Clinical Laboratory Science at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
67
Optimistic
67
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,564/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 of 99 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research programs Top 25%

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 $616K $616K $570K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 16.0x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.2x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 67 67 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,604
Out-of-state: $74,764 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,496
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,142
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $68,564/yr, roughly in line with the $65,727 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 16.0x 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 $68,564 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #20 out of 99 programs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Clinical Laboratory Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $68,564 to $72,142 over five years (5% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,194 students in La Crosse, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse →

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 Wisconsin-La Crosse

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 Wisconsin-La Crosse's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates.
Why does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse rank so high for Clinical Laboratory Science?
The #20 ranking out of 99 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →