Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Florida National University-Main Campus

Florida National University's lab science certificate produces first-year earnings of $26,579—nearly $5,000 below the national median for this credential. While that figure lands in the 60th percentile among Florida programs, it's misleading comfort: the state's median matches FNU's exactly at $26,579, and the top-performing Florida programs earn 2-3 times more. Hillsborough Community College graduates, for instance, earn $61,237 in their first year—more than double what FNU graduates take home.

The $8,250 debt load offers some consolation, coming in below both state and national medians. The 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of income, which is manageable even at these salary levels. Given that 84% of FNU students receive Pell grants, many are likely balancing work with school and may not be seeking the highest-paying lab positions immediately after graduation.

The central issue is opportunity cost. If your child is investing time in a lab science certificate in Florida, other nearby options deliver substantially better returns. Before committing to FNU, examine whether those higher-earning programs—particularly community colleges like Hillsborough or technical schools like Erwin—are accessible alternatives. The modest debt won't sink your child financially, but earnings near $27,000 will significantly limit their financial independence in the Miami metro area.