Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,469
53rd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$23,125
1% below national median

Analysis

Ohio State's biomedical engineering program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance that improves meaningfully over time. Starting at $65,469, graduates see their earnings jump 25% to nearly $82,000 by year four—suggesting the degree opens doors to career advancement. The debt load of $23,125 is manageable, requiring just over four months of first-year earnings to pay off. Within Ohio, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms competitors like Miami University and Akron while trailing the more expensive Case Western Reserve and Cincinnati options.

The real question is whether Ohio State justifies its position as a mid-tier option in the state. You're getting better outcomes than half the biomedical engineering programs in Ohio, but students at Cincinnati earn $72,000 right out of college—about $7,000 more annually—and Toledo graduates start at nearly $70,000. The gap narrows by year four as Ohio State graduates catch up, but those first few years matter for early career momentum and debt payoff.

For families comfortable with Ohio State's tuition and seeking a recognizable name with steady career growth, this program delivers reasonable value. Just understand you're paying for the broader Ohio State experience rather than exceptional biomedical engineering outcomes—this ranks right at the national median despite the university's strong overall reputation.

Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ohio State University-Main Campus$65,469$81,989+25%
Case Western Reserve University$78,815$88,056+12%
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$72,166$85,695+19%
University of Toledo$69,711$74,617+7%
Wright State University-Main Campus$45,570$73,018+60%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$65,469$81,989$23,1250.35
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$78,815$88,056$23,2500.29
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$72,166$85,695$23,2500.32
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$69,711$74,617$19,7500.28
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$61,226$69,004$23,2460.38
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$58,914—$27,0000.46
National Median—$64,660—$23,2460.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biomedical/medical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

$106,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Ohio State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.