Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 suggests this program should deliver relatively manageable financial outcomes—if the estimates hold true. Since Marshall's actual graduate data isn't available, these figures come from national medians across similar biomedical engineering bachelor's programs. That means roughly half of comparable programs produce better outcomes and half produce worse, giving you a decent baseline but no certainty about where Marshall specifically falls in that distribution.
The estimated $64,660 first-year salary aligns with the national median for this field, which is encouraging for a West Virginia institution where cost of living runs lower than many engineering hubs. With only two schools in the state offering this degree, Marshall faces limited in-state competition. The estimated $22,776 debt load translates to monthly payments around $250 on a standard repayment plan—feasible on an entry-level engineering salary if those earnings materialize. However, biomedical engineering can be a challenging field for bachelor's-level graduates, with many positions favoring advanced degrees or requiring pivots into related technical roles.
The core challenge here is uncertainty. Without program-specific data, you're investing based on what similar programs typically produce rather than Marshall's track record. If Marshall's outcomes lag the national median—perhaps due to regional employer demand or program quality—the financial picture could look considerably less favorable. Request placement data directly from the department and speak with recent graduates about their job search experience before committing.
Where Marshall University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,942 | $64,660* | — | $22,776* | — | |
| $66,104 | $93,310* | $105,728 | $15,593* | 0.17 | |
| $58,128 | $88,307* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,075 | $81,186* | $97,977 | $20,500* | 0.25 | |
| $68,237 | $80,508* | $104,579 | $14,500* | 0.18 | |
| $41,010 | $80,401* | $90,840 | $27,000* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $64,660* | — | $23,246* | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biomedical/medical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Marshall University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 119 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.