Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at Delgado Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,026

Est. from national median (62 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$19,698

Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

A $20,000 debt load for an associate's degree that leads to $48,000 in estimated first-year earnings—based on comparable lab science programs nationally—represents one of community college's best value propositions. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, graduates would need less than half a year's salary to cover their educational investment, assuming similar outcomes materialize at Delgado.

The caveat worth noting: while national peer programs suggest strong earnings potential, Louisiana's median for lab science programs sits notably lower at $40,819. The only in-state program with reported data—Fortis College-Baton Rouge—matches that state median exactly. If Delgado's graduates track closer to state rather than national outcomes, the math still works (debt would represent about 48% of first-year earnings), but the margin narrows. For a student body where 62% receive Pell grants, that difference between $40,000 and $48,000 in starting salary matters considerably for monthly budgeting.

Lab technician roles remain in steady demand across healthcare settings, and an associate's degree typically provides the fastest route to employment. Even if actual outcomes skew toward Louisiana's lower wage patterns, the relatively modest debt exposure limits downside risk. The program appears sound—just recognize that the final earnings number may land closer to $41,000 than $48,000 given regional labor market realities.

Where Delgado Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Delgado Community CollegeNew Orleans	$4,678	$48,026*	—	$19,698*	—
Fortis College-Baton RougeBaton Rouge	$16,167	$40,819*	$37,575	$35,304*	0.86
National Median	—	$48,026*	—	$24,994*	0.52

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Delgado Community College, approximately 62% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 62 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.