Biomedical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,094/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 119 Biomedical/Medical Engineering programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Biomedical Engineering program consistently ranks among the nation's best, a testament to its robust curriculum and deep ties to cutting-edge research. Your strong earning potential reflects the program's rigorous technical training and the high demand for UW-Madison graduates in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors. Madison itself boasts a growing innovation ecosystem, with strong regional connections to major players like GE Healthcare and numerous startups, creating direct pipelines for internships and full-time roles. While the field presents a high AI risk, this often translates to a shift in job functions rather than outright replacement; you'll be leveraging AI tools to design, analyze, and innovate more efficiently. To truly thrive, focus on securing hands-on research experience or internships early on. This practical exposure, combined with the program's strong theoretical foundation, will make you indispensable in an evolving industry.

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 $858K $825K $707K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.1x 18.4x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.1x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,492
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,667
28% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, serving a student body of 35,665 in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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 Wisconsin-Madison

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

How does University of Wisconsin-Madison's Biomedical Engineering program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Wisconsin-Madison's Biomedical Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Biomedical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biomedical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Wisconsin-Madison rank so high for Biomedical Engineering?
The #5 ranking out of 119 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →