From tissue engineering to drug delivery, the biomedical field is expansive and full of concentration options. Choosing one of the best schools for biomedical engineering with a good academic reputation will ensure you have the foundation in engineering necessary to set you up for success in the broad field of biomedical engineering.
Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate degree, a certification, or a PhD, you should consider the best biomedical engineering universities. Continue reading to find some of the best biomedical engineering schools, the types of academic programs they offer, and their rankings according to the US News Ranking. We’ll also cover some of the top-paying careers available in the field.
Best Biomedical Engineering College and University Rankings: Top 10 Biomedical Engineering Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | MA | In-person | #42 |
| Duke University | NC | In-person | #9 |
| Northeastern University | MA | In-person | #49 |
| Purdue University | IN | In-person and online | #49 |
| Rice University | TX | In-person | #17 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person and online | #6 |
| University of Cincinnati | OH | In-person | #148 |
| University of Miami | FL | In-person | #55 |
| University of Utah | UT | In-person | #99 |
| Washington University in St Louis | MO | In-person | #14 |
Biomedical Engineering School Rankings: Best Biomedical Engineering Colleges and Universities
Below you will find ten of the best biomedical engineering colleges and universities. The information includes relevant details to help you choose the biomedical engineering program best for you and your career goals.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Your desired career path dictates the type of degree you should pursue at the best biomedical engineering universities. These degrees include graduate certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Biomedical Engineering Schools: Other Biomedical Engineering University Rankings
Aside from typical programs, the best biomedical engineering schools may offer dual degree, accelerated, and online programs. Throughout the next few sections, we’ll cover additional programs with top biomedical engineering university rankings.
Best Online Biomedical Engineering Schools
- Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University offers an online Master’s Degree in Applied Biomedical Engineering. This program teaches students to design lab experiments, create computer simulations, and develop biological system models.
- Purdue University. Purdue University features a 30-credit online Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering program. Graduate students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis option and will create a flexible program of study that works best for them.
- University of North Dakota. The University of North Dakota is one of the few universities to offer an online PhD in Biomedical Engineering. The flexible program features asynchronous courses, virtual libraries, and discussions with peers through online chat rooms.
Best Community Colleges for Biomedical Engineering
- Bunker Hill Community College. Bunker Hill Community College offers an Associate’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The curriculum mirrors the first two years of a university degree and prepares students to enroll in a biomedical engineering major at the baccalaureate level or for direct employment in entry-level positions.
- Portland Community College. Portland Community College offers an Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology. This program takes two years to complete and trains students to excel as biomedical electronics technicians.
- St. Philips College. St. Philips College offers a biomedical engineering Associate of Applied Science program. This degree program prepares students with the knowledge, techniques, and skills necessary to work in the field as clinical engineering technicians, laboratory equipment specialists, and biomedical engineering technicians.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Biomedical Engineering
- Duke University. Undergraduate students gain experience in hands-on design, data science, computing, research, and entrepreneurship while enrolled in Duke’s biomedical engineering program. The university is ranked number four on the US News & World Report’s list of the Best Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Programs.
- John Hopkins University. Appearing at the top of the US News list of the Best Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Programs, John Hopkins is a globally recognized university that is hard to compete with in regards to its numerous undergraduate programs.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions, specifically in science and technology. The school boasts a ranking of number two for top biomedical programs by the US News & World Report.
Best Graduate Schools for Biomedical Engineering
- Rice University. Rice University offers a Master’s Degree in Bioengineering with concentrations in Applied Bioengineering and Global Medical Innovation. Rice University’s comprehensive, real-world curriculum approach makes it a top school for graduate degrees in the field.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is ranked number four on the US News & World Report list of the Best Biomedical Engineering Programs in the United States. Stanford offers limitless research opportunities in its MS program and is known for having globally-renowned, expert faculty.
- University of Utah. The University of Utah is moving higher and higher in world and US rankings for its excellent graduate programs. Due to the university’s interdisciplinary biomedical engineering approach and numerous specialization tracks offered, it is one of the best biomedical engineering graduate schools on our list.
Best Biomedical Engineering Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Duke University | The BME Double Major. This interdisciplinary program allows students to get a BS in Biomedical Engineering along with a BS in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Purdue University | Combined MS BME/MD Program. This program is available to medical students who want to pursue MD and MS Degrees in Biomedical Engineering at the same time. Students can complete both degrees in five years.
- University of Miami | B.S./M.S. Five-Year Program in Biomedical Engineering. In this program, students receive both a BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering. Students can complete this dual program in five years and must complete a master’s-level thesis project.
Best Schools With Accelerated Biomedical Engineering Programs
- Northeastern University | PlusOne Accelerated Master’s Program. This accelerated program allows students to earn a Master’s degree in one year. It also offers co-op opportunities for real-life experience gaining.
- Michigan Technological University | Biomedical Engineering Accelerated Master’s Program. This program combines a BS and an MS in Biomedical Engineering and allows students to complete both in just five years. The program also features co-op learning opportunities that allow students to receive paid industry experience.
