Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Norfolk State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$63,606

Est. from VA median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,908

Est. from national median (71 programs)

Analysis

Medical laboratory science offers one of the clearer value propositions in healthcare—consistent demand, decent pay, and manageable debt loads. Based on comparable programs in Virginia, Norfolk State graduates can expect to earn around $63,600 in their first year while carrying an estimated $25,900 in debt. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy, meaning less than half a year's salary to repay what was borrowed.

The numbers align closely with both state and national medians for this credential, suggesting Norfolk State delivers market-standard preparation despite serving a predominantly working-class student body (62% receive Pell grants). While nearby VCU reports slightly higher earnings at $67,000, the $3,500 difference matters less than the overall financial safety of the field. Lab science degrees rarely produce the extremes you see in business or communications—most programs cluster tightly around these mid-$60K outcomes because employers value certification and competency more than institutional prestige.

For families weighing this investment, the stability matters more than the ceiling. Your child will likely find work quickly (healthcare always needs lab professionals), earn enough to service debt comfortably, and build toward mid-career salaries in the $75K-$85K range. Just confirm the program maintains proper accreditation for certification exams, since credential requirements vary by state and specialty area.

Where Norfolk State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk	$9,910	$63,606*	—	$25,908*	—
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond	$16,458	$67,072*	$61,522	$24,589*	0.37
Radford UniversityRadford	$12,286	$63,606*	—	—*	—
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk	$12,262	$60,601*	$60,390	$26,938*	0.44
National Median	—	$64,930*	—	$26,022*	0.40

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Norfolk State University, approximately 62% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.