Biomedical Engineering at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,209/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #85 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $911K $874K $742K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,562
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Boston University's Biomedical Engineering graduates start at $69,209/yr — above the $63,751 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,500 in median debt clears quickly against $69,209 in annual earnings.

At #85 out of 119 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Biomedical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $69,209 to $98,562 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Boston University

Only 11% of applicants gain admission to Boston University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers $106,950/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biomedical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boston University's Biomedical Engineering program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Biomedical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Biomedical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biomedical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Biomedical Engineering at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →