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Save lives and transform our healthcare system with one of the nation's best Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering degrees.
Are you passionate about product and software design? Are you equally interested in the applications of engineering to life systems? Can you envision yourself making people healthier and helping them live longer by designing important medical instruments or overseeing cell and tissue advancements?
Then a career in biomedical engineering may be just for you!
What kind of Biomedical Engineering degree should you get?
Each of the 35 programs below will provide a solid foundation in math, the physical sciences, engineering, and biology. Yet each program also varies in its emphasis, model, and the opportunities it offers.
For example, while some schools stress the importance of real-world experience, offering internship and co-op programs, others situate you in the lab and partner you with leading researchers. And some programs provide ways to specialize in everything from biomaterials to cell and tissue engineering.
The best rule of thumb is to find a program that provides the kind of academic and curricular experience you desire. But it should also include opportunities to study abroad and participate in internships and co-ops.
Another factor to consider is online education. Online learning is a flexible, affordable way to advance your education and career. So, be sure to check out College Choice's 50 Best Online Engineering Degrees.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much money do people make with a Biomedical Engineering degree?
With a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering degree you are set up to work in two lucrative, in-demand industries: product development and healthcare. You will also graduate fully prepared for a graduate degree in bioengineering as well.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an average annual salary for biomedical engineers that is more than $88,000. And that's just an average. For those with a lot of experience gained through internships and research projects, the pay moves further upward. PayScale notes that bioengineers can make nearly $100,000 with just their undergraduate degree.
The industry is not only lucrative, but it's stable and growing too. The US Department of Labor projects the demand for biomedical engineers will grow a staggering 72 percent in the next ten years.
What can you do with a Biomedical Engineering degree?
A BS in Biomedical Engineering opens up many vocational doors. Perhaps you see yourself in the lab, studying tissue and cell development and designing ways to manipulate and transform cell growth. Or perhaps you see yourself creating innovative new medical tools. All of the programs below will help you gain entry into the job you desire.
Indeed, the graduates from these prestigious, highly ranked programs have gone on to acquire rewarding careers in a diverse range of fields. They have also pursued graduate school in medicine, engineering, and biology. Some of the areas graduates have found careers in include:
- Bioinstrumentation
- Medical Imaging
- Genetic Engineering
- Biomaterials
What are the requirements for a Biomedical Engineering degree?
To earn a BS in Biomedical Engineering degree you will spend at least your first year immersed in chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering classes. Then, having finished your general education requirements, you will take foundational bioengineering classes that cover systems physiology, medical equipment design, and tissue and cells engineering.
Then in your final years can dive into specialized engineering classes and their laboratory counterparts through formal concentrations in:
- Biomechanics
- Immunoengineering
- Bioinformatics
Finally, many of these programs encourage or require research experience, lab hours, internships, co-ops, and more. We've been sure to note such requirements below.
What are the best Biomedical Engineering degrees?
Though some of these programs are housed within huge state research universities and others within smaller polytechnical schools, all 35 share one thing in common: they are the nation's best Biomedical Engineering degrees.
To find the best biomedical engineering degrees we first looked at each and every program across the nation. From there we narrowed the list by bringing in crucial factors such as reputation. We looked at student retention, which is a sign of student satisfaction, as well as the early salaries of graduates and tuition rates too. What we found after such extensive research are the nation's best programs for training biomedical engineers.
Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
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Duke UniversityLocation
Durham, NC
Tuition$22011
Graduation Rate95%
Overview
Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina and is an elite research university. It is known for its expansive research projects across the STEM and medical fields. Duke is home to nearly 15,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students.
Features
At Duke University you will build a solid foundation in STEM while also learning how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and design systems. You will also become an expert in biology and physiology and learn how to interpret living data, address tensions between living and non-living systems, and apply statistics to biology and engineering. Classes include:
- Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation
- Biomechanics
- Electrobiology
- Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
Notables
Duke University is ranked among the top 10 best schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, among others. Its engineering schools and respective programs are highly regarded and well established, having been founded early in the 20th century. Finally, the Duke University Medical Center houses one of the top-rated hospitals and top-rated medical schools in the nation.
