Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,202/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #78 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 $639K $638K $589K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.0x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.7x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,284
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $47,202/yr fall 28% below the $65,727 national median for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $47,202 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #78 of 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs, Michigan State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $47,202 to $70,284 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Michigan State University?
This program scores 55/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Can you still earn well with Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →