<p>Engineering involves designing things using math and science (mainly physics). It does seem that you are taking the most rigorous math and physics courses in a typical high school, so you may want to consider that. Your interest in writing computer software may also lead to computer science and engineering. You may want do more investigation to see if engineering is something you would like to do.</p>
<p>Note that if you are concerned about job and career prospects, they are much better for most engineering fields than for biology.</p>
<p>UT Austin is an excellent engineering and computer science school, though note that automatic admission to UT Austin does not necessarily mean automatic admission to UT Austin engineering (but rank #1 and your test scores make it hard to believe that they will refuse you for engineering if you apply).</p>
<p>By “50k ish or less” do you mean at list price with no expectation of financial aid, or would there be the possibility of financial aid at more expensive schools that could bring the net price down to the limit? Many private colleges are now approaching $60,000 per year total for list price. Of course, some schools may offer merit scholarships.</p>