Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at University of Idaho

Clinical lab science programs typically produce graduates with solid job prospects, and comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $65,000—squarely in the middle of what these programs deliver across the country. With an estimated debt load of about $26,000 (again, based on peer institutions), University of Idaho's program appears to track with national norms for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means your student would owe roughly five months' salary, which is manageable in a field known for steady healthcare employment.

The catch is that Idaho's median earnings for clinical lab programs run slightly lower than the national figure—closer to $62,000 based on Idaho State's reported outcomes. That suggests geography matters here, likely reflecting Idaho's lower cost of living and rural healthcare market dynamics. Your student might earn more by relocating to a metro area after graduation, but if they plan to work in Idaho, the slightly depressed local wages are worth factoring in.

The fundamentals look reasonable: healthcare credentials generally hold their value, and the debt burden isn't alarming for a bachelor's degree. But without actual graduate outcomes from UI's specific program, you're relying on broader patterns. If your student is committed to lab work and plans to stay in-state, this tracks as a solid if unspectacular investment—assuming the estimates hold true.