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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,859 | $65,469 | $81,989 | $23,125 | 0.35 | |
| $64,671 | $78,815 | $88,056 | $23,250 | 0.29 | |
| $13,570 | $72,166 | $85,695 | $23,250 | 0.32 | |
| $12,377 | $69,711 | $74,617 | $19,750 | 0.28 | |
| $12,799 | $61,226 | $69,004 | $23,246 | 0.38 | |
| $17,809 | $58,914 | — | $27,000 | 0.46 | |
| 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 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.