeronautical engineering. Another helpful publication is Times Higher Education, which ranks programs on an international scale.
Compile a list of criteria that are important to you. Personalize your ratings list to match what you need. For undergraduate programs, consult Students Review, a site that ranks schools based on reviews by students who have graduated from various programs. The site uses criteria like educational quality, faculty accessibility and university funding. You may find that some schools with high rankings also offer lucrative financial aid packages. Other factors to consider can include housing accommodations, the town or city in which the school is located and extracurricular activities.