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Biomedical Engineering at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $80,508/yr (26% vs median)

AI Risk High (50% exposed)

Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)

ROI 3.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #61 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs

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	$1,016K	$970K	$811K
Earnings Multiple	3.7x	3.6x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	67%	48%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	59	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$272,948

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$127,708

53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,750

2.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$112,503

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $80,508 put University of Southern California's Biomedical Engineering program 26% above the national median of $63,751 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 3.6x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Biomedical Engineering's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $80,508 far exceeding the $13,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #61 of 119 Biomedical Engineering programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $80,508 to $112,503 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 20,817 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biomedical Engineering at University of Southern California?

This program scores 59/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Biomedical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

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 $810,623 in decade earnings vs $1,015,978 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Biomedical Engineering?

After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →