The future of energy is sustainable and renewable. The world is pivoting away from fossil fuels. This limited resources causes pollution and other forms of environmental damage. The answer to fossil fuels is sustainable, renewable, clean sources of energy. This represents an opportunity for many to get in on the ground floor of sustainable energy research. Those who wish to do so should consider the schools featured in this ranking of the top 20 renewable energy research universities.
The universities featured here collaborate with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory research centers. These centers explore many things. Some are looking for ways to improve the efficiency of energy conversion. Some are working on the development of new materials to use in sustainable energy generation. There is not currently a specialty in renewable energy engineering. Instead, the research conducted takes advantage of many engineering disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is the best way to grow this new and exciting field. The FAQ after the ranking provides more information on how these specialties contribute to sustainable energy engineering research.
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT collaborates with many NREL centers and projects. These include Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis and Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry. The Center for Next Generation of Materials Design is another area. Computer-Aided Engineering for Electric-Drive Vehicle Batteries is also included. Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks #1 in:
- engineering
- mechanical engineering
- materials engineering
- chemical engineering
- electrical engineering
MIT also ranks #9 in environmental/environmental health engineering. Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineering graduates have founded more than 30,000 companies.
Tuition: $53,450
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #1
#2. Stanford University
Stanford University collaborates with NREL through the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis. Stanford offers both a master’s and bachelor’s in energy resources engineering. This program trains leaders who will help further sustainability in energy production. Classes include sustainable energy for nine billion, and optimization of energy systems. Other important subjects are:
- Energy infrastructure
- technology
- economics
Modeling uncertainty in earth sciences, and fundamentals of renewable power are also taught. Stanford ranks #2 overall in engineering programs. The school ties with Massachusetts Institute of Technology for #1 in environmental engineering and electrical engineering.
Tuition: $56,169
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #2
#3. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University collaborates with NREL through the Center for Alkaline-Based Energy Solutions. To improve energy storage,this research utilizes:
- chemistry
- physics
- materials science
The research makes fuel cells, electrolyzers, and metal batteries more sustainable. The materials engineering program at CMU ranks #8. Chemical engineering ranks #15. Electrical engineering ranks #8, as does environmental engineering.
Tuition: $58,810
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #4
#4. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania collaborates with NREL’s Center for Alkaline-Based Energy solutions. Improving energy storage is essential to creating a more sustainable energy system. That’s the main focus of this particular research center. Penn ranked #15 in materials science and engineering. The school also ranks:
- #20 in electrical engineering
- #21 in mechanical engineering
- #23 in chemical engineering.
Tuition: $60,042
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #18
#5. Harvard University
Harvard University partners with the NREL Center for Next Generation of Materials Design. This center strives to push forward and transform the discovery of functional energy materials. The academic ranking of world universities ranks Harvard’s materials science and engineering program #4 in the world. The energy science and engineering program is in the top 100. Harvard’s environmental science and engineering program ranks #1.
Tuition: $55,587
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #21
#6. Princeton University
Princeton University collaborates with NREL on Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry research. Princeton University takes the lead in this center’s research. This project derives inspiration from the process of photosynthesis. The goal is to harness the process to help improve the means by which solar energy is produced. Princeton ranks #9 in electrical engineering and #10 in Chemical Engineering. The school also ranks #11 in environmental engineering, and #10 in mechanical engineering.
Tuition: $48,502
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #22
#7. Duke University
Duke University collaborates with the NREL-led Center for Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors for Energy. The purpose of this research center is to accelerate the development of semiconductors. This is an important area of research for the development of renewable energy sources. Better semiconductors are essential to energy-efficient advanced technology. Duke ranks #39 for environmental science and engineering in the Shanghai Ranking.
Tuition: $57,900
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #24
#8. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University works with the Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry research center. NC State is ranked #25 by U.S. News overall. The Shanghai Ranking Consultancy ranks their electrical engineering program 20th in the world. Their chemical engineering program ranks 10th in the world. North Carolina State University ranks 51-75 for energy science and engineering. The research seeks to apply natural processes to solar energy.
Tuition: $29,220
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #25
#9. University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder is involved with many of the NREL centers. These include Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory and Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis. They are also involved with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. Finally, they work with the Center for Next Generation of Materials Design. UC Boulder ranks highly in engineering overall. The school is also ranked:
- #8 in environmental engineering
- #10 in chemical engineering
- #14 in mechanical engineering
All these engineering disciplines are important to renewable energy research.
