Biomedical/Medical Engineering at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical Engineering program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Biomedical/Medical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biomedical/Medical 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/Medical 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 →