Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Columbus State Community College

Peer programs in Ohio suggest graduates of this medical laboratory science program can expect around $46,300 in first-year earnings—right at the state median but below what students at Cincinnati State ($59,300) or Lakeland ($53,000) are reportedly achieving. With estimated debt of $19,400, this program offers a more manageable financial starting point than many comparable options: that 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly five months of gross income would cover the entire debt load, well below both the state and national debt medians for this field.

The challenge is that similar programs across Ohio show significant variation in outcomes, and without reported data specific to Columbus State, it's impossible to know whether this program falls closer to Cincinnati State's stronger results or trails the pack. The $19,400 debt estimate is encouraging—about $4,000 below the state median—but earnings estimates based on six Ohio programs mask important differences in program quality, clinical placement networks, and employer relationships that directly impact graduate success.

For parents, this means you're looking at what appears to be a lower-cost entry into medical laboratory work, but you'll need to dig into Columbus State's specific clinical partnerships, certification pass rates, and job placement figures before committing. The debt appears manageable, but if actual outcomes trend toward the lower end of what Ohio programs produce, you're still looking at a viable healthcare career—just with less earning power than the top programs deliver.