Biomedical Engineering at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,419/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 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 Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $985K $941K $790K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 15.4x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.1x 4.3x
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)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,979
2.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$105,286
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $68,419 per year, Biomedical Engineering graduates from University of California-Davis earn slightly above the $63,751 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 15.4x 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.

The median debt load of $15,979 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #9 of 119 programs, this Biomedical Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $68,419-to-$105,286 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 31,777 in Davis, CA.

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

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 University of California-Davis

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 Engineering at University of California-Davis?
At 69/100, University of California-Davis's Biomedical Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical Engineering at University of California-Davis?
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 →