Biological Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological/Biosystems Engineering
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,755/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 8 Biological/Biosystems Engineering programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

This specialized engineering degree at UNL uniquely positions you for a dynamic career, particularly within the agricultural and food systems vital to Nebraska's economy and beyond. Your education here blends traditional engineering principles with biological sciences, preparing you for roles in bioprocessing, water resource management, precision agriculture technology, or sustainable energy solutions. The strong outcomes reflect consistent demand from regional industry, where a deep understanding of biological systems is critical for innovation and efficiency. While some routine tasks in any field face automation, your value will lie in complex problem-solving and system design, areas where human expertise remains paramount. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships with local agricultural tech firms or food processing giants; these connections are invaluable.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $669K $652K $586K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 16.1x 14.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 5.9x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,594
16% growth from Year 1

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers $106,950/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biological Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
At 65/100, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Biological Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biological Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln one of the best schools for Biological Engineering?
Among 8 Biological Engineering programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →