Top 7 Free Online Biomedical Engineering Degrees 2025
Students can major in biomedical engineering at many top-ranking universities that offer diverse financial aid packages that can greatly reduce total costs.
Biomedical engineering is a diverse field that combines technology and biology and helps to develop and pioneer new technologies in healthcare and biotechnology. This highly technical field requires applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree, but many positions require advanced degrees like master's degree programs.
Budget-minded students often look for the best online bachelor's in biomedical engineering degrees at affordable rates. There is no truly free college degree without costs, regardless of subject; however, some financial aid programs can cover all costs to essentially provide a free education for the student. Students can also find free online biomedical engineering courses that can teach individual skills, but accredited degrees will always have costs.
Free Online Biomedical Engineering Degree Programs
Learning the fundamentals of biomedical engineering will require enrollment in a degree program. Although no degree will ever be fully free, there are a few ways to reduce total costs.
Students can enroll in free online courses on platforms such as edX or Coursera which can be used as transfer credits at some schools, but not every university allows this method.
Online learners can also reduce total costs by completing courses at community colleges. Some states have free community college programs for in-state students with financial need. All students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each academic year to determine eligibility.
1. Arizona State University
Online students at Arizona State University can earn an online Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. Students will study topics such as biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioengineering. ASU is a top university for online programs, including undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering degrees.
ASU students qualify for federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. ASU also offers merit and need-based scholarships that can cover tuition and course material costs.
2. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a fully online Master of Engineering in biomedical engineering program. This graduate degree program requires a bachelor's degree, but students can find other affordable online biomedical engineering degrees to prepare for this program. Students will work with skills related to tissue engineering, mechanical engineering, and biosensors. This accelerated master's degree includes 30 credit hours, which includes self-paced coursework.
CSU offers multiple financial aid programs including scholarships and fellowships particularly designed for online students and students returning to school. Students can also use the FAFSA to determine federal aid eligibility.
3. John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University offers students the chance to earn a Master's in applied biomedical engineering. Students must choose a specialization for this degree including options such as biomechanics, biomedical imaging, medical devices, and more.
John Hopkins University offers financial aid opportunities in the form of fellowships and scholarships to students based on a variety of factors. Some of the most common factors include membership in an underrepresented demographic, veterans benefits, and enrollment status.
4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois offers a Master of Engineering in bioengineering online and on campus. This program includes two specialization options, allowing students to focus on bio-instrumentation or general bioengineering.
The University of Illinois offers tuition waivers for PhD students over their first five years of enrollment, but there are also options for other students. Eligible students will receive assistantship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities targeted to engineering students.
5. University of California Riverside
The online Master of Science in engineering in bioengineering from UC Riverside can be completed in as few as 13 months with qualifying undergraduate and transfer credits. Coursework focuses on biological systems, computational biology, and genetics.
In addition to accepting FAFSA results, UC Riverside allows undocumented residents to submit their California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to apply for state-based federal aid programs. Students can also apply for grants and scholarships. UC Riverside participates in the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which allows eligible students to attend schools in the University of California network without paying tuition costs.
6. University of North Dakota
The Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of North Dakota can be completed online. This high-quality program is the same in both online and on-campus formats and includes internship opportunities to give online students hands-on learning. Graduates of this program often start career paths in clinical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, and clinical research.
UND's School of Engineering has multiple scholarship programs for incoming and returning students. Students at UND received a total of $108 million in financial assistance each year, with the average student receiving over $13,000.
7. Case Western Reserve University
Online students at Case Western Reserve University can earn an online Master of Science in biomedical engineering that combines courses from Case Western's award-winning medical and engineering colleges. Students complete biomedical engineering-related courses, as well as more general courses that cover medical and engineering principles of other disciplines.
Students at Case Western Reserve University can pursue grants and scholarships from the federal government and through the school to help cover the costs associated with their degrees.
FAQs About Online Biomedical Engineering Degrees
Biomedical engineering is a highly technical field that often includes lab work and other on-campus mandates. As a result, many aspiring students have questions about online degrees, total costs, and what to expect.
What Degree Is Best for Biomedical Engineering?
The best degree for biomedical engineering is a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in biomedical engineering. These degrees will cover the fundamentals needed for entry-level careers or to pursue more advanced degrees.
How Much Does an Online Biomedical Engineering Degree Cost?
Online biomedical engineering degrees have several potential costs, especially when factoring in master's degrees and prerequisites. The average cost exceeds $40,000 in total for an undergraduate degree before financial aid is applied, with additional fees for graduate degree programs.
Are Online Biomedical Engineering Master's Degrees Respected?
Online degrees are respected provided they are fully accredited. Most schools that offer online programs use the same curriculum as their on-campus degrees do. As a result, these schools usually don't indicate on transcripts or diplomas if the degree was earned online or on-campus.
Discover Online Degree Programs and Enroll Today
Although there is no truly ''free'' online biomedical engineering program, some schools offer better financial aid packages than others. Use our resources to learn more about biomedical engineering degrees offered nationwide, including tuition rates and admission requirements. Once you've narrowed down your school choices, use our contact forms to reach out for more information or to start your application process immediately.