Est. Earnings (1yr)
$64,930
Est. from national median (99 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,269
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

The healthcare workforce desperately needs medical laboratory professionals, and Charleston Southern's program appears positioned to deliver graduates into well-paying jobs—though the figures here come from national peer programs rather than this school's actual outcomes. Similar bachelor's programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $65,000, with debt loads around $25,000. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably manage their loans while establishing careers in hospital labs, diagnostic centers, or research facilities.

What's harder to assess is how Charleston Southern specifically prepares students compared to the handful of other programs in South Carolina. The estimated debt is actually slightly lower than the national median for these programs, which could reflect the school's moderate cost structure. Medical laboratory science credentials generally lead to stable employment—the work is essential and positions exist nationwide—but without actual graduate outcomes from this campus, you're making an educated bet based on how the field performs broadly rather than on Charleston Southern's track record.

The fundamentals look sound: healthcare careers with manageable debt and solid starting pay. But before committing, dig into Charleston Southern's clinical placement partnerships and certification exam pass rates. Those concrete details matter more than estimated earnings when you're trusting a program to launch your child into a specialized healthcare career.

Where Charleston Southern University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Charleston Southern UniversityCharleston$31,030$64,930*—$25,269*—
CUNY York CollegeJamaica$7,358$105,425*—$11,000*0.10
Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry$22,106$101,516*—$31,000*0.31
Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale$8,576$95,766*$86,527$26,470*0.28
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$92,286*$87,185$17,538*0.19
College of Staten Island CUNYStaten Island$7,490$86,226*$83,055—*—
National Median—$64,930*—$26,022*0.40
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

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 Charleston Southern University, approximately 35% 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 99 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.