Biomedical Engineering at Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,487/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #118 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 $556K $550K $510K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,936
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,544
81% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Stanford University's Biomedical Engineering graduates start at $50,487/yr, trailing the $63,751 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Biomedical Engineering's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #118 of 119 Biomedical Engineering programs, Stanford University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Stanford University

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Stanford University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 7,841 students in Stanford, CA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $48,544 — 81% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Stanford 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 Stanford University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biomedical Engineering at Stanford University?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biomedical Engineering. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biomedical Engineering careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $510,347 in decade earnings vs $555,744 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biomedical Engineering from Stanford University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is Stanford University a hidden gem for Biomedical Engineering?
After financial aid, the average student pays $48,544 over four years — 81% below the $249,936 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →