If you are looking for one of the cheapest biomedical engineering schools, we’ve got you covered in this article. A biomedical degree from an accredited institution will make you eligible for high-paying and interesting employment opportunities. Biomedical engineering (BME) is a new and rapidly expanding engineering field. It utilizes current engineering techniques and cutting-edge technology for medical and healthcare issues.
Because biomedical engineering degrees can be expensive, it’s a good idea to look for the cheapest biomedical engineering degrees you can find. If you are interested in biomedical engineering, you may be interested in finding out about the most affordable biomedical engineering schools. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
What Are the Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Schools in the US?
The most affordable biomedical engineering schools in the US are the University of Florida, Florida International University, and North Carolina State University. Biomedical engineering is an engineering profession, and engineering schools are always expensive. Finding an affordable one is a big deal. These top three schools also have high graduation rates.
How Much Do the Cheapest Biomedical Engineering Schools Cost?
The cheapest cost range for biomedical engineering schools is between $6,381 and $16,178 for in-state tuition and between $28,659 and $53,232 for out-of-state tuition. The cheapest biomedical engineering school is the University of Florida, which costs between $6,381 for in-state tuition and $28,659 for out-of-state tuition. The best biomedical engineering schools are fairly expensive, but keep reading to find the most affordable program on our list that’s right for you.
Cheapest Biomedical Engineering Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. These are the direct costs of attending a school. Students must pay tuition and fees or at least have student loans funded before they can enroll in and take classes.
- Accommodation. Housing is always a large expense. Students often live in school-managed residential accommodations, apartments, or on campus, all of which can be quite expensive.
- Books and textbooks. Books and textbooks are also expenses to take into consideration. Try and buy used books if possible.
- Supplies and services. Students pay for things like utilities, travel, insurance, equipment, and information technology.
- Dining. If you live on campus, tuition fees may include meal plans.
Why You Should Attend a Biomedical Engineering School
You should attend a biomedical engineering school because biomedical engineers are highly paid and have a wide range of career opportunities. These career opportunities often have perks like high salaries, good benefits, room for career development, and interesting work. If you enjoy math, science, human anatomy, or biology and want to work in medicine, then a biomedical engineering school is an option to consider.
Best Biomedical Engineering School Career Options
The best biomedical engineering school career options include healthcare consultants, biomaterials developers, bioengineers, and biomedical engineers. Biomedical engineering is a fusion of healthcare and engineering. These two fields of study are consistently noted for providing good job opportunities for students.
This means that a biomedical engineering degree offers multiple career paths that have job security. The job outlook for biomedical engineering prospects is very promising. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bioengineers and biomedical engineers have a six percent projected job growth through 2030. That means 19,300 new jobs for bioengineers and biomedical engineers in the US.
Biomedical Engineering Salary
BLS reports that the average salary for a biomedical engineering graduate is $97,410 a year. According to PayScale, the average salary for a biomedical engineer with a Bachelor of Science is $78,000. As mentioned before, biomedical engineers are highly paid.
Can You Attend Biomedical Engineering School for Free?
Yes, you can attend a biomedical engineering school for free. If your cost of tuition is fully covered by scholarships or federal grants, you won’t have to pay for your education out of pocket or take out loans. However, this option is definitely not guaranteed.
You can also take free biomedical engineering courses on your own. One good resource for this kind of study is the MIT OpenCourseWare, where you can find free biological engineering courses. Other places where you can find free courses are the edX and Coursera platforms.
Cheapest Biomedical Engineering Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | 80% |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,963 | 65% |
| North Carolina State University | $9,131 | $29,916 | 80% |
| Indiana University- Purdue University- Indianapolis | $10,044 | $32,101 | 51% |
| Colorado State University | $12,331 | $31,613 | 72% |
| University of Arizona | $12,736 | $37,258 | 64% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | $12,852 | $33,964 | 88% |
| University of California-Irvine | $13,775 | $43,529 | 87% |
| Rutgers University | $15,804 | $33,005 | 92% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16,178 | $53,232 | 92% |
What Are the Cheapest Biomedical Engineering Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Biomedical Engineering School With Financial Aid
While higher education is often very expensive, it doesn’t have to be. If you attend one of the cheapest biomedical engineering schools you’ll be able to supplement the already low cost of education with financial aid options like federal grants, federal loans, private loans, and work-study income. These are the most common financing options available to qualified students.
Federal Grants
There are federal and state grants. State grants are commonly used to support school operations, while federal grants are primarily used to provide financial assistance to students. Students apply for this kind of financial aid when they submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Loans
The government administers federal student loans with legally mandated terms and conditions that include several benefits. Benefits include fixed interest rates, lower interest rates than private loans, and no credit history or cosigner requirement. International students should be sure to check if they are eligible for federal loans.
Private Loans
Private student loans are educational loans administered through private lenders such as credit unions and banks. They usually offer higher debt limits and great credit rewards, but they also require a cosigner and often have high interest rates.
Work Study
Work study programs are federally and sometimes state-funded financial aid programs that enable students to find part-time employment. These types of programs allow students to earn money to pay for part-time education on campus. They do not cover all the costs of a college or university but provide practical work experience in a student’s field of study.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Biomedical Engineering School Program
You’ll need to complete the following five steps to apply for federal aid to fund your biomedical engineering school program. You will need to prepare the needed documents, complete the FAFSA form, review the Student Aid Report (SAR) document, and respond to the aid offer. After you’ve completed these steps, you will receive financial aid.
- Prepare documents. Read about what documents you’ll need and gather all of them. You’ll need your federal tax information and social security number, for example.
- Complete the FAFSA form. Fill out the FAFSA questions as instructed and make sure to fully submit the document. It is a good idea to apply early.
- Review the Student Aid Report. After you submit the FAFSA, you’ll receive a SAR. It is a document, either electronic or paper, that summarizes the information you provided. Review the SAR to make sure all the information is correct.
- Respond to the aid offer. You will get an offer, asking you to indicate what financial aid you want. Carefully consider your alternatives and make your choice.
- Receive aid. Now you can get your aid. The sort of aid you choose affects when it is disbursed.
Best Biomedical Engineering Scholarships
- Gladys Carol Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. This program is accessible to US citizens or permanent residents who are high school seniors, high school graduates, or current undergraduate students. It is meant for students seeking full-time STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) degrees. The deadline is March 31.
- Elms College STEM Scholarships | Amount: $10,000. Students who study STEM subjects and are enrolled full-time at Elms College are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Eligible students must be first-year students at Elms College majoring in computer information technology, biology, chemistry, or mathematics. The deadline is February 1.
- ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship | Amount: $3,000. This engineering undergraduate scholarship is meant for US undergraduate students who are enrolled in recognized engineering programs. The deadline is December 15.
- Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. This program assists women in STEM-related undergraduate degree programs such as science, engineering, technology, or math. The deadline is March 20.
- Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships | Amount: $3,000. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be undergraduate students enrolled in a four-year college or university. It is intended for US students studying metallurgy, materials science, engineering/technology, or engineering. The deadline is October 31.
Cheapest Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Schools
The cheapest undergraduate biomedical engineering schools are Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, South Florida State University, Portland Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, and Midlands Technical College. It is a good idea to research the best biomedical engineering programs and compare the costs.
Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Associate Degree Programs
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Associate of Science in Healthcare Engineering | Resident $10,144/year, non-resident $14,630/year. This is a two-year degree program that trains you to work as a biomedical engineer, biomedical equipment technician, healthcare technology specialist, biomedical electronics technician, or clinical engineer.
- South Florida State University | Associate of Science in Biomedical Equipment Technician | Resident $73/credit, non-resident $219/credit. The Associate of Science in Biomedical Equipment Technician program prepares students to get into entry-level biomedical equipment repair and support positions. They will learn how to install, inspect, calibrate, maintain, and repair sophisticated equipment in the healthcare delivery system.
- Portland Community College | Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology | Resident $12,546/year. This program prepares students to become biomedical technicians. It trains them to maintain and repair medical technology and to guarantee patients receive the best treatment possible.
- Quinsigamond Community College | Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $205/credit, non-resident $411/credit. This associate degree program emphasizes sciences, mathematics, and life sciences. It prepares students to think critically, solve problems, and continue their education at a four-year college or university.
- Midlands Technical College | Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $188/credit, non-resident $235-$564/credit. This associate degree program is meant for students who plan to transfer to a four-year engineering program. Students in this program will learn about topics in microbiology, organic chemistry, and physics.
Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- University of Florida | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | $105/credit. This is the most popular engineering major at the University of Florida. It provides students with practical experience in math, chemistry, and lab work.
- Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | $205/credit. This biomedical engineering degree program has concentrations available in Biomechanics and Biomaterials, Biosignals and Systems, and Tissue Engineering/Pre-Med. It teaches undergraduates how to conduct research.
- North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $272/credit, non-resident $1,178/credit. Graduates of this BS degree program can work as biomedical engineers in government organizations, biotech firms, pharmaceutical firms, and hospitals. Students in this program gain valuable clinical and medical experience and an ABET-accredited degree.
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | $371/credit hour. This is a cross-disciplinary program that teaches students about engineering, biology, and medicine. It provides graduates with connections to a well-known hospital system.
- Colorado State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $535/credit, non-resident $1,449/credit. This Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree program is ABET-accredited and has four academic tracks.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Biomedical Engineering
The cheapest graduate biomedical engineering schools are Colorado State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Florida, University of Arizona, and the University of California-Irvine. During your school search, compile a list of biomedical engineering master’s programs you’re interested in. Once you have your list, make sure to compare costs as well as opportunities and resources that each program will provide to figure out which biomedical engineering degree program makes the most sense for you.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering
- Colorado State University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $601/credit, non-resident $1,475/credit. Students will take advanced courses in bioengineering, statistics, and biomolecular technology. This master’s degree program is designed to give students flexibility and research opportunities through a variety of technical electives.
- Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $1,088/credit for six credit hours or less, $13,053/semester for over six credit hours; non-resident $1,716/credit for six credit hours or less, $20,591/semester for over six credit hours. In this master’s program, students can cover bioengineering, mathematics, bioscience, and conventional engineering. It also provides students with access to advanced studies in biomedical imaging, biomaterials, and biomedical robotics.
- University of Florida | Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering | $455/credit. This master’s program aims to produce biomedical engineers that can analyze and solve challenges in biology and medicine to improve the healthcare field.
- Florida International University | Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $455.64/credit, non-resident $1,001/credit. Students will learn and apply advanced BME knowledge and laboratory procedures. They will also create and present a BME research project.
- North Carolina State University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $505/credit, non-resident $1,572/credit. This master’s degree program trains students to detect, create, and solve complex technological problems.
Most Affordable PhDs in Biomedical Engineering Universities
- University of Arizona | PhD in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $882/credit, non-resident $1,794/credit. This PhD program teaches students how to design medical procedures and medical equipment and gives them a fundamental understanding of biological processes. It also gives students opportunities to conduct research in areas like cardiovascular biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, spectroscopy, and nanomedicine.
- Georgia Institute of Technology | PhD in Bioinformatics | Resident $8,259/semester, non-resident $18,345/semester. This PhD program offers flexible studies in math, bioengineering, and engineering. The program stats show a 99 percent rate of job placement in bioinformatics.
- University of California-Irvine | PhD in Biomedical Engineering | Tuition $11,700/year. This PhD program has four research concentration areas, Micro/Nanoscale Systems, Biophotonics, Biomedical Bioimaging, and Computation. It teaches graduates how to become leaders or technical managers at corporations.
- Rutgers University | PhD in Biomedical Engineering. | Tuition $12,536/year. This is a research-oriented degree that delves into topics like nanosystems, microsystems, and physiological systems.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | PhD in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $26,226/year, non-resident $52,456/year. The University of Michigan’s BME PhD program provides six specializations in areas like biomedical imaging, biomaterials, and bioelectronics.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Biomedical Engineering School
There are several factors to consider when deciding which biomedical engineering school to attend. Some of the most important things to think about are cost, graduation rate, school reputation, academic programs, and the learning format offered by the school. Also, it’s a good idea to consider both the job placement rates and the average financial aid package awarded to students at schools you’re seriously considering.
Cost
If you want to find an affordable university, you need to first consider the tuition rates and overall cost of education. Usually, prestigious schools are more costly. If you’re looking for one of the cheapest biomedical engineering degrees, thoroughly investigate all costs associated with the school and degree program.
Graduation Rates
The graduation rates provide information on how well the school serves its students. If a school’s graduation percentage is low, it might be a signal that the institution does not have the resources that its students need. The better the graduation rates, the better the quality of the school.
Academic Programs
If you have a specific biomedical engineering career in mind, it’s best to look for an academic program that offers opportunities in that field. Some programs offer more engineering concentrations, while other programs offer more biological specializations. Explore to see what will work best for you and your career goals.
School Reputation
Attending a school with a strong local reputation, for example, can assist students in landing internships and future careers if they plan on staying in the area after they graduate. The prestige and reputation of a school pretty accurately reflect the quality of the institution.
Learning Format
Attending a school that has multiple learning formats is often better than attending a school that only offers traditional in-class learning. For example, the hybrid learning format gives students flexibility while still providing them with an in-person learning community. Remote learning is the most affordable option, so if you’re focused on attending one of the most affordable biomedical engineering schools this might be the best choice for you.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Biomedical Engineering School
- Budget your spending money. Prioritize your spending and keep track of your money.
- Decrease your textbook costs. Textbooks can be a significant expense each semester. Buy used textbooks or rent them to minimize costs.
- Sell back your textbooks. Once you have completed a subject, sell your textbook.
- Reapply with FAFSA every year. Apply for financial aid and reapply every year. This application is the key to receiving financial aid.
- Utilize free resources. If you need to buy clothes, seek places that offer a student discount. Use all available campus amenities.
Cheapest Online Schools for Biomedical Engineering
The cheapest online schools for biomedical engineering are North Carolina State University, University of Northern Colorado, University of North Dakota, University of Maryland, and Purdue University.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | Resident $505/credit, non-resident $1,572/credit | 80% |
| University of Northern Colorado | $609/credit | 52% |
| University of North Dakota | $643/credit | 62% |
| University of Maryland | $1,297/credit | 21% |
| Purdue University | Resident $1,139/credit, non-resident $1,459/credit | 83% |
Most Affordable Online Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Programs
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences- Diagnostic Imaging | $1,125/credit. This program has seven sub-majors including Cytotechnology, Biomedical Science, and diagnostic medical sonography. This program requires 120 credits and can be completed in four years.
- University of North Dakota | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | $643/credit. This is a four-year degree program that requires the completion of at least 128 credit hours. It is offered on campus or online.
- Emory University | Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging | $492/credit. This degree program teaches students about patient care, medical imaging procedures, and anatomy and physiology. It is offered through online and hybrid learning formats.
Most Affordable Online Biomedical Engineering Master’s Programs
- North Carolina State University | Master of Nanoengineering | Resident $505/credit, non-resident $1,572/credit. NC State offers a 100-percent-online nanoengineering program for undergraduate students majoring in science or engineering. This program does not require a final oral exam, thesis, or on-campus residency.
- University of Northern Colorado | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | $597/credit. This is a 30-credit accelerated one-year master’s degree program in biomedical engineering. Students seeking a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmaceuticals, or veterinary medicine can consider this program.
- University of Maryland | Master of Engineering in Bioengineering | $1,272/credit. This is an accelerated master’s degree program that requires the completion of 30 credits and 10 courses. It can be completed in less than two years and does not require a thesis.
- Purdue University | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Resident $1,139/credit, non-resident $1,459/credit. This program is one of the leading online accelerated master’s programs in bioengineering. It is a 30-credit-hour program that has thesis and non-thesis options.
- University of Washington | Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering | $864/credit. This degree program is one of the best master’s programs in biomedical engineering in the Pacific Northwest. Students in this program learn about device design, biologics license applications, new drug applications, medication design, and development.
Will Attending an Online Biomedical Engineering School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online biomedical engineering school will save you money. Attending an online biomedical engineering school saves you both time and money. It offers more flexibility and is a more convenient option overall.
Benefits of Online Biomedical Engineering Programs
- Flexibility. Traditional education has set classes at the same time every week. Online classes are sometimes recorded, and, in most cases, the lectures are available online. This gives students more flexibility and the opportunity to integrate their studies into their lives in ways that work for them.
- Saves you time. With online schools, you won’t waste time commuting. You can learn from the comfort of your home. To attend the class, all you have to do is turn on your laptop and virtually join the class. This way you will have more free time to study.
- Affordability. Usually, online biomedical engineering programs are cheaper than traditional on-campus degree programs. Because it can save you money on accommodation, travel, and meals, it is overall a very economical choice.
- More instructor-student time. Students can communicate with instructors using a variety of methods such as email and video conferencing. Online education allows students to ask questions and receive more personalized attention from instructors.
- A more sustainable option. Online learning saves time, money, and gas, and students are not that dependent on printed materials. Because of all of these reasons, we can say that online learning is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.
Highest-Paying Biomedical Engineering Careers
| Biomedical Engineering Job | Biomedical Engineering Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Doctor | PhD degree | $208,000 |
| Healthcare consultant | Bachelor’s degree | $101,340 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $97,410 |
| Forensic Technologist | Bachelor’s degree | $61,930 |
| Healthcare data analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $45,240 |
Best Biomedical Engineering Jobs Explained
The best biomedical engineering school jobs are doctors, healthcare consultants, bioengineers and biomedical engineers, forensic technologists, and health data analysts. The highest-paid job is a doctor with an average annual salary of $208,000, and the lowest-paid job is a health data analyst with an annual salary of $45,240.
Biomedical Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Schools
We chose the most affordable biomedical engineering colleges and universities based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Biomedical Engineering
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Cheapest Biomedical Engineering Schools FAQ
No, bioengineering is not the same as biomedical engineering, although they are related. Biomedical engineering is a specialized branch of bioengineering. Bioengineering deals with engineering in environmental systems, biological processes, agriculture, and food. Biomedical engineering deals with engineering in the biological and medical sciences to improve healthcare delivery systems.
Biomedical engineers are most in-demand in biomedical manufacturing, biomedical research and development firms, healthcare facilities, medical equipment sales firms, and hospitals. Biomedical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering and biology as well as the application of engineering principles and materials to medicine and healthcare.
The states with the highest employment levels for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are California, Massachusetts, Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers in these states have mean annual salaries between $97,140 to $105,700. As you can see, this is a well-compensated field.
High earners in biomedical engineering get above $100,000 on average per year. According to ZipRecruiter, biomedical engineers in the 75th percentile earn $104,000 per year. In the 90th percentile, biomedical engineers earn $118,500 per year.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
