USU Engineering Students Continue to Outperform National Pass Rates for Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
Students in the Utah State University College of Engineering continue to demonstrate exceptional performance on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, consistently earning pass rates that exceed national averages across multiple engineering disciplines.
USU College of Engineering buildings. (Photo credit: Levi Sim/Utah State University PhotoShelter)
Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, the exam is widely recognized as the first major step toward professional engineering licensure and serves as a national benchmark for engineering competency. To support student success and professional readiness, Utah State University requires students earning degrees in biological engineering, civil engineering and environmental engineering to pass the FE Exam before graduating with a bachelor's degree—a distinction unique among Utah universities.
According to NCEES, current national FE Exam pass rates are:
- Biological Engineering: 61%
- Civil Engineering: 63%
- Electrical & Computer Engineering: 69%
- Environmental Engineering: 68%
- Mechanical Engineering: 72%
Utah State's most recent cohort significantly outperformed these national benchmarks:
- Electrical & Computer Engineering students achieved a 100% pass rate
- Environmental Engineering students achieved a 100% pass rate
- Civil Engineering students earned a 95% pass rate
- Mechanical Engineering students earned a 94% pass rate
- Biological Engineering students achieved a 60% pass rate, aligning with the national average
The college's success extends well beyond a single testing cycle. Since 2019, several engineering programs have maintained exceptionally strong long-term performance, with many cohorts earning pass rates between 80% and 100%, including numerous perfect pass-rate cohorts.
Average USU FE Exam pass rates since 2019 include:
- Biological Engineering: 89%
- Mechanical Engineering: 88%
- Civil Engineering: 85%
Over the previous seven exam cycles, USU students have achieved a 100% pass rate 10 different times across several disciplines, including:
- Biological Engineering: Spring 2024, Fall 2024
- Civil Engineering: Spring 2025
- Electrical Engineering: Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Fall 2025
- Environmental Engineering: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2025
For reporting purposes, the January–June testing period is considered the spring exam cycle, while the July–December testing period is considered the fall exam cycle. Results are updated each January and July.
The FE Exam is typically taken by students nearing completion of an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering degree and by recent graduates pursuing professional engineer licensure. The computer-based exam consists of 110 questions administered over a six-hour testing appointment.
These results reflect the college's continued commitment to rigorous academic preparation, student support and producing graduates who are well prepared for professional engineering practice.
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Writer: Madeline Buskirk, madeline.buskirk@usu.edu, 435-797-7512
Contact: Thomas Fronk, thomas.fronk@usu.edu, 435-797-0116