Clinical Laboratory Science at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
60
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,282/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #55 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 $584K $583K $543K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 11.0x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 60 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,688
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,512
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $59,282/yr, roughly in line with the $65,727 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 11.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $59,282 far exceeding the $15,688 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #55 out of 99 programs, University of Kentucky's financial outcomes for Clinical Laboratory Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $59,282 to $65,512 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 University of Kentucky

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

How does University of Kentucky's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
A score of 60/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but University of Kentucky trails the majority of Clinical Laboratory Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →