Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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/Medical Laboratory Science/Research at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research 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 →