Best colleges for Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Biological and Biomedical Sciences by graduate earnings are Cornell University ($38,841), Indiana University - Bloomington ($38,251) and Pennsylvania State University ($35,324), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Cornell University (Ithaca, NY): $38,841, 83 graduates a year
- Indiana University - Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): $38,251, 150 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $35,324, 367 graduates a year
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL): $30,178, 166 graduates a year
- University of Puerto Rico (Bayamon, PR): $11,062, 49 graduates a year
Compare 131 U.S. colleges offering Biological and Biomedical Sciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 38 states.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,324 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.99 and the Biological Scientists, All Other occupation (BLS SOC).
About Biological and Biomedical Sciences programs
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences program focuses on the application of biological principles and engineering tools to develop practical solutions in various fields. This interdisciplinary program is ideal for students interested in creating innovative products and technologies that improve health and the environment. Students will engage with a blend of biology and engineering concepts, preparing them for diverse opportunities in research and industry.
In this program, students will explore topics such as biocatalysts, biomechanics, bioinformatics, and bioreactor design. Coursework emphasizes the integration of biological sciences with engineering principles, equipping students with the knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges in medical devices, renewable energy, and more.
Top 8 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $38,841 | 83 | 95% | $17,613 | $13,465 |
| 2 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,251 | 150 | 80% | — | $22,843 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,324 | 367 | 86% | — | $26,000 |
| 4 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,178 | 166 | 85% | — | $21,350 |
| 5 | University of Puerto Rico Bayamon, PR Public · Bachelor's degree | $11,062 | 49 | 37% | — | $5,500 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $35,324 | 34 | 34% | — | $26,000 |
| 7 | University at Albany Albany, NY Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,377 | 2 | 61% | — | $23,000 |
| 8 | University of New Hampshire Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $28,561 | 1 | 76% | — | — |
Specializations within Biological and Biomedical Sciences
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 38 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 12 | $38,841 | Cornell University |
| Indiana | 4 | $38,251 | Indiana University - Bloomington |
| Pennsylvania | 10 | $35,324 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Illinois | 5 | $30,178 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | $28,561 | University of New Hampshire |
| Puerto Rico | 5 | $11,062 | University of Puerto Rico |
| Alabamalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| California | 13 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 4 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Maryland | 3 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 5 | — | — |
| Michigan | 4 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 3 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Missouri | 3 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 6 | — | — |
| Ohio | 6 | — | — |
| Oklahoma | 5 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Tennessee | 8 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginia | 4 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1029, Biological Scientists, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program can pursue various careers in fields related to healthcare, research, and technology. The job outlook indicates little or no change, with approximately 4,800 annual openings and a median wage of $93,330 for positions typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Biological and Biomedical Sciences
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.99 (Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Otherprimary |
| 19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program?+
The program focuses on applying biological principles and engineering tools to create practical solutions.
What kind of coursework can I expect?+
Students will study topics like biocatalysts, biomechanics, and bioinformatics.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The job outlook shows little change, with about 4,800 annual openings in related fields.
What is the median wage for careers in this field?+
The median wage is approximately $93,330 for positions requiring a Bachelor's degree.
How much do Biological and Biomedical Sciences graduates earn?+
Biological and Biomedical Sciences graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,324, College Scorecard (2019); the Biological Scientists, All Other occupation pays about $106,330 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Biological and Biomedical Sciences?+
Biological and Biomedical Sciences maps to CIP 26.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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