Penn State has been a leader in materials science and engineering education and innovation since the very beginning. Our programs are consistently rated highly in many rankings, including U.S. News & World Report. Here are a few examples of recent rankings, primarily relating to our academic standing.
National Science Foundation Research Expenditure Rankings
The U.S. National Science Foundation HERD Survey recognizes Penn State's strengths in research and materials innovation once again. Learn more at research.psu/edu
- #1 in Materials Science
- #2 in Materials Engineering
Read more: Penn State rises in NSF Higher Education Research and Development rankings
U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Undergraduate Programs
In materials engineering where the highest engineering degree offered is a doctorate.
#10 in Materials Engineering (2025)
Graduate Programs
#11 in Materials Engineering (2024)
Note that specialty rankings are not available in all disciplines at the undergraduate level, and not all disciplines are ranked every year.
QS World University 2025 Rankings by Subject
#37 - Materials Science
Read more: Penn State programs competitive in 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject
Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
#13 in Materials Science & Engineering
#39 in Metallurgical Engineering
Penn State ranks 17th among US publics, top 5% globally in THE World University Rankings