Biomedical/Medical Engineering at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical 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/Medical Engineering at University of California-Davis?
At 69/100, University of California-Davis'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 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 →