Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Blackburn College

A bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science from Blackburn appears positioned near the stronger end of what Illinois programs typically deliver. Based on three comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings hover around $70,654—meaningfully above the national median for this field and matching what larger state schools like Northern Illinois report. For a small liberal arts college serving predominantly working-class students (54% receive Pell grants), that's encouraging alignment with established programs.

The estimated debt load of roughly $25,269 creates a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, below both state and national medians for this major. Comparable programs suggest graduates could feasibly handle their loans on a medical technologist's starting salary, though small program size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger institutions. The healthcare sector's steady demand for laboratory professionals provides some cushion against that uncertainty.

For parents weighing Blackburn's intimate campus environment against more data-rich options, the numbers suggest competitive preparation for clinical lab careers. The real question isn't whether graduates can find work—allied health programs generally lead to employment—but whether this specific program consistently matches the stronger Illinois outcomes we're using as estimates. If your student values small-class mentoring and needs accessible admissions, these peer-based projections indicate reasonable financial viability. Just recognize you're making this call with less visibility than you'd have at schools with published graduate data.