Biomedical Engineering at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,874/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 20.0x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

UCLA's prestigious Biomedical Engineering program equips you with top-tier analytical skills, though initial earnings might appear more moderate compared to some other engineering disciplines nationally. This often reflects a tendency for graduates to pursue advanced degrees or enter research-intensive roles within the vibrant Southern California biotech and medical device ecosystem. Companies like Medtronic and Amgen have a strong presence, offering ample opportunities, but competition can be fierce for entry-level positions. Your rigorous coursework and access to world-class research labs prepare you not just for traditional bioengineering roles, but also for innovative R&D or even entrepreneurial ventures. Given the high AI risk in the field, actively seek out specializations in areas like computational biology or medical AI applications during your studies. Leverage UCLA's unparalleled network and research opportunities to build a unique skillset that positions you for long-term growth and leadership, rather than just immediate salary.

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 $1,160K $1,100K $904K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.1x 20.0x 16.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.2x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 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)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,500
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$114,571
98% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

With just 9% of applicants admitted, University of California-Los Angeles ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving a student body of 33,040 in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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-Los Angeles

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biomedical Engineering at University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biomedical Engineering field.
Will AI replace Biomedical Engineering careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $904,288 in decade earnings vs $1,159,538 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of California-Los Angeles's Biomedical Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #14 of 119 programs nationally, University of California-Los Angeles lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →