Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings
$54,133/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI
10.8x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
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 | $732K | $711K | $626K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.1x | 10.8x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.7x | 4.6x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 73% | 67% | 48% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 59 | 58 | 56 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,242
41% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, with 20,797 students enrolled in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →Top Career Paths
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740/yr
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
$106,950/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
$106,120/yr
Compare & Explore
Biomedical Engineering at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Commonwealth University
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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
This program scores 58/100 — 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 $625,623 in decade earnings vs $732,428 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →