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CUNY Hunter College delivers the most affordable path to clinical laboratory science careers in New York, with a net price of just $2,446 and graduates earning $55,693 annually. This creates an strong return on investment in a state where the price spread reaches nearly $40,000 between the least and most expensive programs. New York's vast hospital systems, including NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai Health System, generate constant demand for medical laboratory professionals across the five boroughs and upstate regions. The state's 20 programs span from highly selective Stony Brook University with its 49% acceptance rate and $76,460 graduate earnings to more accessible options like Roberts Wesleyan with 99% acceptance. Public institutions dominate the value market, with SUNY and CUNY schools claiming seven of the top eight spots for affordability. However, private colleges like Mercy University at $15,770 net cost prove that non-public options can compete on value while maintaining strong graduate outcomes.
24
Programs
$2,446 – $39,660
Net Price Range
$66,355
Avg. Program Earnings
59.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $55,693 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $4,734 $74,576 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
3 $5,115 $63,005 $7,490 32.8%
4 $9,173 $69,338 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
5 $18,430 $76,460 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
6 $16,547 $64,493 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
7 $15,644 $54,015 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
8 $20,470 $70,456 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
9 $26,027 $63,005 $40,375 68.8% 66.3%
10 $39,660 $72,509 $46,140 79.8% 62.9%
11 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
12 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
13 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
14 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
15 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
16 $21,344 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
17 $23,819 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
18 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
19 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
20 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
21 $25,989 $38,000 48.8% 92.8%
22 $29,800 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
23 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
24 $18,322 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY York College stand out despite its low graduation rate?

CUNY York College graduates earn $74,576 annually, the second-highest among all New York programs, despite a 30.30% graduation rate. This creates an interesting value proposition where completing students achieve excellent financial outcomes. The $4,734 net cost makes it extremely affordable for students who can navigate the academic demands successfully.

How do public and private program costs compare in New York?

Public programs average around $10,000-$15,000 in net costs, while private options range from $15,770 at Mercy University to $39,660 at Marist College. The top five most affordable programs are all public institutions within the SUNY and CUNY systems. Private programs typically offer smaller class sizes but require careful cost-benefit analysis given the substantial price differences.

Is Stony Brook University worth the higher public school cost?

Stony Brook commands the highest earnings at $76,460 for graduates, justifying its $18,430 net price among public options. The university maintains a 77.80% graduation rate, significantly higher than most competitors. Its research focus and proximity to major medical centers on Long Island create strong career placement opportunities for laboratory science students.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in New York?

The most selective programs like Hunter College (47.86% acceptance) and Stony Brook (49.14% acceptance) produce strong graduate earnings above $55,000. However, Roberts Wesleyan accepts 99.50% of applicants while maintaining a solid 63.90% graduation rate. This suggests that student fit and support systems matter more than selectivity alone in clinical laboratory programs.

Where do New York clinical laboratory graduates find the best job opportunities?

New York City's hospital networks offer the highest concentration of positions, with graduates earning between $54,015 and $76,460 annually. The state's medical research institutions, pharmaceutical companies in the Hudson Valley, and upstate health systems provide additional career paths. Programs near major medical centers typically report stronger job placement rates and starting salary negotiations.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.