Top Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

For students with a passion for medicine, engineering, and science, a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree can be a gateway to a fulfilling career. Biomedical engineering is a field that views the human body as a machine, applying engineering principles to solve medical and healthcare-related problems. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to breakthroughs in various areas, from cancer research and genetics to prosthetics and surgical techniques.

Why Choose Biomedical Engineering?

A biomedical engineering degree provides a strong foundation in life science and mathematics while teaching engineering fundamentals. This program is flexible and allows students to customize their programs to match their future career goals. Students have opportunities to conduct original research as a part of their studies, and some students start as early as their sophomore years. Graduates are prepared to begin careers in the industry or use this degree to pursue graduate or medical school.

Ranking Methodology

To identify the best undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering, consider institution- and program-level data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics as reported by IPEDS, salary and other outcomes collected by PayScale and College Scorecard, and peer assessment data collected through college rankings systems and surveys.

Top Biomedical Engineering Programs

Here's an overview of some of the leading biomedical engineering programs in the United States:

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a private, not-for-profit university with a large student population. It is recognized as one of the finest schools in the United States for biomedical engineering. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and close to 80% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Seventy percent of JHU undergraduates complete a research experience while working closely with a faculty member. Ninety-four percent of recent graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university. The median starting salary across all majors was \$80,000 with top employers including Amazon, DCPS, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. Johns Hopkins University grants about 175 degrees to those majoring in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology, which is the institution’s most popular major.

Duke University

Duke University, situated in Durham, North Carolina, is a private, not-for-profit university. Two schools at Duke University are devoted to undergraduates: Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and Pratt School of Engineering. With a stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 74% of classes are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. Approximately 76% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 17% continue into graduate schools, and 7% start their own businesses. Companies employing multiple Duke grads per year include Google, Capital One, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Accenture, and a host of other top-shelf corporations in the areas of technology, finance, and consulting. Eventually, 84% of Duke undergraduates will go on to earn an advanced degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT, located in Cambridge, is known for having one of the best formalized undergraduate research programs in the country. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) operates year-round and helped connect 93%+ of students to a research experience with an MIT faculty member. The Class of 2023 saw 49% of its members enter the world of employment and 43% continue on their educational paths. The top employers included Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Google, General Motors, the US Navy, Apple, Bain & Company, and McKinsey. The median starting salary for an MIT bachelor’s degree holder was \$110,000. With 5 schools, a college, 34 departments, and 44 undergraduate degrees, MIT has plenty to offer the university student.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology, located in Atlanta, is a leading industrial and engineering research school. The program requires 131 credits, which are divided into core courses, major courses, and electives. Georgia Institute of Technology offers a five-year undergrad co-op program that combines the academic program with paid employment starting in their junior year. The co-op program is the largest in the country. More than three-quarters of recent grads had already procured employment by the time they were handed their diplomas. Recent employers include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Capital One, and Apple. The median salary of the Class of 2023 was \$84,000, with recent grads settling mostly in the Atlanta metro area.

Stanford University

Stanford University puts immense resources behind undergraduate research; more than \$6.5 million in grant funding is allocated each year to support roughly 1,100 student research projects. Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries: business development, engineering, and education. Among the companies employing the largest number of grads are Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, and OpenAI. A sizable number of newly minted Cardinals dive into the world of entrepreneurship. San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles were the top three US destinations for recent grads. Stanford offers students seven schools under the university, which include Business, Earth Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Science, Law, and Medicine. Undergraduates must complete at least 180 units.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania offers multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research, whether through independent studies or working side-by-side with faculty members. The university publishes 12 distinct journals featuring original undergraduate research. 76% of Class of 2023 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 16% were in graduate school. Employers hiring the greatest number of 2023 grads included McKinsey & Company, Penn Medicine, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is \$100,000. As a Penn biomedical science student, you will have many research opportunities on campus or overseas. Benjamin Franklin is also the founder of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the best universities for biomedical engineering.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The popular choices for majors at Caltech are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, General, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Columbia University

Columbia University is separated into 20 different schools which include the College, global research outposts, Juilliard School, Barnard College, and more. The biomedical engineering degree at Columbia is 128 credit hours. Columbia biomedical engineering students have access to state-of-the-art research labs and plenty of exciting research opportunities.

