Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Clover Park Technical College

First-year earnings of $42,066 place this program well above most clinical lab certificate programs nationally, though the estimated debt figure of $12,165 comes from similar programs at this school rather than actual graduate data. What's puzzling is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their pay drop to $37,473 by year four, an 11% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. This could reflect part-time work, career changes, or simply the small sample size that prompted the data suppression in the first place.

The debt burden itself appears manageable—typical programs nationwide carry about $11,000 in debt, so the estimate here isn't alarming. The ratio of 0.29 times first-year earnings suggests graduates could reasonably manage repayment if those initial earnings hold. However, the downward earnings trend raises questions about job stability or whether some graduates are using this certificate as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential.

For an anxious parent, the key uncertainty is whether your child will track with that strong $42,000 start or fall into whatever pattern is pulling the four-year average down. The national data shows this program type can vary wildly in outcomes—from $31,000 to $49,000 in Washington alone. Before committing, confirm what specific credential this program provides and whether local employers value it enough to sustain those initial earnings. The numbers look solid on paper, but that earnings decline deserves a direct conversation with the school's career services office.