Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,348/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 25%

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 $808K $780K $675K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.1x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.3x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,896
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,225
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $73,348 at University of California-Berkeley come in 15% above the national median of $63,751 for Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

With first-year pay of $73,348 far exceeding the $14,896 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Berkeley ranks #18 among 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 22% earnings increase from $73,348 to $89,225 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,073 students enrolled in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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 University of California-Berkeley

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of California-Berkeley?
At 67/100, University of California-Berkeley's Biomedical/Medical Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of California-Berkeley?
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 University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for Biomedical/Medical Engineering?
Among 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs, University of California-Berkeley's #18 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →