Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Austin Community College District

First-year earnings around $48,700 put this program squarely in the middle of the pack—it matches the Texas median exactly and sits slightly above the national benchmark for clinical laboratory programs. With estimated debt around $19,700 based on comparable associate degree programs at Austin Community College, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4, meaning roughly five months of first-year income to cover educational costs. That's substantially better than the typical $25,000 debt seen nationally for this credential.

The concern here isn't the debt load—it's the flat earnings trajectory. A meager 1% growth from year one to year four suggests this field offers limited advancement without additional credentials or specialization. Compare that to top-performing programs like Tarleton State, where graduates start at $51,300, and the picture becomes clearer: location and institutional connections matter, but even the best programs in Texas show modest wage growth in this field.

For families in the Austin area, this represents a relatively low-risk investment into healthcare employment. The debt is light enough that graduates won't struggle with payments, and starting salaries provide a livable wage. Just understand that clinical lab work at the associate level appears to plateau quickly—what you earn early on is likely what you'll earn four years later.