Biological/Biosystems Engineering at University of Georgia

UGA's Biological/Biosystems Engineering program costs about $2,000 more in debt than the national median, placing graduates in the 60th percentile among Georgia engineering programs—though with only one biosystems program in the state, that comparison is limited. More telling is the national picture: first-year earnings of $62,842 land in the 83rd percentile nationally, while the debt burden ranks in just the 19th percentile (meaning 81% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly five months of their first year's salary, a manageable starting point for an engineering career.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent outcomes rather than a few outliers skewing the data. These engineers enter the workforce earning above three-quarters of their peers nationally, with relatively controlled debt from a selective state flagship. The $62,842 starting point also exceeds the $59,620 national median for this specialized field, which sits at the intersection of biology and engineering—preparing graduates for roles in agricultural systems, environmental solutions, and bioprocessing.

For parents weighing the investment, this represents solid value: higher-than-average earnings combined with lower-than-average debt from a respected state institution. The engineering credential from UGA provides both immediate earning power and the foundation for salary growth as graduates move into specialized technical roles.