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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$63,522

42nd percentile

Median Debt

$26,050

At national median

Analysis

West Virginia University's medical laboratory science program shows graduates earning slightly above the state median for this field, ranking in the 60th percentile among West Virginia programs—beating Marshall's $60,610 by nearly $3,000 in first-year earnings. However, the earnings trajectory deserves careful attention: graduates see their median salary slip from $63,522 to $61,350 over four years, a modest decline that could reflect career path choices, geographic mobility, or market conditions in West Virginia's healthcare sector.

The debt load of $26,050 translates to a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. This positions graduates well for financial stability early in their careers. While the program performs slightly below the national median ($64,930), it's competitive within West Virginia's healthcare job market, where lab science salaries tend to run somewhat lower than national figures.

For families focused on staying in West Virginia, this program offers solid preparation for a stable healthcare career with reasonable debt. The slight earnings dip over time isn't alarming given the manageable initial debt, but families should verify whether graduates are finding the advancement opportunities they'll want long-term. If your child plans to pursue specialized certifications or move to higher-paying markets after graduation, starting here could work well.

Where West Virginia University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How West Virginia University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
West Virginia University	$63,522	$61,350	-3%
California State University-Dominguez Hills	$44,374	$121,466	+174%
Stony Brook University	$92,286	$87,185	-6%
Farmingdale State College	$95,766	$86,527	-10%
College of Staten Island CUNY	$86,226	$83,055	-4%

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown	$9,648	$63,522	$61,350	$26,050	0.41
Marshall UniversityHuntington	$8,942	$60,610	—	$24,698	0.41
National Median	—	$64,930	—	$26,022	0.40

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 West Virginia University, approximately 20% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.