- University Of Wisconsin–Madison | Biomedical Engineering Accelerated Program. This accelerated program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison allows students to complete their Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering in one year and without having to complete a thesis.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Biomedical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for biomedical engineering. Master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and PhDs allow students to increase their skills and become specialized in an area of their interest. This increases their chances of landing high-paying jobs in the industry.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Biomedical Engineering Degree?
The jobs you can do with a biomedical engineering degree include bioengineering and biomedical engineering, research and development engineering, and biotechnology research assistant. PhD holders are qualified for medical scientist and senior biotechnology research scientist roles.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
You can earn between $60,000 and $113,000 per year on average with a biomedical engineering degree. These values vary depending on your type of degree and years of experience.
According to PayScale, people with biomedical engineering bachelor’s degrees earn $77,000 on average per year. Those with BME Master of Science degrees earn $80,000 on average, and a PhD holder in this field earns $96,000 on average per year.
Highest-Paying Biomedical Engineering Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist | Doctoral Degree | $113,460 |
| Senior Biotechnology Research Scientist | Doctoral Degree | $108,494 |
| Medical Scientist | Doctoral Degree | $104,050 |
| Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $101,020 |
| Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment | Associate Degree | $79,503 |
| Research and Development Engineer | Master’s Degree | $77,468 |
| Quality Engineer, Medical Devices | Bachelor’s Degree | $74,172 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | Master’s Degree | $72,432 |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | Master’s Degree | $70,787 |
| Biotechnology Research Associate | Bachelor’s Degree | $61,306 |
Best Jobs With a Biomedical Engineering Degree
The best jobs with a biomedical engineering degree include biochemist and biophysicist, medical scientist, and senior biotechnology research scientist positions. These jobs require different types of advanced biomedical engineering degree levels and skills.
How Can I Pay for Biomedical Engineering School?
You can pay for biomedical engineering school by applying for scholarships, federal student aid, grants, and participating in graduate assistantships. These payment and funding options differ and may not be available in every school or program.
- Scholarships. Different organizations like to contribute with full or partial scholarships to students who set themselves apart through academic merit.
- Federal Student Aid. The most common federal student aid form is the FAFSA. Its results determine which students get federal aid and how much assistance they’ll receive from the government.
- Grants. This type of funding opportunity is provided by federal and state organizations and institutions. Grants are based on merit and/or needs. Grants do not need to be repaid.
- Graduate Assistantships. Most PhDs and some master’s degree programs allow students to work as research or teaching assistants to pay for their tuition.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Biomedical Engineering School for You
To choose the best biomedical engineering school for you, you should consider accredited colleges, flexible programs that work according to your needs and schedule, affordable tuition and fees, career services, and graduation rate.
Accreditation
You’ll want to look for universities and colleges that are accredited by reputable institutions. Accredited programs guarantee that students get the best education possible from experts in biomedical engineering.
Cost
Tuition, fees, and other expenses related to campus life vary from school to school.
In general, private universities cost more than public schools. Tuition also varies depending on whether you’re enrolling in-state, out-of-state, or online.
Flexibility
If you wish to continue your studies, but still need to manage a job and other responsibilities, you can look for flexible programs. These may include options for asynchronous lessons or even 100 percent online classes.
Career Services
Top universities and colleges will offer an extensive range of career services, such as resume writing, mock interviews, networking, portfolio building, and internship programs. Furthermore, the best schools will offer these services to current students and alumni.
Graduation Rate
A high graduation rate ensures that the program you enroll in has strong faculty and an engaging curriculum. Low graduation rates might mean the curriculum is particularly challenging or that the instructors are unable to guide the students to successful learning.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Biomedical Engineering?
Yes, it matters what kind of college you go to for biomedical engineering. There are several different programs out there that allow for different specializations. Different colleges also provide accelerated and dual programs, plus unique biomedical engineering research facilities in which you can pursue your own research.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Biomedical Engineering University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering
We ranked the best biomedical engineering schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our biomedical engineering university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of biomedical engineering degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Biomedical Engineering
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Best Biomedical Engineering Schools FAQ
Biomedical engineers and similar professionals can work at research companies across a wide variety of industries, and in hospitals, universities, and government facilities. Currently, the top-paying states for biomedical engineers are New Mexico, Arizona, and Minnesota.
A biomedical engineer needs to have analytical skills to assess the needs of patients, communication skills, creativity, math skills, and problem-solving skills. These skills will be taught at a foundational level during undergraduate studies and at an advanced level during graduate programs.
The difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering is their area of specialization. Bioengineering is the broad study of applied engineering practices in general biology, whereas biomedical engineering is a more specialized version of bioengineering that works with medicine and human anatomy.
Biomedical engineering is right for you if you enjoy learning about life sciences and mathematics and if you like solving people-oriented technical problems. If you’re interested in creating devices that benefit human health and well-being, then biomedical engineering is for you.
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