Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Illinois State University?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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 →