<p>Size is definitely a factor when it comes to rankings, but I would also say that in my personal opinion there are two other factors. First, Hopkins undergraduate programs are only 1/3 engineering. There is a significant difference in rankings for engineering programs when reviewing a school like Hopkins that is a liberal arts AND engineering school versus a school that is a technical school or a large state university. Each provides a very different perspective on an engineering education and the choice for each individual student should come down to personal preference versus rankings. A specific engineering program might not be ranked, but that does not mean it does not provide a strong education, extensive research opportunities, and a reputation that will assist in a job search or grad school application.</p>
<p>The second factor is that Hopkins engineering has a major reputation for studies in bioengineering fields and that at times with overshadow more of the traditional hard-engineering, applied science fields like Mechanical or Electrical. Having worked with the Whiting School directly for the last 8 years I can absolutely attest to strong faculty and resources across all disciplines, even though the reputation for bioengineering is the strongest. </p>
<p>In the end, personal preference should matter much more than arbitrary rankings with ever-changing methodologies.</p>