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Biomedical Engineering at Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $88,307/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #78 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 $791K $765K $664K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,560
78% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,863
2% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $88,307 per year, Biomedical Engineering graduates from Rice University significantly outpace the $63,751 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biomedical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #78 ranking among 119 Biomedical Engineering programs places Rice University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $88,307 to $89,863 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Rice University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Rice University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 4,562 students in Houston, TX. The average net cost of $50,560 over four years represents a 78% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rice 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 Engineering →

Biomedical Engineering at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($93,310) 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) Johns Hopkins University ($76,928)

Other Majors at Rice University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($131,154) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,751) Chemical Engineering ($87,830) Mechanical Engineering ($82,899) Economics ($78,814) Political Science and Government ($54,728) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($51,110) Mathematics ($50,286)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biomedical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical Engineering at Rice University?
At 57/100, the score looks reasonable — but Biomedical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical Engineering at Rice 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.
What do students actually pay for Biomedical Engineering at Rice University?
The 78% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $232,512. At a net cost of $50,560, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →