Clinical Laboratory Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,721/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #79 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 $576K $576K $537K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 16.0x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.7x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Clinical Laboratory Science program produces graduates earning $56,721/yr — within striking distance of the $65,727 national average for this field.

With a 16.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,500 in median debt clears quickly against $56,721 in annual earnings.

A #79 ranking among 99 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Admission to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is competitive, with 19% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 20,556 students in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Clinical Laboratory Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →