Top U.S. Universities for Renewable Energy Engineering

The clean energy transition is creating huge demand for skilled engineers. Choosing the right program matters, and in this guide we highlight the top U.S. universities for renewable energy engineering.

Why Study Renewable Energy Engineering in the U.S.?

The United States has set ambitious clean energy goals like achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, driving unprecedented investment in renewables and grid modernization. The renewable energy sector is booming:

About 3.5 million Americans now work in clean energy jobs.
Clean energy jobs grew over twice as fast as the overall labor market in 2023.
Roles like wind turbine technician and solar installer rank among the nation’s fastest-growing occupations.

For energy professionals and future graduates, choosing a university with a strong energy engineering program can be a career-defining decision. The following Top 10 U.S. universities are renowned for their excellence in energy, renewable energy, and related engineering disciplines.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Massachusetts

MIT is a pivotal force in energy innovation.

MIT’s School of Engineering is consistently ranked #1 in the nation.
The MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) fosters interdisciplinary research in solar power, energy storage, smart grids, and even fusion technology.
The institute is ranked #1 in North America for Renewable Energy Engineering research.
Graduates become leaders in clean-tech startups, major energy companies, and government roles, driving innovations from grid software to electric vehicles.

2. Stanford University – California

Stanford is a powerhouse for academic excellence and sustainable energy innovation.

The university launched the new Doerr School of Sustainability in 2022 with a historic $1.1 billion gift.
The Energy Resources Engineering department now trains students in geothermal, carbon capture, and more.
Stanford’s engineering programs rank among the very top nationally.
Its Silicon Valley location also means strong ties to clean-tech companies and an entrepreneurial ecosystem for launching energy startups.

3. University of California, Berkeley – California

UC Berkeley boasts one of the nation’s premier engineering colleges (ranked #3 in the U.S. alongside Stanford).

Home to the pioneering graduate program, the Energy & Resources Group (ERG), which blends renewable energy science, policy, and environmental management.
Ranks #2 in North America for research output in renewable energy engineering.
Researchers have led breakthroughs in solar photovoltaic efficiency, battery materials, and biofuels.
The campus hosts institutes like the Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute and the Cyclotron Road energy incubator.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology – Georgia

Georgia Tech is a top-tier engineering school with a focus on real-world energy solutions.

Its College of Engineering consistently ranks in the U.S. top 5.
Recognized as #3 in North America for renewable energy engineering research output.
The Strategic Energy Institute (SEI) coordinates research in areas like next-gen solar cells, power electronics, and grid resiliency.
It is a leader in power engineering and smart grid technology; its NEETRAC center works with utilities on grid modernization.

5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Illinois

UIUC offers robust programs that blend traditional engineering strength with renewable energy specialization.

The Grainger College of Engineering is renowned (top 10 nationally).
Ranked #4 in North America for renewable energy engineering research.
Leads the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) – a $252 million DOE-funded bioenergy research center.
Offers a Professional Science Master’s in Energy Systems and an M.Eng. in Energy Systems.

6. University of Michigan – Michigan

U-M couples a top-ranked engineering program (ranked in the U.S. top 10) with a deep commitment to clean energy.

One of the first to offer a dedicated master’s in Energy Systems Engineering.
Particularly strong in energy storage and mobility research.
Hosts the U.S. Department of Energy’s new Energy Storage Research Hub to advance next-generation batteries.
U-M’s expertise in automotive engineering is driving the electrification revolution.

7. University of Texas at Austin – Texas

Located in the energy hub of Texas, UT Austin offers unparalleled opportunities.

The Cockrell School of Engineering is among the nation’s elite (ranked #8 nationally for graduate engineering).
Coursework includes a Certificate in Energy Engineering option for undergrads.
Students engage with the Pecan Street Project, a smart grid living laboratory.
Leverages Texas’s lead in installed wind power through its Wind Energy Center.

8. University of Wisconsin–Madison – Wisconsin

UW–Madison is a public research powerhouse with strengths in energy research, power engineering, and sustainable fuels.

Ranked #5 in North America for Renewable Energy Engineering research output.
A major asset is the Wisconsin Energy Institute (WEI).
Leads the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, working to convert biomass to advanced biofuels.
Excels in solar energy materials, grid optimization, and cleaner fuels/EV technology.

9. Princeton University – New Jersey

Princeton offers an Ivy League prestige combined with cutting-edge energy research.

Features the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.
Students can earn certificates in Sustainable Energy.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) focuses on fusion energy science.
Its researchers have developed influential models for decarbonizing national and global energy systems.
Its mission is to train the next generation of energy leaders.

10. Pennsylvania State University – Pennsylvania

Penn State has a formidable reputation in energy and mineral engineering.

Offers a B.S. in Energy Engineering, one of the first undergraduate programs of its kind.
The curriculum blends engineering fundamentals with specialized courses in renewable energy.
Offers a well-regarded online master’s in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (RESS).
Facilities include the Grid Star Center – a smart grid education and research microgrid.

Not all universities are the same

Choosing the right university is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to lead in the renewable energy and power engineering arenas. These universities are producing the innovators and leaders needed to meet national clean energy targets.

If you’re inspired by the innovation coming from the top U.S. universities for renewable energy engineering, Astute can help you take the next step in your career. Upload your resume with Astute People Inc. to explore exciting roles and advance your career in the renewable energy industry.