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Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
Tuition$29066
Graduation Rate93%
Overview
A leader in medical and health education, Johns Hopkins University is based in Baltimore, Maryland. JHU has a long history of integrating research and education, with campus comprised of the prestigious Whiting School of Engineering, an elite medical school, and more. Around 20,000 students attend JHU.
Features
Johns Hopkins’ Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering program trains students to solve problems at the nexus of engineering and biology. With a global perspectives, students learn how to tackle complex biomedical engineering issues as well as broader complexities within the healthcare system. This multidisciplinary program includes courses such as:
- Biomedical Modeling and Design
- BME in the Real World
- Molecules and Cells
- Biomedical Systems and Controls
Notables
JHU’s research efforts and contributions are known worldwide. Therefore, campus is home to numerous well-respected research centers and institutes, such as the Berman Institute of Bioethics. U.S. News & World Report ranks JHU 11th among all colleges and universities nationwide.
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Stanford UniversityLocation
Stanford, CA
Tuition$16562
Graduation Rate95%
Overview
Stanford University hardly requires and introduction. It is one of the world’s most prestigious universities with strengths across the STEM disciplines as well as in medicine, law, the humanities, arts, and much more. Approximately 16,000 students attend Stanford.
Features
At Stanford you will benefit from a uniquely interdisciplinary program that comes out of a partnership between the Schools of Engineering and Medicine. Students learn how to integrate life sciences and scientific discovery in a way that benefits our healthcare system. Indeed, students study everything from environmental quality to policy. Courses include:
- Systems Biology
- Physical Biology of Macromolecules
- Systems Physiology and Design
- Biosecurity and Bioterrorism Response
Notables
The Stanford community, includings its alumni and faculty, is made of renowned scholars and researchers. For example, there are dozens of Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of members of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine. Stanford is ranked fifth nationally.
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Rice UniversityLocation
Houston, TX
Tuition$24131
Graduation Rate92%
Overview
Rice University is located in Houston, Texas and is a private, research-focused university. Its campus is juxtaposed to the Texas Medical Center and its reputation is anchored to its medical and engineering programs. Rice serves more than 7,000 students.
Features
The George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice offers an impressive degree in bioengineering. This program takes seriously leadership formation and therefore gives its students real-world experiences and challenges. Students study abroad, participate in professional mentorships, intern, and much more, in addition to taking classes such as:
- Bioreaction Engineering
- Thermodynamics
- Biomaterials
- Numerical Methods
Notables
With renowned applied science programs, Rice is a leader in STEM. It is ranked among the top 20 best schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its academic and research-based accolades, Rice is also known for having the best “quality of life” among its students, for being one of the nation’s most LGBT friendly colleges, and much more.
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Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyLocation
Cambridge, MA
Tuition$22230
Graduation Rate91%
Overview
MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is located in Cambridge. It is one of the world’s best polytechnic schools, known specifically for its programs in engineering and the sciences. More than 11,000 students attend MIT.
Features
MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering offers an undergraduate degree that prepares students to enter research-related fields or graduate/medical school. In fact, students who have graduated have gone on to find rewarding careers with pharmaceutical companies and attend some of the best graduate engineering schools in the nation. Additionally, there are more than a dozen ways to specialize through MIT’s formal concentrations in:
- Environmental and Toxicological Studies
- Cancer Biology
- Immunoengineering
Notables
MIT has graduated hundreds of Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, Fields Medalists, and so much more. U.S. News & World Report ranks it second among all colleges and universities across the globe. Likewise, its School of Engineering is ranked first.
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Georgia Institute of TechnologyLocation
Atlanta, GA
Tuition$15873
Graduation Rate82%
Overview
The Georgia Institute of Technology, known as Georgia Tech, is based in Atlanta. It is a member of the broader University System of Georgia and was originally founded as an engineering school. Today it maintains those strengths while also offering dozen of degree options across the STEM fields.
