Clinical Laboratory Scienceat South Dakota State University
Graduates earn $69,255/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Clinical Laboratory Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $676K; scenarios range from $621K to $677K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at South Dakota State University
South Dakota State's program is a national standout, a testament to its strong regional relevance and effective curriculum. The consistent demand for skilled allied health professionals across the upper Midwest, particularly in states like South Dakota, creates a robust job market for graduates. This program likely benefits from deep-seated relationships with major regional healthcare providers such as Sanford Health and Avera Health, ensuring ample clinical placement opportunities and direct recruitment pipelines.
You'll be trained for critical, behind-the-scenes roles in hospital labs, diagnostic centers, or public health facilities, forming the essential backbone of patient diagnosis. The program’s reputation and focus on practical skills mean employers actively seek out SDSU graduates. To truly maximize your trajectory, leverage every networking opportunity during clinical rotations; these connections are your direct path to securing a fulfilling role right out of the gate.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to South Dakota State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Clinical Laboratory Science
How South Dakota State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at South Dakota State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at South Dakota State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Clinical Laboratory Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Clinical Laboratory Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Clinical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University
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.