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The gap between New York's cheapest and most expensive Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science programs spans over $23,000 in net costs, with CUNY Hunter College charging just $2,446 annually while some private institutions reach $26,027. This dramatic range reflects the state's unique public university system, where CUNY schools dominate the most affordable options despite New York City's notoriously high living costs. The field connects directly to New York's massive healthcare infrastructure, including major medical centers like NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai Health System that regularly hire laboratory professionals. Earnings data reveals significant variation too, with graduates from some programs earning $76,460 while others start closer to $54,015. CUNY York College stands out as an anomaly, combining a low $4,734 net price with impressive $74,576 graduate earnings, though its 30.30% graduation rate raises questions about completion challenges. TAP grants help make these programs accessible to New York residents, particularly important given that laboratory science careers require specialized training but offer stable employment in the state's healthcare sector.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
3 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
4 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
5 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
6 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
7 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
8 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
9 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
10 $18,322 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
11 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
12 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
13 $20,470 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
14 $21,344 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
15 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
16 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
17 $23,819 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
18 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
19 $25,989 $38,000 48.8% 92.8%
20 $26,027 $40,375 68.8% 66.3%
21 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
22 $29,800 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
23 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
24 $39,660 $46,140 79.8% 62.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000+ cost difference between CUNY schools and private programs?

CUNY schools receive substantial state funding that keeps costs low, with Hunter College at $2,446 and York College at $4,734 net annually. Private institutions like St. Thomas Aquinas College charge $21,344 net despite offering similar laboratory science training. The gap widens further when comparing sticker prices, where private schools list tuition around $35,000-40,000 versus CUNY's $7,000-8,000 in-state rates. TAP grants and other state aid help bridge some of this difference for qualifying New York residents.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Stony Brook University achieving 77.80% graduation at $18,430 net cost. However, CUNY York College presents a concerning outlier at just 30.30% graduation despite its low $4,734 price tag. Most SUNY schools maintain graduation rates between 53-73%, while private institutions like Canisius University reach 70.70% graduation rates. These patterns suggest that affordability alone doesn't guarantee program completion.

Is Stony Brook University worth the higher cost among public options?

Stony Brook commands the highest earnings potential at $76,460 for graduates, significantly above the state average range of $54,015-$76,460. The university charges $18,430 net annually, making it pricier than most CUNY options but still reasonable for a research university. Its 77.80% graduation rate ranks among the best in the state, and graduates carry relatively modest $17,500 in debt. The combination of high earnings and strong completion rates justifies the premium for many students.

Does location within New York affect program costs significantly?

Geographic location creates notable cost variations, with NYC-area CUNY schools offering the lowest net prices despite higher regional living costs. Staten Island's CUNY campus charges $5,115, while upstate options like SUNY Fredonia cost $15,644 annually. However, proximity to New York City's major medical centers may provide better internship and job placement opportunities. Private schools show less geographic cost correlation, with institutions across the state clustering around $15,000-25,000 in net costs.

Where do Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science graduates typically find employment in New York?

New York's extensive healthcare infrastructure provides numerous opportunities, from major hospital systems like NewYork-Presbyterian to specialized research facilities. The state's concentration of medical centers, particularly in New York City, creates steady demand for laboratory professionals. Earnings data shows graduates can expect starting salaries between $54,015-$76,460, with variations likely reflecting different employer types and geographic regions. Many programs maintain relationships with local hospitals and diagnostic laboratories for internship placements that often lead to permanent positions.

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