Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Brookdale Community College
Associate's Degree
brookdalecc.eduAnalysis
Similar programs across the country point to solid early earnings potential in medical laboratory science, with peer programs typically producing first-year salaries around $48,000. That figure comes from national data on associate's degree holders in this field, and it suggests a practical entry into healthcare careers. The estimated debt of roughly $20,000—drawn from comparable programs at similar institutions—creates a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year income.
What makes this field appealing is the healthcare sector's stability and clear job pathways. Medical lab technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers with predictable schedules and opportunities for advancement. The national benchmark puts Brookdale's estimated outcomes right at the median, neither exceptional nor concerning compared to the 341 programs nationwide.
The uncertainty here stems from limited graduate outcome data specific to Brookdale's program, which means these figures represent what similar programs produce rather than what this particular school delivers. For a two-year degree leading to licensed healthcare work, the estimated financial picture looks reasonable—but connecting with recent Brookdale graduates or the program director would help confirm whether the actual experience matches what peer programs suggest is typical.
Where Brookdale Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,921 | $48,026* | — | $19,698* | — | |
| $4,632 | $74,011* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,520 | $66,182* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,308 | $63,746* | — | $27,845* | 0.44 | |
| $2,358 | $59,829* | $66,221 | $20,068* | 0.34 | |
| $2,838 | $59,566* | — | $17,537* | 0.29 | |
| 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 Brookdale Community College, approximately 23% 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 national median of 62 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.