Analysis
UMass Dartmouth's biomedical engineering graduates start below the pack but quickly close the gap. While first-year earnings of $60,237 trail the Massachusetts median by $10,000 and lag behind MIT and WPI significantly, four-year earnings jump to $85,262—surpassing even the top programs in the state. This 42% earnings growth suggests graduates build valuable skills or credentials that command better compensation as they gain experience.
The program's real strength is affordability. At $27,000 in median debt, graduates face just 45 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year earnings—well below typical engineering debt burdens and identical to the state average. This keeps monthly loan payments manageable during that lower-earning first year. Given the 92% admission rate, this program offers accessible entry into biomedical engineering without the crushing debt load from more selective schools.
However, the 40th percentile ranking among Massachusetts programs is worth noting—you're not paying premium prices, but you're not getting premium placement either. For families seeking a cost-effective path into biomedical engineering with strong mid-career potential, this works. Just understand your child may need patience through that first year while their peers at pricier programs start ahead.
Where University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $60,237 | $85,262 | +42% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $70,696 | $116,182 | +64% |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $80,401 | $90,840 | +13% |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $78,283 | $88,871 | +14% |
| Boston University | $69,209 | $84,960 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Massachusetts-DartmouthNorth Dartmouth | $15,208 | $60,237 | $85,262 | $27,000 | 0.45 |
 Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston | $41,010 | $80,401 | $90,840 | $27,000 | 0.34 |
 Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester | $59,070 | $78,283 | $88,871 | $27,000 | 0.34 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $70,696 | $116,182 | $13,000 | 0.18 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $69,209 | $84,960 | $26,848 | 0.39 |
 Western New England UniversitySpringfield | $46,430 | $58,437 | — | $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 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, approximately 36% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.