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Biomedical/Medical Engineering at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,047/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #101 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 $586K $577K $530K
Earnings Multiple 11.5x 11.4x 10.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,636
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $54,047 per year, Biomedical/Medical Engineering graduates from Northern Illinois University earn below the $63,751 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biomedical/Medical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #101 ranking among 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs places Northern Illinois University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Northern Illinois University

With 70% of applicants admitted, Northern Illinois University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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

Compare this program → View all 119 schools offering Biomedical/Medical Engineering →

Biomedical/Medical Engineering at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($93,310) Rice University ($88,307) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($81,186) University of Southern California ($80,508) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($80,401) Case Western Reserve University ($78,815) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($78,283) University of the Pacific ($77,099)

Other Majors at Northern Illinois University

Computer Science ($77,257) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,557) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($74,442) Industrial Engineering ($72,112) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($70,654) Mechanical Engineering ($68,069) Accounting and Related Services ($63,743) Engineering Technology, General ($62,117)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Biomedical/Medical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical/Medical Engineering at Northern Illinois University?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical/Medical Engineering at Northern Illinois University?
The 50% 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 Northern Illinois University a good choice for Biomedical/Medical Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Illinois University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →