Biosystems Engineering

College is a big investment, but a University of Arizona education may be more affordable than you think. No matter your background or family’s financial situation, you have options to make it manageable.

At Arizona, 9 out of 10 students receive financial aid. That means most students pay less than the estimates shown here. By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.

Estimated cost of tuition for first-year and transfer students:

• Arizona residents: $13,900/yr
• Non-Arizona residents: $42,300/yr

Get our degree guide to learn how students like you are funding their futures.

Application requirements vary based on your status as a first-time, transfer, international, online or returning student.

• Students who haven't completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits are considered a first-time college student, and must meet Arizona's core competency requirements to be eligible to apply.
• You are considered a transfer student if you have completed 12+ transferable post-high school college credits.
  • If you are under the age of 22 at the start of your desired term, you will need to meet the core competency requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
  • If you are 22 or older at the start of your desired term, you will need a minimum 2.0 cumulative college/university GPA.
• SAT/ACT scores are not required for general admission.
• You have the option to submit a resume and 500-word personal statement during your application.

Get our degree guide to find out more details about the application process and deadlines.

A degree in Biosystems Engineering prepares you for careers in biosystem data science and engineering. It also can serve as a springboard for graduate school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for bioengineers was $100,730 with a faster than average job growth overall (2023).

Although your career possibilities are limitless, here are some example career paths our students follow:

• Bioengineers and biomedical engineers: combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
• Agricultural engineers: solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products. 
• Data scientist: use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
• Biological technician: help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
• Controlled Environment Agricultural Engineer: design and manage systems for optimizing crop growth in controlled environments like greenhouses and indoor farms.
• Water Resource Engineer: develop systems for the sustainable use, distribution and treatment of water resources.

Your path toward an impactful career in biosystems engineering

The B.S. in Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona qualifies students to become biological or biomedical engineers, with alumni often working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, civilian engineer roles within the U.S. military, and defense-industry companies like Raytheon.