Features
Georgia Tech’s degree in biomedical engineering is a confluence of the liberal arts and technology. Students engage in a broad curriculum and go on to work in diverse settings. Graduates have attained careers in everything from public service to startups, healthcare consulting, and hospital administration. And as a Georgia Tech student you will have access to such innovative research centers as:
- The Center for Immunoengineering at Georgia Tech
- Georgia Center for Medical Robotics
- Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization and Manufacturing
- Nanomedicine Center for Nucleoprotein Machines
Notables
Georgia Tech is an extremely active research university. As we said above, the campus houses a number of elite research facilities, including the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience. It is the headquarters for more than a dozen affiliated biomedical engineering centers.
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University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$24539
Graduation Rate96%
Overview
The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university located in West Philadelphia. It is one of the nation’s oldest schools, and one of the best. Penn is organized into more than a dozen schools and colleges, including the illustrious School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Features
There are two ways to earn a degree at Penn. You can either earn a BS in Bioengineering or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Science. While the former is a traditional, engineering-focused degree, the latter is more flexible and interdisciplinary. Both, however, let you specialize through one of the concentration paths:
- Neuroengineering
- Biomedical Devices
- Systems and Synthetic Biology
- Cellular/Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials
Notables
Penn is one of the country’s top 10 best schools, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, among many others. Similarly, it is considered one of the most active sites of research nationwide. And it is home to several top-ranked engineering programs.
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Vanderbilt UniversityLocation
Nashville, TN
Tuition$23295
Graduation Rate93%
Overview
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University is a private, research-based school. It serves more than 12,000 students through its 10 colleges and schools. Vanderbilt, though strong in an array of academic and professional fields, is known for its engineering school
Features
At Vanderbilt you will build a foundation in math, physics, chemistry, and engineering. You will then investigate the nuances of biology, biomaterials, and medicine across a broad scale, from nano to whole bodies. This multidisciplinary program is both specialized and wide-reaching. You will take classes such as:
- Systems Physiology
- Circuits I and II
- Analysis of Data
- Medical Instrumentation
Notables
As one of the top 20 best research institutions in the country, Vanderbilt is home to an array of renowned research facilities. It was deemed ninth nationally by the National Institute of Health for its medical programs and research efforts. And the School of Engineering is considered among the top 50 in the country.
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Columbia UniversityLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$22824
Graduation Rate95%
Overview
Located in Upper Manhattan, Columbia University is an Ivy League university, and one of the best in the country. It is among the nation’s oldest and most prestigious schools. Nearly 28,000 students attend Columbia and are enrolled in one of its 20 schools, including the renowned Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Features
Columbia’s biomedical engineering degree is steeped in the physical and chemical sciences. With an emphasis on the integration of biomedical engineering and physiology, students become experts in the relationship among engineering, biology, and medicine. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through Columbia’s lab modules, which include:
- Computational Teaching Lab
- The Undergraduate Wet Lab
- The Design and Fabrication Capabilities Lab
Notables
The Wall Street Journal ranks Columbia second in the nation. Faculty and alumni are Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur genius grants, National Medal of Science recipients, and National Academy of Engineering Award winners.
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Washington University St. LouisLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Tuition$27777
Graduation Rate95%
Overview
Washington University is St. Louis is a private school steeped in research activity. It is organized into over a half dozen undergraduate and graduate schools, which are home to more than 15,000 students. With many research and academic strengths to its name, WUSTL is particularly known for its medicine and engineering programs.
Features
Whether you want to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, a related field, or go on to earn a professional degree in medicine, dentistry or law, the program at WUSTL will help you get there. After building a sturdy foundation in math, biology, and engineering, you will personally tailor your degree so you can specialize in an area of interest to you. Required courses include:
- Biomechanics
- Quantitative Physiology
- Bioengineering Thermodynamics
- Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering
Notables
The Washington University School of Medicine is among the top 10 best in the nation. Likewise, the School of Engineering and Applied Science is ranked in the top 50 best nationwide. More specifically, its biomedical engineering programs are, hands down, some of the best, ranked twelfth by U.S. News & World Report.
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University of California San DiegoLocation
La Jolla, CA
Tuition$14616
Graduation Rate86%
Overview
Part of the highly regarded University of California System, the San Diego campus (UCSD) is a public research university. It provides more than 200 academic programs across degree levels and is home to around 36,000 students. UCSD is comprised of six schools, including the Jacobs School of Engineering.
Features
The UCSD program is particularly creative in its approach to bioengineering. While it gives students the breadth and depth necessary for becoming fluent in the relationship between engineering and biology, students engage in multidisciplinary teams and learn how to become innovators. And at UCSD you can specialize in one of four areas:
- General Bioengineering
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- BioSystems
Notables
UCSD is a Public Ivy university with dozens of departments that are nationally ranked. For example, its molecular biology, engineering, genetics, and neuroscience programs are all among the top 20 of their kind. As a whole the university is ranked among the top 50 best schools in the nation.
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Stevens Institute of TechnologyLocation
Hoboken, NJ
Tuition$38469
Graduation Rate82%
Overview
Stevens Institute of Technology is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is a private, research university that was first founded to provide education and research in the area of mechanical engineering. Today SIT offers polytechnic degrees in everything from chemical biology to biomedical engineering.
Features
Learn how to design crucial systems, devices, and instruments that can save lives with a degree from SIT. This multidisciplinary program readies students for lucrative careers in the biotech industry or medical school. And it gives a broad introduction to engineering materials with biological surfaces. Classes include:
- Introduction to Molecular Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Modern Physics
- Instrumental Analysis
Notables
Stevens Institute of Technology is nationally ranked in numerous categories. It is considered one of the best return on investments. It has some of the highest career placements. And is among the top 10 leading STEM universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
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University of California IrvineLocation
Irvine, CA
Tuition$13944
Graduation Rate86%
Overview
The Irvine campus within the wider University of California System is a public research university. It is classified as a top-tier research university known for its work in medicine, law, and engineering. More than 32,000 students attend UC Irvine.
Features
When you earn a BS in Biomedical Engineering degree at UCI you have the opportunity to also earn your pre-med degree. If you don’t plan on med school, though, UCI offers the traditional degree as well. Both programs will give you plenty of lab experience. And both provide thorough training in biological medicine and engineering. And at UC Irvine you have access to research centers such as:
- Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic
- Center for Advanced Design and Manufacturing of Integrated Microfluids
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Notables
UC Irvine is home to the renowned Henry Samueli School of Engineering. The School houses dozens of research centers and facilities, such as the Center for Biomedical Signal Processing and Computation. It is ranked among the best engineering schools in the nation.
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University of MichiganLocation
Dearborn, MI
Tuition$16408
Graduation Rate50%
Overview
Considered one of the best public schools in the Midwest, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is the oldest school in the state. It is a sprawling research school with strengths in everything from the STEM fields to medicine, the humanities, and fine arts. More than 44,000 students attend U of M.
Features
At the University of Michigan you will gain a strong foundation in both engineering fundamentals and the life sciences. While studying biology you will primarily focus on design and optimization of engineering innovations. There are three concentrations at U of M from which to choose:
- Biomaterials and Biotechnology
- Bioelectrics and Biomedical Imaging
- Biomechanics and Medical Device Development
Notables
The University of Michigan is a Public Ivy and a founding member of the Association of American Universities. It is also part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and is well-ranked by many sources and across categories. For example, U of M is ranked 27th among all colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report.
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University of RochesterLocation
Rochester, NY
Tuition$37064
Graduation Rate84%
Overview
The University of Rochester is a private school based in Rochester, New York. Around 5,000 undergraduates attend UR and are enrolled in one of the university’s dozens of academic and professional degree programs. UR is known for its research expenditures, contributions, and elite facilities.
Features
This broad BME degree from Rochester trains students to enter an array of industries or professional schools upon graduation. Indeed, graduates have worked in clinical and technical settings. They have conducted award-winning research and attended elite medical schools. And at Rochester you can become highly specialized. There are four ways to specialize:
- Biomechanics
- Biosignals and Biosystems
- Cell and Tissue Engineering
- Medical Optics
Notables
Unique to UR is the opportunity for juniors and seniors to receive full funding in a fifth year of study. This is called the Take Five Scholars program, and it gives students the chance to experience advanced education and research work. It also mimics graduate study for those students who hope to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.
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Worcester Polytechnic InstituteLocation
Worcester, MA
Tuition$43027
Graduation Rate85%
Overview
A private, research university, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is located in the city of the same name in Massachusetts. It is home to 4,000 students and dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. WPI offers degrees in the technical arts and applied sciences.
Features
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute you can expect to become an innovator of both products and therapies that promote longer, healthier lives in people. For example, the program covers everything from blood vessel engineering to joint stabilization. You will complete major senior projects and take classes such as:
- Computational Biomechanics
- Biomedical Imaging
- Biomedical Signals, Instruments, and Measurements
- Biomedical Data Analysis
Notables
From Businessweek to U.S. News & World Report, WPI is a globally recognized polytechnic school. It is ranked for its academic programs as well as its affordability. Indeed, graduates from WPI are counted among the nation’s highest earners.
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University of California Los AngelesLocation
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition$14760
Graduation Rate91%
Overview
Located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, the University of California Los Angeles is a public, research-based university. It is considered one of the best public universities in the nation. It is notably strong in the areas of medicine, applied science, STEM, and more.
Features
UCLA offers a degree in biomedical engineering that is anchored in its extensive research programming. So, as a UCLA student you will not only have access to prestigious curriculum with classes covering a broad range of topics (see below), you will also have the opportunity to partner with the Brain Research Center, the California NanoSystems Institute, the Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, and much more. Classes may include:
- Cells, Tissues, and Organs
- Bioengineering Ethics
- Principles of Biocompatibility
- Bioengineering Capstone Design
Notables
UCLA is considered a Public Ivy, meaning its academic reputation is equal to that of the private Ivy Leagues. For example, UCLA has graduated dozens of Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, Turing winners, and much more. And it is the ranked first among all public universities by Times Higher Education.
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University of California DavisLocation
Davis, CA
Tuition$16446
Graduation Rate83%
Overview
The Davis campus within the wider University of California System is based west of Sacramento in Davis, California. It serves nearly 30,000 undergraduate students and offers more than 100 academic programs. UCD was founded as an agricultural school and is still strong in the areas of applied science and medicine.
Features
UCD’s interdisciplinary biomedical engineering degree for undergraduates provides a sturdy foundation in all things math, life science, and engineering. Students are encouraged to specialize. There are a half dozen areas of focused concentration, which gives students a leg up in the workforce:
- Systems and Synthetic Biology
- Medical Devices
- Imaging
- Cellular and Tissue
Notables
The UCD community is comprised of National Academy of Science members, Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Geniuses, National Medal of Science recipients, and so much more. UCD is also a Public Ivy. It is ranked among the top 50 best universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
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Clemson UniversityLocation
Clemson, SC
Tuition$18757
Graduation Rate82%
Overview
Clemson University is based in the Clemson, South Carolina. With more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Clemson is one of the state’s largest, research-focused universities. Organized into two dozen schools and colleges, Clemson is a leader in public education in South Carolina.
Features
At Clemson you can earn a BS in Bioengineering degree that is a mix of labs and coursework on biology, biochemistry, and physiology. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, engineering researchers, and even physicians. And you have the option of concentrating in bioelectrical engineering or biomaterials engineering. Classes include:
- Bioengineering Professional Development
- Engineering Graphics and Machine Design
- Functional Human Anatomy
- Signals, Systems, and Transforms
Notables
U.S. News & World Report ranks Clemson amon the nation’s top 70 best universities. In addition to its academic reputation, Clemson is also known for its affordability. For example, SmartMoney lauds the university for its return on investment.
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Purdue UniversityLocation
Hammond, IN
Tuition$12117
Graduation Rate31%
Overview
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is a top-ranked school known for its programs and research contributions across the STEM fields. It is a school steeped in technology, applied science, health, and more. More than 40,000 students attend Purdue.
Features
Become an expert in engineering analysis and design within the context of biology and medicine at Purdue University. In addition to challenging coursework, you will gain hands-on experience through internships, a co-op program, and studying abroad. Some of the classes you’ll take at Purdue include:
- Biomolecular and Cellular Systems
- Frontiers in Biomedical Engineering
- Bioelectricity
- Biomedical Transport Fundamentals
Notables
Purdue University is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is also a flagship university and a land, sea, and space-grant institution. It maintains close relationships with the National Science Foundation and NASA.
