Analysis
The $23,298 in debt sits right at the national median for biomedical engineering programs, but the earnings picture requires closer examination. Based on comparable programs across Texas, first-year earnings around $58,916 would place UNT graduates below the national benchmark of $64,660. That's a meaningful gap—roughly $6,000 less annually than typical biomedical engineering graduates earn nationwide, though it aligns with the Texas state median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests manageable repayment, meaning graduates would owe about 40% of their first year's salary.
What complicates the assessment is that Rice ($88,307) and Texas A&M ($63,249) graduates earn substantially more with similar or even lower debt loads. UNT's 72% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores indicate it serves a different student population than Rice, but the earnings gap with A&M and other public Texas programs is still notable. For a field where hands-on research experience and industry connections significantly impact starting salaries, understanding what specific opportunities UNT's biomedical engineering program provides—internships, capstone projects, employer relationships—becomes critical.
The financial structure isn't alarming, but families should recognize they're likely looking at below-average biomedical engineering earnings based on peer programs statewide. Direct conversation with UNT's career services about actual placement outcomes and typical employer partners would help determine whether this represents a solid pathway into the field or if alternatives merit consideration.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biomedical/medical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biomedical/Medical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $58,916* | — | $23,298 | — | |
| $58,128 | $88,307* | — | — | — | |
| $13,099 | $63,249* | $87,290 | $19,500 | 0.31 | |
| $8,991 | $60,705* | — | $24,900 | 0.41 | |
| $14,564 | $58,916* | $73,218 | $18,750 | 0.32 | |
| $11,678 | $56,045* | $87,087 | $21,071 | 0.38 | |
| 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 North Texas, 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.
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 median of 7 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.