Biomedical Engineering at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,090/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 23.9x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $687K $670K $596K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.5x 23.9x 21.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.9x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $66,090/yr, roughly in line with the $63,751 national median for Biomedical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 23.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biomedical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $66,090 far exceeding the $15,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #60 ranking among 119 Biomedical Engineering programs places California State University-Long Beach in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California State University-Long Beach

A 47% admission rate makes California State University-Long Beach accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 34,131 students enrolled in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

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 California State University-Long Beach

Consider the Trade Route?

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 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical Engineering at California State University-Long Beach?
At 59/100, 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 California State University-Long Beach?
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 →