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Rutgers UniversityLocation
Camden, NJ
Tuition$16016
Graduation Rate53%
Overview
Based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers University is a public research university. It has nearly 70,000 students, classifying itself as the state’s largest university. Rutgers offers an array of academic and professional degree programs, but it is most known for its education and research in the sciences.
Features
Rutgers offers the most varied options for studying biomedical engineering. The university provides three tracks, one in biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering, one in tissue engineering and molecular bioengineering, and one in biomedical computing, imaging, and instrumentation. Classes include:
- Biomaterials
- Computational Systems Biology
- Transport Phenomena
- Global Health
Notables
As a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities, Rutgers is a highly ranked and recognized research university. Indeed, campus is pocked with several prominent research facilities, archives, and museums.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLocation
Champaign, IL
Tuition$16638
Graduation Rate84%
Overview
The University of Illinois is a renowned public research system and its flagship university is the Urbana-Champaign campus. UIUC serves nearly 50,000 students who are enrolled in one of the university’s 250 academic programs. UIUC is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as one of the nation’s most active research universities.
Features
With the recent $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, UIUC’s bioengineering department is a great place to study. This program integrates clinical and research experiences with additional opportunities to study abroad, participate in co-ops and internships, and much more. Classes include:
- Frontiers in Cancer Research
- Cell and Tissue Engineering
- Cellular Bioengineering
- Bioenergetics
Notables
UIUC, also a Public Ivy, is a founding member of the prestigious Big Ten Conference. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 52nd among all colleges and universities across the country. And UIUC is frequently cited as one of “America’s Best Colleges.”
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University of VirginiaLocation
Charlottesville, VA
Tuition$16594
Graduation Rate94%
Overview
The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is a research-driven school and the the flagship university for the Commonwealth of Virginia. UVA is home to more than 20,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students.
Features
UVA’s Department of Engineering offers a BS in Biomedical Engineering that prepares its students for a wide range of career opportunities. For example, graduates have gone on to work in medical imaging and pharmaceuticals as well as cell engineering, genomics, and bioinformatics. Classes you’ll take at UVA include:
- Physiology for Engineers I and II
- Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers
- Biomechanics
- Computational BME
Notables
UVA was the first southern elected member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. And it is ranked among the top 25 best schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. But UVA is perhaps best known for being founded by Thomas Jefferson.
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New Jersey Institute of TechnologyLocation
Newark, NJ
Tuition$17972
Graduation Rate59%
Overview
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is located in Newark and provides students direct access to New York City. NJIT is considered New Jersey’s science and technology university known for its strengths in business and engineering. Approximately 11,000 students attend NJIT.
Features
NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering offers a BS in Biomedical Engineering degree. This interdisciplinary and broad curriculum includes courses on everything from human physiology for engineers to biomedical electronics, cell engineering, and bioinstrumentation. In addition, there are three ways to specialize at NJIT, in:
- Bioinstrumentation
- Biomechanics
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Notables
NJIT is at turns called the best valued college in the country and the most underrated university in the US. Its community is comprised of Turing Award winners, National Academy of Engineering members, and much more.
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Lehigh UniversityLocation
Bethlehem, PA
Tuition$26933
Graduation Rate87%
Overview
Lehigh is a private university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is organized into four colleges, through which it provides degrees in engineering, applied science, business, economics, and more. Around 7,000 students attend Lehigh.
Features
When you earn a BS in Bioengineering at Lehigh University you will engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines engineering and the physical sciences with biology and life science. You will gain hands-on experience through Lehigh’s Technical Entrepreneurship Capstone project as well as summer internship and research opportunities. There are three ways to specialize at Lehigh, in:
- Biopharmaceutical Engineering
- Bioelectronics/biophotonics
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials
Notables
Lehigh is ranked among the top 50 best schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to is academic reputation, Lehigh is also consistently lauded for its research contributions. Lehigh is considered one of the nation’s “Hidden Ivies.”
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University of ConnecticutLocation
Storrs, CT
Tuition$18699
Graduation Rate81%
Overview
The University of Connecticut is located in Storrs, Connecticut and is a known hub for research activity. It is a flagship university and often cited as the best public national school in all of New England. More than 26,000 students attend UConn.
