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

The numbers from comparable programs in Florida suggest this two-year medical lab science degree might be a stronger investment than many associate degrees. Similar programs across the state produce first-year earnings around $53,000—above the national median for this field and well into healthcare paraprofessional territory. With estimated debt of about $20,000, that creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The challenge is uncertainty. Daytona State's program is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual graduate outcomes, so these figures come from peer programs in Florida. The top-performing programs in the state—Miami Dade and Florida State College at Jacksonville—show graduates earning nearly $60,000, while others trail closer to $44,000. Where Daytona State would land in that range matters significantly for return on investment.

Medical lab technician roles typically offer steady demand and benefits that matter for associate-degree holders—regular hours, employer-sponsored health insurance, and clear career ladders. If Daytona State's outcomes align with the state median these estimates suggest, you're looking at debt that's less than four months' salary. But confirm graduation rates and job placement support before committing, since those factors often explain why some programs consistently outperform others in the same field.