Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Coastal Pines Technical College

A debt load around $19,700 paired with first-year earnings near $48,000 positions this program solidly in healthcare career territory—but the estimate comes with important context. Because Coastal Pines has too few graduates in this track to generate its own data, we're drawing on what similar laboratory science programs produce nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests graduates could reasonably manage their loans, though it's worth noting that comparable programs in Georgia typically show both higher earnings (around $52,500) and lower debt (around $15,200). That gap between state patterns and national benchmarks suggests variability you can't ignore.

The two-year credential here provides direct entry into medical lab work, which offers stability and clear job paths—Atlanta's healthcare market alone drives significant demand. But when other Georgia technical colleges report actual outcomes in the $50,000-$54,000 range for their lab science graduates, the national-based estimate for Coastal Pines raises questions about whether this specific program connects students to comparable opportunities. Location matters in allied health, and Waycross sits further from major medical centers than programs showing stronger outcomes.

If your child is committed to staying local and lab work appeals, this remains a practical healthcare path with manageable debt. Just recognize you're betting on an estimate rather than proven track record, and the program may not match the earning power of peers closer to Georgia's urban healthcare hubs.