Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's medical laboratory science program lands squarely in the middle of Virginia's options, with graduates earning around $60,400—notably below VCU's $67,000 but on par with several other state programs. The debt load of $26,938 is manageable, translating to a 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests reasonable financial stability for most graduates. Lab science typically offers steady employment, and starting above $60,000 in a field with strong healthcare demand isn't a bad foundation.

The concerning element here is earnings stagnation: graduates show virtually no income growth between year one and year four. Most laboratory scientists see some advancement through experience and additional certifications, so this flat trajectory is unusual. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means we might be seeing a statistical quirk rather than a true pattern, but it's worth noting that ODU ranks below both state and national medians for this program.

For families considering this path, the program provides a reliable entry into healthcare without crushing debt. However, if your child is academically competitive (ODU admits 91% of applicants), VCU's program shows measurably stronger outcomes and might be worth the comparison. The real question is whether lab science itself—rather than this specific program—aligns with your child's career goals, as the field generally offers stability over dramatic salary growth.