Analysis
Tulane's biomedical engineering graduates earn $96,112 four years out—a figure that puts them well ahead of Louisiana's typical outcomes in this field and solidly above the national median. While first-year earnings are estimated at roughly $65,000 based on comparable programs nationwide, that four-year number is actual reported data from Tulane's own graduates, suggesting strong trajectory in a field where career progression matters significantly.
The $23,760 in debt sits right at the national norm for biomedical engineering programs and translates to an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. That's manageable territory, especially when you consider where these graduates land by year four. Louisiana Tech—the only other Louisiana program with comparable data—reports similar first-year outcomes but slightly lower four-year earnings at $62,384, while LSU's biomedical engineering graduates earn considerably less at $44,717 four years out.
The combination of Tulane's selectivity (15% admission rate) and these earnings outcomes suggests the program delivers on its promise, at least for students who can gain admission and handle the academic rigor. The debt load won't crush a biomedical engineer's starting salary, and the four-year earnings figure indicates graduates are successfully moving into more specialized or higher-level roles relatively quickly—exactly what you'd hope to see in an engineering discipline.
Where Tulane University of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University of Louisiana | — | $96,112 | — |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $70,696 | $116,182 | +64% |
| Northwestern University | $68,592 | $108,516 | +58% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $93,310 | $105,728 | +13% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $44,717 | $58,601 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,538 | $64,660* | $96,112 | $23,760 | — | |
| $10,125 | $62,384* | — | $21,500 | 0.34 | |
| $11,954 | $44,717* | $58,601 | $21,788 | 0.49 | |
| 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 Tulane University of Louisiana, approximately 9% 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.