University of California - Berkeley

Upon graduating, 53% of Cal’s Class of 2023 had already secured employment, and 17% were headed to graduate school. The median starting salary was \$94,000 across all majors. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers. Plenty of undergraduate research opportunities exist, with many facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships; 48% of students participate in research during their time at Berkeley.

University of Michigan

Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school. The median salary across all majors is approximately 70k. Top employers include PwC, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Citi, Bank of America, and Capital One. Within six months, 93% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of \$99k) or in grad school. There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program draws in 1,300 participants each year who partner with 800+ research mentors. Michigan’s biomedical engineering undergraduate curriculum is among the best. First, you can choose from nine specific tracks ranging from biomedical imaging to pre-health. Of the 128 credit required credit hours, you will take 37-38 in core requirements. There’s no limit to what Michigan biomedical engineering students can do.

University of California - San Diego

Employers of recent graduates included Amazon, Boeing, EY, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, Oracle, Qualcomm, and Tesla. More than 1,000 current Google employees are UC San Diego alumni, and Apple, Meta, and Microsoft all employ 500+ each. The median early career salary is \$70,000 across all majors, placing the university in the top 10 public universities in the country. There are 140+ undergraduate majors offered at UCSD, and all students join one of eight undergraduate colleges meant to forge flourishing communities within the larger university. The BS in bioengineering will prepare you for careers in the biomedical field or further education. Although all students complete a senior design project, you are encouraged to get involved in other research opportunities. The bioengineering faculty are internationally known for their successful research and discoveries. At the University of California-San Diego, the most popular majors students study are Cognitive Science, Anatomy, and Computer Science.

Northwestern University

Six months after graduating, 70% of the Class of 2023 had found employment and 25% were in graduate school. Employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Deloitte, McKinsey & Co., and Salesforce. Across all majors, the average starting salary was \$77k. The quarter system allows students to take four courses at a time rather than the typical five. At Northwestern University, the most popular majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, and Computer Science.

Cornell University

Undergraduates do give their professors generally high marks: 88% report being satisfied with the instruction they have received, 48% report completing a thesis/research project, and 53% conducted research with a faculty member. At Cornell University, the most popular majors students study are Computer Science, Hotel/Motel Administration/Management, and Labor and Industrial Relations.

Rice University

Six months after graduation, 88% of recent Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Google, and Accenture. Over four hundred alumni work at Baylor College of Medicine, and over 200 work at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Across all majors, the average starting salary is \$89k. Rice offers a spectacularly intimate learning experience. Undergraduate research opportunities abound with approximately 70% of graduates participating in academic research during their four years. At Rice University grants about 158 degrees to those studying Computer and Information Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major.

Washington University in St. Louis

The Class of 2023 sent 65% of grads into the workforce and 23% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Boeing, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Mastercard, Capital One, and Bayer. Of the employed members of the Class of 2023 who reported their starting salaries, the median salary was \$85k. At Washington University in St Louis, the most popular majors students study are Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, and Mechanical Engineering.

Case Western Reserve University

Fifty-five percent of 2023 CWRU graduates head into the world of professional employment upon receiving their diplomas; only 4% were still looking for work six months after leaving the university. More than half of the Class of 2023 enjoyed a starting salary of at least \$75,000. The employers of the greatest number of graduates included Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Raytheon. An exceptional 86% of students have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research as the school places heavy emphasis on experiential learning. The same goes for international experiences. Case Western has a high rate of undergraduates who elect to study abroad; 38% spend a semester in a foreign land.

Boston University

At Boston University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Computer Science, Psychology, and General.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Annually, Worcester Polytechnic Institute awards around 197 degrees to those studying Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Every year, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute grants around 250 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major.