Tuition: $31,284
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #26
#10. University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin works with the Center for Alkaline-Based Energy Solutions. It ranks 4th for environmental engineering according to the ARWU. Materials science and engineering and chemical engineering both rank in the top 75. The Academic Ranking of World Universities is also known as the Shanghai Ranking. This is one of the most respected academic rankings in the world.
Tuition: $38,630
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #26
#11. Yale University
Yale takes part in the Cornell University-led Center for Alkaline-Based Energy Solutions. To improve energy storage, the project employs:
- chemistry
- physics
- materials science
Yale’s engineering department also conducts interdisciplinary research in energy. It integrates this research with economics and policy. This is important because research matters little if it is not used.
Tuition: $44,500
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #38
#12. Arizona State University
ASU collaborates with the Princeton-led Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry research center. The project focuses on harnessing natural processes to improve solar energy production. ASU ranks #31 in electrical engineering and #20 in environmental engineering. The school also ranks #41 in mechanical engineering, and #52 in chemical engineering. Arizona State University also offers one of the top online engineering degrees.
Tuition: $39,766
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #41
#13. Colorado School of Mines
The Colorado School of Mines works with many NREL programs. These include:
- the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory
- International Center for Multiscale Characterization
Colorado School of Mines also works with the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis. CSM works with NREL on so many projects they have developed the NEXUS initiative. This initiative exists to further cooperation and collaboration between NREL and the school.
Tuition: $39,800
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #54
#14. University of Utah
The University of Utah collaborates with Center for Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors for Energy. UU has programs in chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. There are also programs in:
- construction engineering
- nuclear engineering
- electrical & computer engineering
The University of Utah researches wind energy and turbulence, and radiative energy transfer. The school is also researching nano-energy.
Tuition: $49,446
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #58
#15. Michigan State University
Michigan State University collaborates with the Princeton-led Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry research center. The project strives to improve light-harvesting technologies. Michigan State has a broad focus on sustainability. The school seeks to incorporate sustainability concepts and practices into many programs. Renewable energy is one solution to our pollution problem. But it still involves building and maintaining structures in our environment. Environmental engineering can help lessen the negative environmental impacts of this new infrastructure.
Tuition: $39,766
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #59
#16. Oregon State University
Oregon State University works with the Center for Next Generation of Materials Design. It is one of six colleges and universities to work with this research center. The ARWU ranks Oregon State’s environmental science and engineering program in the top 100. Energy science and engineering, and electrical and electronic engineering both rank in the top 300 in the world.
Tuition: $31,467
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #71
#17. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill works with two research centers. One is the Center for Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors for Energy. The other is the Bioinspired Light-Escalated Chemistry projects at NREL. UNC Chapel Hill ranks in the top 100 for materials science and engineering according to ARWU. Environmental science and engineering and nanoscience and nanotechnology are also ranked top 100. The environmental sciences and engineering department addresses environmental change and climate change. It also and tackles a host of other emerging environmental challenges. They use a multidisciplinary approach that provides unique research opportunities for their students.
Tuition: $36,159
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #75
#18. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago collaborates with the Center for Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors. This research center develops unique semiconductors designed for the renewable energy industry. The ARWU ranks the University of Chicago #12 for energy science and engineering. The school ranks #30 for materials science and engineering. Both chemical and electrical engineering rank top 75 in the world.
Tuition: $60,552
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #79
#19. Binghamton University
Binghamton University spent $20 million in research during the 2020-2021 school year. Binghamton’s Center for Autonomous Solar Power aims to reduce the cost of solar power. A big part of this is improving the energy efficiency of the technology. CASP is a multi-discipline research center. It collaborates with the Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing. CASP also works with the Institute for Materials Research and Integrated Electronics Engineering Center.
Tuition: $27,604
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #113
#20. University of Toledo
The University of Toledo offers an online master’s in energy engineering. The program engages:
- sustainability
- public policy
- energy management
- energy economics
- finance
- consulting
The program is customizable, allowing students to choose their areas of expertise. The wide range of topics enables students to tailor their education for greatest impact. The University of Toledo also works with the Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors for Energy.
Tuition: $20,442
U.S. News Engineering Rank: #154
Frequently Asked Questions
What engineering disciplines are involved in renewable energy engineering research?
Chemical Engineering: This includes subspecialties like:
- materials engineering
- molecular engineering
- process engineering
Chemical engineering is essential to solar energy research. All the subspecialties play a part in designing more efficient and effective solar panels and batteries. This is the most important area of study related to solar energy.
