Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
University of Arizona's biomedical engineering program appears to follow typical industry patterns, with first-year earnings estimated around $64,660—close to what national peer programs report for this field. The $23,000 median debt sits right at the national average for biomedical engineering bachelor's programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. That's manageable territory: graduates would need roughly four months of gross income to cover their debt, assuming all earnings went toward repayment.
What's worth noting is that this estimated figure aligns with actual outcomes at Arizona State, which reports $60,828 for its biomedical engineering grads—slightly lower but in the same ballpark. Biomedical engineering tends to offer more stable early-career prospects than many STEM fields, though salaries don't typically jump dramatically in those first few years. The field's strength lies in steady, respectable starting pay rather than explosive growth.
For parents, this translates to a reasonably safe bet: debt that shouldn't overwhelm early paychecks, paired with earnings that should support independent living in most Arizona markets. The 86% admission rate means access isn't prohibitively competitive, though success in the program itself will demand strong math and science skills. If your child is genuinely drawn to medical devices, prosthetics, or healthcare technology—and can handle the coursework—the financial fundamentals here don't raise red flags.
Where University of Arizona Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,626 | $64,660* | — | $23,000 | — | |
| $12,051 | $60,828* | $81,531 | $21,429 | 0.35 | |
| 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
Explore Related Programs
Biomedical/Medical Engineering in Arizona
View all in Arizona →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 University of Arizona, approximately 26% 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.