North Carolina State University

Every year, North Carolina State University at Raleigh grants about 918 degrees to students studying Business Administration and Management, General, the school’s most popular major. NC State’s 125 credit biomedical engineering program includes medical and biological studies combined with engineering and design. You can choose a concentration in biomaterials, biomechanics, or biomedical instrumentation. A senior design project is also required. NC State biomedical engineering students are ready to enter the industry or pursue grad school or medical school.

Vanderbilt University

At Vanderbilt University, the most popular majors students study are Social Sciences, General, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and Other.

Marquette University

Annually, Marquette University grants about 161 degrees to those studying Biomedical Sciences, General, the institution’s most popular major.

Tufts University

Every year, Tufts University grants about 177 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major.

Stevens Institute of Technology

At Stevens Institute of Technology, the most popular majors students pursue are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, and General.

Ohio State University

Something that sets Ohio State’s engineering program apart from others is its first-year program. Ohio State reports a 93.9% retention rate from the first to second year, which is incredibly high. Students focus on math, science, and engineering courses during the first two years. During the fourth year, you will take advanced-level BME courses and complete a design project with other engineering students. Ninety percent of Ohio State’s biomedical engineering students graduate with engineering experience. Annually, Ohio State University-Main Campus awards around 794 degrees to students majoring in Finance, General, which is the school’s most popular major.

Purdue University

Purdue University’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering is among the nation’s best bioengineering schools. You will complete 130 credits, which include coursework, research projects, and experiential learning. Whether you want to jump into the industry right away or pursue graduate school or medical school, Purdue is a solid pathway! At Purdue University-Main Campus, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and General.

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Through UW Madison’s College of Engineering, you will find an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. What sets UW-Madison’s BME program apart from others? If you are interested in eventually pursuing a master’s degree, UW-Madison offers a one-year master’s program for BME BS students.

University of Utah

The University of Utah is not only known for its superb teaching and research, but it is also the flagship institution of the Utah State System. If you’re looking for an affordable biomedical engineering degree, you won’t want to miss this one. Biomedical engineering majors are encouraged to complete internships to gain valuable hands-on experience. To be admitted to this cheapest biomedical engineering program, first you should apply to the University of Utah. You will then take a handful of prerequisite courses and maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA. At the University of Utah, the most popular majors students study are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Communication, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General.

University of Connecticut

UConn offers master’s and doctoral biomedical engineering programs as well. At the University of Connecticut grants around 400 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major.

University of Delaware

UD’s bachelor’s of biomedical engineering starts with a foundation in mathematics, science, and technology and then moves into biomedical concepts and laboratory experiments. Biomedical engineering majors complete a minimum of 126 credits to graduate. The senior capstone project entails creating a solution to a biomedical engineering challenge. Speaking of challenges, UD also offers a university honors program for students seeking a bigger challenge! If you’re looking for one of the best degrees in biomedical engineering that will get you to your goals, check out the University of Delaware. Each year, the University of Delaware awards about 273 degrees to those majoring in Finance, General, the school’s most popular major.

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Tech’s biomedical engineering program is ABET accredited and offers unparalleled graduate opportunities. Whether you want to prepare for medical school or jump into a career right after graduation, Michigan Tech has you covered. Biomedical engineering majors begin real-world experience on day one. You will gain hands-on skills from internships and co-ops in medical research labs, hospitals, or other medical device industries. Each year, Michigan Technological University grants about 274 degrees to those studying Mechanical Engineering, the school’s most popular major.

Clemson University

Clemson bioengineering students begin with a solid background in life sciences and engineering. This then leads to meaningful research projects. Clemson graduates leave with confidence - ready to make an impact in the world.

University of Buffalo

UB’s biomedical engineering programs are ABET-accredited. Courses are taught by accomplished faculty from many disciplines for a well-rounded education. You may intend to enter the biomedical engineering industry directly after graduation or plan to continue your education through grad or medical school. Each year, the University at Buffalo awards around 693 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major.

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)

The majority of UCLA’s program entails research, projects, and team competitions. Graduates are prepared to begin careers in the industry or use this degree to pursue graduate or medical school. UCLA also offers both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy program in bioengineering.

