Engineering

Best Biological/Biosystems Engineering institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 24 U.S. colleges offering Biological/Biosystems Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 20 states.

Institutions
24
offering CIP 14.45
States offered
20
with a program page
With earnings data
8
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
481
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$60,190
1 year after graduation
US pay · Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
$115,020
BLS OEWS 2024

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.

Learn more about Biological/Biosystems Engineering

What you'll learn

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 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, CA Public · Bachelor's degree
$67,0162286%$14,933
2University of Georgia
Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree
$62,8424290%$25,091
3University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree
$61,7554567%$21,525
4University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree
$60,1902775%$24,500
5Auburn University
Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree
$59,0505382%$25,747
6Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI Public · Bachelor's degree
$57,3371358%
7Utah State University
Logan, UT Public · Bachelor's degree
$52,9513659%$12,000
8University of Florida
Gainesville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree
$46,9172591%

Offered across 20 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
California3$67,016University of California - San Diego
Georgialimited1$62,842University of Georgia
Nebraskalimited1$61,755University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Missourilimited1$60,190University of Missouri - Columbia
Alabamalimited1$59,050Auburn University
Michiganlimited1$57,337Oakland University
Utahlimited1$52,951Utah State University
Floridalimited1$46,917University of Florida
Arizonalimited2
Arkansaslimited1
Coloradolimited2
Hawaiilimited1
Idaholimited1
Louisianalimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusettslimited1
Mississippilimited1
New Yorklimited1
Pennsylvanialimited1
South Dakotalimited1

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.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+5.2%
Faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,300
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$106,950
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
21,860
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
US average pay
$115,020
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$106,950
annual

Top-paying metros

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$146,330avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$138,950avg
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
$131,280avg
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
$130,170avg
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
$128,620avg

Related careers

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
$115,020 avg · 21,860 jobs

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

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Speaking
Science
Mathematics
Critical Thinking
Active Learning

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Mathematics
Design
Physics
Biology

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.

Tools & technology

Ab InitioAdaADInstruments LabChartAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopAdvanced computer simulation language ACSLANSYS simulation softwareApE A Plasmid Editor

Concentrations within Biological/Biosystems Engineering

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
    CIP 14.4501

    A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and management of biological systems; and includes applications to biology, biochemistry,

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.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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