Biomedical Engineeringat Rice University
Graduates earn $88,307/yr in their first year — about 39.0% above the national Biomedical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $765K; scenarios range from $664K to $791K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Rice University
Your degree from Rice's highly selective biomedical engineering program positions you exceptionally well, largely due to its direct proximity to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. This unique advantage provides unparalleled access to internships, research collaborations, and a robust pipeline to employers ranging from major hospitals like MD Anderson to cutting-edge medical device and biotech companies right in Houston. You'll be prepared for roles developing innovative therapies, designing advanced diagnostic tools, or even moving into leadership within clinical engineering or R&D. While the field increasingly integrates AI, this isn't a threat but an opportunity for you to leverage these tools for enhanced design and analysis. Focus on interdisciplinary projects and developing strong data science skills to future-proof your career and lead the next wave of medical innovation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Rice University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biomedical Engineering
How Rice University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Rice University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Rice University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biomedical Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biomedical Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biomedical Engineering at Rice University
What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical Engineering at Rice University?
At 57/100, 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 Rice University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Biomedical Engineering at Rice University?
The 78% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $232,512. At a net cost of $50,560, the earnings multiple improves substantially.