Biomedical Engineeringat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $80,508/yr in their first year — about 26.0% above the national Biomedical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $970K; scenarios range from $811K to $1,016K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Your strong post-graduation earnings reflect USC's rigorous curriculum and its prime location within Southern California's dynamic biotech and medical device industry. Companies like Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences, and a myriad of innovative startups in the region actively recruit from USC's highly-regarded Viterbi School of Engineering, valuing the blend of foundational engineering and specialized medical knowledge you gain. The robust alumni network further amplifies these opportunities, often accelerating graduates into leadership or advanced research roles.
While the noted AI risk might seem concerning, it's more an indicator of the field's rapid evolution. Automation will increasingly handle routine tasks, amplifying the demand for engineers who can innovate, design, and manage complex, interdisciplinary projects. To truly thrive, focus on internships that expose you to data analysis, machine learning applications, or R&D leadership. Prioritize developing strong problem-solving and interdisciplinary communication skills to complement your technical expertise.
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 University of Southern California'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 University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, 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 University of Southern California
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.