Features
At UConn you can earn an undergraduate and master’s degree in biomedical engineering in just five years. In addition to this rigorous, but thorough curriculum, UConn students benefit from a plethora of research opportunities, internships, honors programs, and much more. Some of the classes you’ll take at UConn include:
- Physiological Systems
- Human Biomechanics
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Clinical Instrumentation
Notables
Like many of the other schools on our list, UConn is a noted “Public Ivy.” This recognition is the result of many factors, including the fact that the university is among the top 10 producers of Fulbright Scholars in the country. It is also ranked among the top 60 schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
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California Polytechnic State UniversityLocation
San Luis Obispo, CA
Tuition$19002
Graduation Rate75%
Overview
California Polytechnic State University is located in San Luis Obispo. It is a member of the elite California State University System, and one of only two polytechnic schools within the system. Over 21,000 students attend Cal Poly.
Features
The BS in Biomedical Engineering degree from Cal Poly is an interdisciplinary program that readies students for graduate school or a career in biomedicine. Students are steeped in the fundamentals of chemical engineering, living systems, and applied sciences. In addition to the foundational classes in biomechanics and biomaterials design, you will also take courses such as:
- Contemporary Issues in Biomedical Engineering
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Electric Circuit Theory
- Technical Writing for Engineers
Notables
Cal Poly is a nationally and globally recognized university. For example, recently The Wall Street Journal ranked the university’s engineering school among the top 20 best in the nation. But not just that, the school is also known for its affordability and return on investment.
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University of WashingtonLocation
Bothell, WA
Tuition$9443
Graduation Rate67%
Overview
The University of Washington is one of the leading research universities based in the Pacific Northwest. Located in Seattle, UW is comprised of nearly 150 discrete departments and is home to more than 46,000 students. It is a space and sea-grant university.
Features
Not only is the bioengineering program at UW one of the best in the country, it is also the most affordable program on our list. This program is often lauded for its real-world applicability. Students take part in interdisciplinary projects, leadership formation programs, and much more. On top of this, you can formally specialize in one of four areas:
- Molecular and Materials
- Cells, Tissues, and Systems
- Diagnostics and Therapeutic Instruments
- Nano and Molecular Engineering
Notables
The University of Washington is a flagship school and a Public Ivy. It is also a member of the elite American Association of Universities. UW is known for its academic strengths in an array of fields and disciplines, but it is most consistently ranked for its biostatistics, engineering, psychology, and information science degrees.
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University of UtahLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition$12363
Graduation Rate62%
Overview
The University of Utah is primarily based in Salt Lake City. It provides more than 100 academic and professional degree opportunities and is classified a top research university by the Carnegie Foundation. More than 30,000 students attend Utah.
Features
When you earn a degree in bioengineering from Utah you will work with world-class scientists and engineers through collaborative research projects. You will also be fully prepared for an advanced degree in medicine, science, or engineering. Some of the classes you’ll take at Utah include:
- Medical Imaging
- Current Research in Bioengineering
- Biomechanics Research
- Fundamentals of Bioengineering
Notables
As a prestigious research institution, Utah falls within the top 50 universities by total research expenditures. In fact, it has allocated a healthy portion of its funding to its biomedical imaging, cardiovascular engineering, and biodesign labs. The university is also home to dozens of Rhodes Scholars, Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and much more.
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$13442
Graduation Rate75%
Overview
North Carolina State University is based in Raleigh and is part of the wider University of North Carolina System. It is a member of the highly regarded Research Triangle, along with Duke and UNC. It is a land, sea, and space grant institution that serves more than 32,000 students.
Features
Not only can you earn a biomedical engineering degree from NCSU, but you can also pair it with a minor in tissue engineering. For those who choose this option, you will take a number of foundational engineering and life sciences courses. But you will also have the opportunity to take exciting classes such as:
- Tissue Engineering Fundamentals
- Animal Cell Culture
- Manipulation of Recombinant DNA
Notables
NCSU is a flagship university boasting national and global recognition. It is included among the top 100 best schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. And Kiplinger’s designates NCSU as one of the best valued public schools nationwide.
