Est. Earnings (1yr)
$64,930
Est. from national median (99 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,269
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Wilkes UniversityWilkes-Barre$42,286$64,930*—$25,269*—
CUNY York CollegeJamaica$7,358$105,425*—$11,000*0.10
Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry$22,106$101,516*—$31,000*0.31
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$95,766*$86,527$26,470*0.28
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$92,286*$87,185$17,538*0.19
College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island$7,490$86,226*$83,055—*—
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 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.