Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Amarillo College
Associate's Degree
actx.eduAnalysis
Texas medical lab programs typically cluster around $49,000 in first-year earnings, and Amarillo College appears to hit this mark based on comparable programs statewide. With estimated debt of roughly $20,000—about $5,000 below the national median for this credential—the financial foundation looks solid even as you navigate the uncertainty of estimated figures. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment.
The bigger picture matters here: medical laboratory science offers stable, essential healthcare work with clear career paths. Similar programs across Texas show consistent outcomes whether at community colleges or four-year schools, with most graduates landing in the $48,000-$51,000 range. That clustering suggests the credential itself drives outcomes more than the specific institution, which should provide some reassurance given the data gaps.
For families watching costs—and nearly half of Amarillo students receive Pell grants—this program delivers professional training without the debt burden that often comes with healthcare credentials. The estimated numbers point toward manageable repayment on a livable salary, though you'll want to confirm actual job placement rates and whether the program leads directly to certification exams that Texas employers require.
Where Amarillo College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,136 | $48,737* | — | $19,698* | — | |
| $7,878 | $51,327* | $57,425 | $21,125* | 0.41 | |
| $1,992 | $49,631* | $39,923 | —* | — | |
| $2,550 | $48,737* | $49,071 | —* | — | |
| $2,040 | $48,172* | $47,615 | $16,250* | 0.34 | |
| $16,000 | $30,423* | $26,536 | $26,496* | 0.87 | |
| National Median | — | $48,026* | — | $24,994* | 0.52 |
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 Amarillo College, approximately 44% 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 median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.