Environmental Engineering: This area of study affects the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure. Environmental engineers can minimize the impact of this infrastructure. What good is implementing clean energy if doing so also destroys the environment? If you want to help preserve the earth, this is a good area of study.
Electrical Engineering: The main subspecialty involved in sustainable energy research is power engineering. That’s not the only important specialty, though. Computer engineering is important. Electronic engineering also has an important role to play in sustainable energy research.
Mechanical Engineering: The main specialties of mechanical engineering in energy are power plant and energy engineering. Currently these are more focused on the modes of generating electricity like nuclear and fossil fuels. The methods of mechanical engineering also apply to new forms of energy creation.
What is the career outlook for these engineering specialties?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics chemical engineers earn a median of $108,540 per year. Job growth in the field is projected to be 9% between 2020 and 2030, resulting in a total of 2,400 new jobs.
Environmental engineers earn a median annual salary of $92,120. Job growth between 2020 and 2030 is projected to be 4%, which is slightly slower than average. 4% job growth would result in 1,900 environmental engineering jobs being added to the market.
Electrical and electronics engineers earn a median annual salary of $103,390 according to BLS. Job growth rate is projected to be average for 2020-2030 at 7%. This will result in an additional 20,400 new jobs added to the market during those ten years.
Mechanical engineers earn a median annual salary of $90,160 according to BLS. Job growth is expected to be average at 7% with a total of 20,900 new jobs added from 2020-2030.
Can I get into engineering research at the undergraduate level?
Yes! It’s common for those earning a bachelor of science in engineering to get involved in research. For the most part, the master’s in engineering is the terminal degree in the field. Research opportunities will vary from school to school. How many ongoing research projects each school has and the size of those projects are important factors. The number of students interested in participating in engineering research also matters.
To determine your chances of participating in research, contact the relevant department. Ask about research opportunities and how to get involved as an undergrad. Often undergraduates will have more research opportunities in junior and senior years. This is because at that point they are more deeply involved in their major.
Do I need to earn a master’s in engineering degree?
A bachelor of science in engineering is enough for most positions in engineering. If you want to teach or further specialize your bachelor of science in engineering, then a master’s is a great way to do that! A master’s degree will also make you eligible for higher level research positions. Those with a master’s often find themselves overseeing major research projects.
A bachelor’s in engineering is a powerful degree that opens many doors. The master’s will provide you with some of the best opportunities in the field. Waiting a while before earning your master’s is also a great way to update your knowledge later in your career. You definitely don’t need to earn a master’s right away. It’s a better strategy for most to get into the field. Do some work and discover what you’re passionate about. Then aim for the qualifications you need with a master’s degree to fulfill your goals. If your goal is professional development, then a master’s certificate might be an option for you.
What are the best forms of renewable energy currently?
The answer to this question often depends on location. Different renewable energy sources are better in different environments. Areas with lots of sun make solar power systems more effective. Solar power systems also need lots of open space like grassland or desert or cities where there is plenty of space on rooftops.
Wind power systems tend to do well in large open spaces, hills, and near the ocean. Wind power systems and solar power systems both utilize emerging technologies in energy storage to make up for lulls. This prevents people from losing power on days with little wind or sun. There are also emerging technologies working on minimizing environmental obstacles. Snow, for instance, can cover solar panels. This lessens the effect of a solar power system. And cold and ice could potentially freeze the turbines of windmills, lessening the effect of wind power systems.
Much of the research taking place in the programs featured here is focused on developing emerging technologies. These emerging technologies can significantly increase the effectiveness of wind power, solar power systems, and other renewable energy sources.
Unfortunately, as climate change reduces the water supply on land, hydro power systems are becoming less effective. This used to be one of the most effective renewable energy sources available to us. Hydro could potentially have powered 60% of the world’s energy power systems. But the reduction in water on land has significantly reduced the potential of one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Now solar power and wind energy are our two best bets for renewable energy sources.
What are the highest impact renewable energy emerging technologies?
Sustainable energy generation is the highest impact overall. However, in order for this to be a feasible alternative to fossil fuels, new technologies are required. The highest impact of these are likely high capacity battery packs and fuel cells. Battery packs will allow homes to store excess energy to use during lulls. Fuel cells will improve the efficiency of electric powered vehicles. Right now fuel cells are sufficient for most sizes of personal vehicle. But more efficient fuel cells will be required to power semi-trucks and maybe eventually even cargo ships. Fuel cells will revolutionize transportation, one of the major contributors to global warming. These technologies can be helped along by green-friendly environmental policy and incentives.
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GCD Staff
July 2022
This concludes our coverage of finding the best university for renewable energy engineering.