University of Virginia

UVA’s “biology first” approach ensures that students hold a fundamental understanding of biology before moving on to other areas like data sciences and systems modeling. From the very first year of the program, you will be learning not by sitting in a classroom all day but by doing. You can choose a focus area if you like, but you don’t have to! Your program can be as focused or as interdisciplinary as you like.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Students will start the program with foundational math and science courses. Then, move on to the 51 required hours of bioengineering technical core. Track electives, a year-long capstone design course, and experiential learning opportunities complete the program’s requirements. The Grainger College of Engineering reviews applicants holistically. They take high school coursework and extracurricular activities into account.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Because NJIT offers so many options in its biomedical engineering program, graduates enter careers in every part of the industry. Many work in the medical device and biotech fields.

University of California - Davis

UC-Davis reports that 63% of its biomedical engineering students are involved in research and internships. The biomedical engineering department partners closely with the UC Davis Medical Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine to provide the best hands-on opportunities to its students.

University of Memphis

UofM’s biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree is nationally ranked for both its quality and affordability. As a senior, you will dive into a team capstone design project. UofM’s Biomedical Engineering department states that its undergraduate program holds a strong record of employment placements. Approximately 55% of BME graduates start working in the industry, 30% pursue graduate school, and 10% go to medical, dental, veterinary, or optometry programs.

University of Arkansas

As a U of A biomedical engineering major, you will be a part of a close-knit culture from a nationally ranked research university. The BS in biomedical engineering requires 128 credit hours, which takes most students eight semesters to complete. U of A biomedical engineering graduates are well prepared for careers in the industry or graduate programs. Many graduates go on to medical, dental, or pharmaceutical school.

Harvard University

Are you looking for the top private colleges for biomedical engineering? Check out Harvard University, one of the oldest and most notable private research universities in America. (Harvard was established in 1636!) There are plenty of classes to choose from at Harvard; they offer almost 3,900 courses in 49 undergraduate fields.

Florida International University

As a FIU biomedical engineering student, you will build a strong foundation in life science and mathematics while learning the engineering fundamentals.

University of Texas at Austin

The undergraduate program strongly values global perspectives, offering numerous short-term summer study abroad classes taught by UT Austin faculty. Additionally, students have eight research areas they can choose from.

University of Maryland

The BIOE undergraduate program curriculum is founded in biology, driven by human health issues, and emphasizes innovation. The department’s objective is to merge the principles and applications embedded in engineering with the sciences of biology, medicine, and health. With this foundation, BIOE has intentionally designed the program for career readiness. The coursework also addresses the issues and challenges of modern day health care. All students in the bioengineering major have the opportunity to participate in research in state-of-the-art bioengineering labs on campus, either within the department or through special programs. In addition to the traditional bioengineering curriculum, the Biocomputational Engineering (BCE) program offers a unique blend of physical and biological sciences, along with computation and data science. This program equips graduates with advanced skills in programming, modeling, and machine learning, preparing them for careers in public health, biotechnology, and data science.

Additional Universities to Consider

Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Lehigh University
University of Southern California
University of Miami
Santa Clara University
University of Illinois Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology
Binghamton University
Stony Brook University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bucknell University
Rochester Institute of Technology
California State University-Long Beach
University of Toledo
Oregon State University
Dartmouth College
University of Arkansas
University of Arizona
University of North Texas
Syracuse University
Temple University
Duquesne University
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Florida State University
University of Akron Main Campus
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Miami University-Oxford
Widener University
University of Vermont
West Virginia University
University of Missouri-Columbia
Rowan University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Fairfield University
University of Houston
George Mason University
University of Rhode Island
University of Louisville
CUNY City College
Hofstra University
University of Nevada-Reno
Loyola University Chicago
Montana State University
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Hartford
Wayne State University
Valparaiso University
Rockhurst University
Kansas State University
University of Kentucky
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Harding University
Alfred University
Washington State University
Oral Roberts University
Stevenson University

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