Best colleges for Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Biological/Biosystems Engineering by graduate earnings are University of Georgia ($62,842), University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($61,755) and University of Missouri-Columbia ($60,190), 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%.
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA): $62,842, 45 graduates a year
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE): $61,755, 35 graduates a year
- University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia, MO): $60,190, 30 graduates a year
- Auburn University (Auburn, AL): $59,050, 56 graduates a year
- Utah State University (Logan, UT): $52,951, 28 graduates a year
Compare 23 U.S. colleges offering Biological/Biosystems Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 19 states.
Biological/Biosystems Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $60,190 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.45 and the Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Biological/Biosystems Engineering programs
Biological/Biosystems Engineering is a specialized field that merges biology with engineering principles to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges. This program is designed for students interested in creating tangible products that enhance health, sustainability, and efficiency in various sectors, including medical devices and renewable energy.
Students in this program will gain expertise in areas such as engineering and technology, biology, mathematics, and physics. Core coursework emphasizes critical skills like active listening, scientific reasoning, and technical writing, preparing graduates to tackle complex engineering problems in biological systems.
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 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $62,842 | 45 | 90% | — | $25,091 |
| 2 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,755 | 35 | 67% | — | $21,525 |
| 3 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,190 | 30 | 75% | — | $24,500 |
| 4 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,050 | 56 | 82% | — | $25,747 |
| 5 | Utah State University Logan, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,951 | 28 | 59% | — | $12,000 |
| 6 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $67,016 | 12 | 86% | — | $14,933 |
| 7 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $57,337 | 14 | 58% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $46,917 | 16 | 91% | — | — |
Specializations within Biological/Biosystems Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.45 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 19 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | $67,016 | University of California-San Diego |
| Georgialimited | 1 | $62,842 | University of Georgia |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | $61,755 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Missourilimited | 1 | $60,190 | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | $59,050 | Auburn University |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | $57,337 | Oakland University |
| Utahlimited | 1 | $52,951 | Utah State University |
| Floridalimited | 1 | $46,917 | University of Florida |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2031, Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Biological/Biosystems Engineering can expect a favorable job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 5.2% and approximately 1,300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $106,950, and a typical education requirement is a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Biological/Biosystems Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.45.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.45 (Biological/Biosystems Engineering) 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 |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 17-2031 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineersprimary |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Biological/Biosystems Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
- Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
- Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
Common questions
What is Biological/Biosystems Engineering?+
It is the application of biology and engineering principles to create usable products and solutions.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, mathematics, and technical writing.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Graduates can work in medical device design, renewable energy, and biomedical research.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.2% and 1,300 annual openings.
How much do Biological/Biosystems Engineering graduates earn?+
Biological/Biosystems Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $60,190, College Scorecard (2019); the Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers occupation pays about $116,890 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Biological/Biosystems Engineering?+
Biological/Biosystems Engineering maps to CIP 14.45 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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