Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at George Washington University

George Washington University's lab science graduates start at $66,905—slightly above the national median but essentially matching DC's market rate. With manageable debt of $25,269, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates owe about five months of their first year's salary, which should feel comfortable for most families. However, context matters here: GW charges selective-university tuition (average SAT 1433, 44% admission rate) while delivering solidly middle-of-the-pack outcomes for this field. Among the handful of DC programs tracked, this lands at the 60th percentile—not a standout position.

The real question is whether GW's premium positioning translates to career advantages beyond that first paycheck. Lab science is typically a stable, credential-driven field where career progression depends more on certifications and experience than undergraduate prestige. If your student can access similar programs at in-state public universities for significantly less, those alternatives deserve serious consideration. The debt here isn't worrisome, but you're paying for the GW name without clear evidence it delivers outsized returns in this particular major.

For families who value DC's location and hospital network access, or where financial aid brings costs down substantially, this works as a practical path into healthcare. Just recognize you're getting market-rate outcomes at above-market prices.