Clinical Laboratory Science at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,629/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 of 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Clinical Laboratory Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $630K $629K $582K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.8x 9.8x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.6x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 58
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,927
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,434
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Illinois State University's Clinical Laboratory Science program produces graduates earning $65,629/yr — within striking distance of the $65,727 national average for this field.

A 9.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,927 in median debt clears quickly against $65,629 in annual earnings.

A #66 ranking among 99 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Illinois State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Illinois State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Illinois State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 18,414 students in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois State University →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Surgical technologists $62,830/yr
Health technologists and technicians, all other $48,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Illinois State University?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Clinical Laboratory Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →