Biological/Biosystems Engineering at University of California-San Diego

At $67,016 starting salary with just under $15,000 in debt, UC San Diego's biological engineering program delivers strong outcomes on paper—though the small graduating class means your child could experience something quite different. This is the only school in California offering this specific major at the bachelor's level, which explains both the 95th percentile national ranking and the somewhat puzzling 60th percentile state ranking (they're likely comparing it to broader engineering categories).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than three months of gross income, which is exceptional. The $67,000 starting salary sits well above the $59,620 national median for this field, suggesting UC San Diego's reputation and location in biotech-heavy San Diego County translates into real earning power. With a 25% admission rate, selectivity likely plays a role in these outcomes.

The critical caveat: fewer than 30 students graduated in this cohort, making these numbers statistically unreliable. One graduate landing a particularly high-paying position, or one taking time off before employment, could swing these figures dramatically. If your child is genuinely passionate about the intersection of biology and engineering and has already gained admission, the fundamentals look solid—but don't treat these specific numbers as guarantees.