Western Carolina’s Engineering Programs Climb National Rankings, Fueled by Innovation
Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology is earning national recognition, and for good reason. The college climbed 68 spots to No. 82 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Doctorate Not Offered), placing WCU among the top third of engineering programs nationwide.
Dean Randy Collins says that while strong faculty, new programs, and state investment have all played key roles… partnerships— especially with organizations like NCInnovation — have amplified WCU’s work and visibility.
“A lot of factors went into this climb,” Collins said. “We’ve been able to grow our faculty, expand our programs, and secure funding for a new engineering building. But partnerships with groups like NCInnovation have really helped showcase the applied research we’re doing and connect it to real-world needs across the state.”
Collins credits the momentum to deliberate expansion and communication. “People are realizing this isn’t a hidden gem anymore… it’s a really great program,” he said. “We have quality faculty and staff, quality facilities, and students doing outstanding work. All the attention we’ve received has helped raise awareness, and that’s reflected in the rankings.”
With nearly 1,000 students enrolled, WCU’s engineering programs are growing fast. A state investment funded a new cutting-edge engineering building, and this fall, the university launched a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a new Industrial Engineering concentration, both designed in direct response to workforce demand.
“Our new programs are based directly on industry feedback,” Collins said. “Civil, mechanical, and computer engineering are huge areas of need. We engage with industry and strategically look at future demand and trajectory.”
WCU also continues to stand out for its value, ranked among the top nationally for lowest tuition and fees. “Students here can graduate with little to no debt and walk into high-compensation jobs,” Collins said. “That combination of affordability and quality is incredibly powerful. It’s transforming lives, especially for students from rural areas who might not otherwise have access to engineering programs like this.”
At larger universities, Collins noted, undergraduates may not have opportunities to engage in research with faculty until graduate school. “Here, our undergraduates are in the lab, working side-by-side with faculty on real problems,” he said. “That’s where they learn to think critically, solve challenges, and innovate — it’s what sets WCU apart.”
WCU’s rise also reflects its alignment with NCInnovation’s statewide mission: turning university research into real economic impact.
“Our wheelhouse is applied research,” Collins explained. “We’re not trying to be a massive R1 university… our focus is application-oriented work that solves problems for our region. That’s exactly where NCInnovation comes in. They help translate applied research into commercialized ideas that benefit North Carolina’s industries and communities.”
He added that partnerships like this give faculty and students exposure to the “real-world side” of research. “Faculty can take cutting-edge ideas and see how they fit market needs. Students get to work on projects that have direct applications. It’s motivating, and it’s meaningful.”
As WCU continues to expand its programs, facilities, and research reach, Collins sees the relationship with NCInnovation only deepening.
“NCInnovation will help bridge our program expansion with workforce needs by supporting the kinds of companies and technologies that get developed and commercialized here in North Carolina,” he said. “That creates opportunities for our graduates, strengthens industries in the region, and brings long-term value to the state.”