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The College of New JerseyLocation
Ewing, NJ
Tuition$22894
Graduation Rate87%
Overview
The College of New Jersey is located near Trenton in Ewing Township. Though it was founded as a teachers college, today the school offers ranked degrees in business, engineering, nursing, and science. More than 7,000 students attend TCNJ.
Features
At TCNJ they promise you will graduate ready to advance human health on local and global levels. This biomedical engineering program can be tailored to fit with your passions and career interests, whether those include biomaterials, rehab engineering, or the quantitative modeling of physiology. Classes include:
- Physiological Systems
- Biofluids Mechanics
- Mass and Heat Biotransport Phenomena
- Society, Ethics, and Technology
Notables
The College of New Jersey is ranked first among all public schools in the state. Likewise, it is consistently included among the most regarded universities in its region. TCNJ also boasts a 64 percent acceptance rate among graduates who go on to medical school.
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Tuition$12219
Graduation Rate54%
Overview
Located in Greater Miami, Florida International University is a huge research-based university. It has over 56,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 200 academic programs. FIU is a member of the State University System of Florida.
Features
FIU’s BS in Biomedical Engineering will teach you how to equally conduct research as well as design and develop complex systems. You will learn the clinical application of these product developments while also being trained on commercialization in the biomedical industry. FIU provides three areas of focus in which to specialize:
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials
- Biosignals and Systems
- Tissue Engineering and Pre-Med
Notables
FIU’s strongest and most popular programs are in engineering, law, medicine, and business administration. Meaning, the university is not only a center of vibrant research activity. But it has a reputation for providing leadership formation and professional development to its students.
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University of California RiversideLocation
Riverside, CA
Tuition$12404
Graduation Rate69%
Overview
The Riverside member within the elite University of California System is located just outside of Los Angeles in Riverside. UCR has long established, and highly regarded, programs in biology and medicine. Over 23,000 students attend UCR.
Features
At UCR you will learn how to develop the processes and produces that are crucial to human betterment. This bioengineering program prepares students to work in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and medicine. You will become an expert in everything from molecular biology to medical imaging through a curriculum that includes classes such as:
- Biomechanics of the Human Body
- Quantitative Physiology
- Biotechnology and Molecular Bioengineering
- Bioinstrumentation
Notables
In addition to its academic accolades, such as being ranked among the top 60 best public universities in the nation, UCR has earned a reputation across categories. It is considered one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the US. And it is one of the nation’s most LGBT friendly schools.
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University of Wisconsin-MadisonLocation
Madison, WI
Tuition$15910
Graduation Rate84%
Overview
The University of Wisconsin is a prestigious cohort of universities, and its Madison campus is its flagship university. UW Madison is a research-driven school as well as the oldest and largest public university in Wisconsin. Approximately 45,000 students attend UW Madison.
Features
The undergraduate biomedical engineering program at UW Madison trains students to work closely with physicians, biologists, nurses, and therapists. This program is not only team-oriented but interdisciplinary. You will gain a broad understanding of the human body and systems design. Additionally, at UW you can join a number of notable student groups, such as:
- Biomedical Engineering Society
- Engineers Without Borders
- Society of Women Engineers
Notables
U.S. News & World Report ranked UW Madison 44th among all national universities and colleges. Not only that, it is also globally ranked by several publications, such as Times Higher Education. Indeed, UW Madison is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and a Public Ivy.
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Michigan Technological UniversityLocation
Houghton, MI
Tuition$17139
Graduation Rate64%
Overview
Located in Houghton in the state’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan Technological University was first founded as an engineering college. Today, however, MTU offers a diverse range of degrees programs, from forestry to science, engineering, and more. Over 7,000 students attend Michigan Tech.
Features
At Michigan Tech when you earn a degree in biomedical engineering you will have a diversity of experiences. You will learn how to design prosthesis and artificial organs, for example. You will also learn how to engineer cells, develop new materials, conduct clinical trials, and more. Some of the classes you’ll take at Michigan Tech include:
- Biomechanics: Statics and Dynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Biomaterials
Notables
As a whole, Michigan Tech is considered one of the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review. Further, its College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top 10 best in the country. And, its many graduate degrees in engineering are among the top 50 nationally.
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