Clinical Laboratory Science at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
61
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,072/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 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 $613K $613K $568K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.3x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 53% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 61 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,849
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,425
6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $67,072/yr, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University land near the $65,727 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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.

The median debt load of $19,849 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #53 ranking among 99 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $67,072 to $71,425 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 61/100, 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 →