Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Coker University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 suggests this program could offer relatively manageable financial outcomes—though it's crucial to understand that both the $64,930 earnings figure and $25,269 debt estimate come from peer programs nationally, not Coker's actual graduates. With only five schools in South Carolina offering this credential, and none reporting outcomes publicly, there's limited visibility into how medical lab science programs specifically perform in this state's healthcare market.

The estimated first-year salary aligns with national norms for this field, which makes sense given that medical lab technologists typically earn consistent wages across settings due to standardized certification requirements. The estimated debt sits just below the national median of $26,022, potentially reflecting reasonable borrowing for a technical healthcare degree. However, similar programs nationwide show a range—some graduates start at $70,000 or more—so local employment pipelines and clinical training partnerships could significantly affect actual outcomes.

For parents, this comes down to verifiable specifics: Where do Coker's graduates actually get hired? What's the program's certification pass rate? Which hospital systems recruit from campus? The comparable-program data suggests medical lab science can be financially viable, but without school-specific outcomes, you're banking on Coker's execution matching or exceeding peer institutions. Contact the department directly for placement data and alumni contacts before committing.