Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State's medical laboratory science program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack results for North Carolina students, though it trails the national field. Starting salaries of $60,442 land exactly at the state median and rank in the 60th percentile among NC programs—respectable positioning considering only four institutions in the state offer this degree. However, these same earnings place the program in just the 25th percentile nationally, about $4,500 below where typical medical lab science graduates start. The debt load of $25,361 sits between the state and national medians, translating to a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle.

The concerning element is the slight earnings decline to $59,239 by year four, though this dip is modest enough that it might reflect industry patterns rather than program-specific issues. What matters more is that Winston-Salem State serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (61%) and provides them access to stable healthcare careers with immediate earning power above $60,000. For North Carolina families, particularly those who qualify for in-state tuition, this program offers a reliable path into medical laboratory work without crushing debt.

This makes sense for students prioritizing staying in-state and entering the workforce quickly, but families should recognize they're trading some earning potential—about 7% less than the national typical graduate—for accessibility and reasonable debt levels.