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Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,186/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 21.6x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 1%

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 $1,001K $956K $801K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.6x 21.6x 18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 7.7x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$111,260
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Biomedical Engineering graduates command $81,186/yr out of the gate, well above the $63,751 national median. That 27% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 21.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biomedical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $81,186 in annual earnings.

Among 119 Biomedical Engineering programs nationally, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #1 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 37% earnings increase from $81,186 to $111,260 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admission to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is competitive, with 30% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 21,521 students in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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) Rice University ($88,307) 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Biomedical 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 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for Biomedical Engineering?
Among 119 Biomedical Engineering programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #1 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 →