Biological/Biosystems Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Biological/Biosystems Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 38.4%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Biological/Biosystems Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $53766 and average student debt of $20632, the financial outlook for Biological/Biosystems Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Biological/Biosystems Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $53766, and with an average debt of $20632, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.38—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 411 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, which is expected to see 5.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Biological/Biosystems Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Biological/Biosystems Engineering (CIP 14.4501) is the ultimate "integrative" engineering discipline, focused on applying engineering principles to natural systems. While a mechanical engineer might design a car, a biosystems engineer designs solutions for the living world—ranging from sustainable food production and renewable energy to ecological restoration and precision agriculture. It is a field for "stewards of the planet" who want to use technology to ensure that human civilization and the natural environment can thrive together.
This field is ideal for "environmental problem-solvers"—individuals who love the complexity of biology and want to use math and physics to solve global challenges like food security, water scarcity, and climate change.
What Is a Biological/Biosystems Engineering Degree?
A degree in this field is a broad, interdisciplinary STEM path that combines civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering with a deep foundation in biology and ecology. You will study how to manage natural resources efficiently and how to design "living machines" that process waste or produce energy. It is a highly versatile major that allows you to specialize in areas like soil and water engineering, bio-based materials, or controlled-environment agriculture (vertical farming).
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Ecological Engineers" who design systems to restore wetlands and protect coastlines
- Develop experts in Precision Agriculture—using AI, drones, and sensors to grow more food with less water and fertilizer
- Prepare professionals for Bio-energy Production, converting organic waste into renewable fuel
- Study Post-Harvest Technology, ensuring food stays safe and nutritious from the farm to the table
What Will You Learn?
Students learn to view the Earth as a series of connected "living systems"; an engineering change in one area (like a dam or a fertilizer plan) will have ripple effects across the entire ecosystem.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Hydrology and Water Management—calculating how water moves through soil and plants
- Use "GIS and Remote Sensing" to map land use and monitor environmental health from space
- Design Bio-processing Systems to turn raw agricultural products into fuels, plastics, or medicines
- Perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to measure the total environmental footprint of a product
- Utilize Instrumentation and Controls to manage the climate inside greenhouses or automated farms
- Understand Waste Management Engineering—designing systems that turn pollution into fertilizer or energy
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a balanced mix of engineering science and the life sciences:
- Biological Systems Modeling: Using math to predict the growth of plants or the spread of pollutants.
- Soil and Water Conservation: The engineering of irrigation, drainage, and erosion control.
- Bio-materials Science: Developing new materials from renewable sources like hemp, wood, or algae.
- Machine Systems: Designing the autonomous tractors and harvesting robots of the future.
- Microbiology for Engineers: Using bacteria to clean up toxic waste or process food.
- Ecological Engineering: Designing "natural" solutions like rain gardens and bioswales to manage urban runoff.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as lead engineers and consultants in the agricultural, environmental, and energy sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Biosystems Engineer: Designing the systems that produce our food, water, and energy.
- Environmental Consultant: Helping companies comply with regulations and restore damaged land.
- Water Resources Engineer: Designing irrigation systems and managing municipal water supplies.
- Precision Ag Specialist: Implementing high-tech sensor and drone networks for large-scale farms.
- Bio-process Engineer: Managing the conversion of biomass into fuels and specialty chemicals.
- Sustainability Coordinator: Leading a corporation’s efforts to reduce its impact on the natural world.
Where Can You Work?
Biosystems engineers work at the critical intersection of nature and industry:
- Agriculture and Food Giants: Companies like John Deere, Cargill, and ADM.
- Government Agencies: Working for the USDA, EPA, or state departments of natural resources.
- Environmental Firms: Designing restoration projects for firms like AECOM or Stantec.
- Renewable Energy Startups: Working on the next generation of biofuels and biogas.
- NGOs and International Development: Designing sustainable water and food systems for developing nations.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this field is essential for climate adaptation and food security, demand is high and salaries are strong.
- Biosystems/Biological Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $88,000–$115,000.
- Water Resource Managers: Salaries typically range from $90,000 to $130,000.
- Senior Sustainability Engineers: Median annual salary of around $110,000–$155,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $68,000 and $82,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the scientific breadth. You must be a master of the "hard" sciences (Physics and Calculus) while also being an expert in Biology and Chemistry. Most engineers deal with static materials; you deal with "living" variables that change with the weather, seasons, and soil types. It requires a versatile mindset—you must be able to switch between a computer model of a watershed and a muddy field site for soil testing.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love Biology but have a "builder" or "fixer" personality
- Are passionate about solving the climate crisis and protecting natural resources
- Want a career that allows you to work outdoors and in the lab/office
- Enjoy using high-tech tools like drones and satellites to solve real-world problems
- Are a "big-picture thinker" who wants to see how human systems and nature interact
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Biology, Chemistry, and Math (Calculus) available
- Learn basic coding (Python) and Excel; data is the heart of modern biosystems
- Join an environmental club or participate in an "Envirothon" competition
- Practice Spatial Thinking—learning to use maps and GPS is a great foundation
- Read about Regenerative Agriculture and Circular Economies to see the future of the field
The ability to apply rigorous engineering logic to the stewardship and optimization of the living world is the hallmark of a successful biosystems engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor