US students start at university on a general engineering programme, and will only have to commit themselves at the end of their second year. This flexible approach is seen as beneficial, and allows students to make a more informed choice.

 The US system is truly modularised, which allows students to take relevant courses in other allied departments.

 A NSF funded research project programme for students is available at many universities. The students are employed to undertake genuine research with the direction of an academic, who will often use this route for trying out exploratory ideas. This is considered to be a major factor in attracting good students into postgraduate research. Individual supervisors or Universities also support such research projects.