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Biological Engineering

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Biological Engineering.

Entry Level Salary
$57,645
Median Salary
$108,095
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,323,800
Entry (Early)
$57,645
Median (Prime)
$108,095
High (Prime)
$104,451

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+62k
+472k
+443k
$25k / yr
-28k
+382k
+353k
$50k / yr
-118k
+292k
+263k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
36
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
28
28
$50k / yr
Never
32
33

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-26%
352%
325%
$50k / yr
-54%
135%
121%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate44.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Engineers, All Other

5.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$72,885
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Postsecondary teachers

4.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,364
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management occupations

4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$140,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Physicians

4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,136
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$205,876|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Physical scientists, all other

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,057
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,233|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Civil engineers

3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$79,941
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,210|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Software developers

3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$101,954
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,340|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Industrial engineers, including health and safety

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,454
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$102,670
openings
24,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12%

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,000|$89,900
openings
70,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.4%

Mechanical engineers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$84,676
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$121,455|$104,110
openings
17,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.2%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
biological/biosystems engineering.Bachelor's Degree13$74,411 - $111,677
biological/biosystems engineering.Master's Degree6Data N/A