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Clinical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · 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 $69,255/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)

Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

ROI 18.2x earnings multiple (13.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #8 of 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs Top 10%

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	$677K	$676K	$621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.2x	18.2x	16.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	13.2x	13.2x	12.1x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	53%	44%
DegreeOutlook Score	70	70	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (13.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,500

4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,806

18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

South Dakota State University's Clinical Laboratory Science graduates start at $69,255/yr — above the $65,727 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.2x 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $26,500 in median debt clears quickly against $69,255 in annual earnings.

Ranked #8 of 99 programs, South Dakota State University's Clinical Laboratory Science program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $81,806 are relatively flat compared to the $69,255 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About South Dakota State University

A 99% acceptance rate means South Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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 South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University?

This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Clinical Laboratory Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

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