Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Wilkes University
Bachelor's Degree
wilkes.eduAnalysis
In Pennsylvania's medical laboratory science landscape, Wilkes University operates without reported outcomes data—but peer programs nationally point to solid financial footing. Similar bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $65,000, positioning graduates for middle-class incomes in a field where technical skills translate quickly to employment. The estimated $25,000 in debt sits just below the national median for this credential, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates would owe roughly five months' salary, a manageable burden for healthcare professionals who generally find steady work.
The broader context matters here: with 342 programs nationally training medical lab scientists but only limited data transparency, this field tends toward smaller cohorts that trigger federal privacy suppression. That's likely what's happening at Wilkes rather than any program weakness. Lab science careers offer relative stability—hospitals and diagnostic facilities need these professionals regardless of economic cycles—and the technical nature of the work creates barriers to entry that protect wages. The 91% admission rate and accessible SAT range (1134) suggest Wilkes serves a broad student population, with 30% receiving Pell grants, making this a pathway worth considering for families seeking healthcare careers without elite credentials.
Given the estimates align closely with national benchmarks and the debt load appears reasonable, this program likely delivers what most lab science degrees do: practical training for a solid-earning profession. The caveat is that you're betting on pattern rather than proof—no Pennsylvania peers have public data to confirm these regional outcomes.
Where Wilkes University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,286 | $64,930* | — | $25,269* | — | |
| $7,358 | $105,425* | — | $11,000* | 0.10 | |
| $22,106 | $101,516* | — | $31,000* | 0.31 | |
| $8,576 | $95,766* | $86,527 | $26,470* | 0.28 | |
| $10,560 | $92,286* | $87,185 | $17,538* | 0.19 | |
| $7,490 | $86,226* | $83,055 | —* | — | |
| 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
Surgical Technologists
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Phlebotomists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Cytogenetic Technologists
Cytotechnologists
Histotechnologists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
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 Wilkes University, approximately 30% 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 national median of 99 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.