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Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,799/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (9.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 of 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs Top 50%

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	$604K	$604K	$560K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.9x	13.9x	12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.7x	9.7x	9.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	53%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	63	62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,428

Out-of-state: $62,044 (9.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,336

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$31,000

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,601

17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $58,799/yr, roughly in line with the $65,727 national median for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

At $31,000 against $58,799/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #40 ranking among 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs places North Dakota State University-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $58,799 to $68,601 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University-Main Campus accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 9,567 students in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

At 63/100, North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →