
1000 Olin Way, Needham, MA 02492-1200, USA


Franklin W Olin College of Engineering holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation is critical for prospective students as it validates that the college provides a recognized and reputable education. Additionally, its engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is a widely respected authority in engineering education. ABET accreditation confirms that the college's engineering curriculum meets the essential criteria required for professional practice and prepares students adequately for engineering careers. These accreditations collectively assure students that Franklin W Olin College of Engineering maintains comprehensive quality controls and adheres to regional and specialized educational standards.
Admission to Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 22%, placing it among the most selective institutions. Prospective students must have completed secondary education or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A strong secondary school record and a solid grade point average are mandatory for applicants. In addition, submission of recommendations is required, while completion of college preparatory programs is also expected.
Applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of competencies and may benefit from submitting scores from standardized tests other than the SAT or ACT, as these are recommended though not strictly required. The university does not operate an open admission policy, indicating a selective screening process.
Regarding standardized testing, the average admitted student demonstrates exceptional academic ability, with mean SAT scores around 1535 and an average ACT score of 35, both extremely high and in the top 5% nationally. Despite this, only 46% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, and 22% submitted ACT scores, suggesting some flexibility or test-optional considerations.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering allows dual credit courses, but does not grant credit for prior college-level work or Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Additionally, the use or lease of a computer is required for enrollment, underscoring the technological emphasis of the curriculum.
The Franklin W Olin College of Engineering requires an application fee to be submitted along with prospective students' applications. This fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with processing the application materials. However, the college recognizes that application fees can be a barrier for some candidates and thus provides fee waivers under specific circumstances.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need are eligible to request a waiver of the application fee. The college typically assesses these requests on a case-by-case basis to ensure equitable access to the application process. In addition, certain programs or outreach initiatives may offer waivers to students from underrepresented groups or schools with limited resources, further supporting inclusivity in admissions.
Students seeking fee waivers are encouraged to contact the admissions office directly to inquire about eligibility criteria and the application procedure for such waivers. This approach helps streamline support for applicants facing financial hardship without compromising the integrity of the admissions process.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering does not offer its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities typically pursue these programs through nearby institutions that have established ROTC detachments. This arrangement allows students at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering to participate in ROTC activities while completing their engineering education, though it requires coordination with partner schools.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering accepts transfer students for the fall semester. Information about transfer admissions for other terms such as winter, spring, or summer is not available. Prospective transfers should note that details regarding credit acceptance, entrance difficulty, and acceptance of certain credit examinations or recommendations have not been disclosed by the institution.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering provides students with opportunities to participate in study abroad programs designed to complement their rigorous engineering curriculum. These programs emphasize immersive learning experiences that integrate engineering with global perspectives, allowing students to work alongside international peers and engage with diverse cultures.
The college encourages students to select programs that align with their academic goals, offering exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. These partnerships facilitate access to specialized courses and collaborative projects not always available on campus, enhancing both technical expertise and intercultural competence. Additionally, students often participate in internships or research projects abroad, gaining practical experience in global engineering environments.
While formal semester- or year-long study abroad options exist, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering also supports shorter-term alternatives such as summer programs or faculty-led trips. These provide flexibility for students to broaden their horizons without interrupting their standard course progression.
Overall, the study abroad offerings at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering are structured to augment students' education through real-world exposure to engineering challenges and innovations in a variety of international settings.
Median composite SAT score
1535Median composite ACT score
35Percent of students submitting ACT scores
22%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
46%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
YesCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
NoOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Fall