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Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,485/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 10%

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 $951K $910K $768K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.2x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.6x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,850
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,191
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $71,485 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign come in 12% above the national median of $63,751 for Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% 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 $71,485 far exceeding the $16,850 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #12 of 119 programs, this Biomedical/Medical Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 44% earnings increase from $71,485 to $103,191 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A 44% admission rate makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 34,623 students enrolled in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biomedical/Medical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 69/100, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign'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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →