Clinical Laboratory Science at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
59
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,336/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #61 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 $600K $600K $557K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.3x 11.3x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 59 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,216
Out-of-state: $75,200 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,940
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,364
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,026
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $54,336 per year, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Northern Michigan University earn below the $65,727 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Clinical Laboratory Science's typical career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,364 represents roughly 6 months of the $54,336 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #61 of 99 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Northern Michigan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $54,336 to $67,026 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 6,425 students in Marquette, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Clinical Laboratory Science at Northern Michigan University?
This program scores 59/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from Northern Michigan 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 →