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

With a small sample size caveat in mind, Florida State College at Jacksonville's medical lab science program graduates start at $58,346—roughly $10,000 above the national median and $5,200 above Florida's typical program. While this lands in the 95th percentile nationally, it's more middle-of-the-pack within Florida itself (60th percentile), sitting just below Miami Dade's top-performing program at $59,566. The distinction matters for Florida families comparing in-state options: this program delivers strong outcomes, but it's not necessarily the state's standout.

The financial equation looks solid regardless. At $17,104 in typical debt—well below both national and state medians—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29. That translates to manageable payments even on entry-level earnings, which is exactly what you want from an associate degree designed for immediate employment. Lab technicians enter a field with consistent demand, and these numbers suggest graduates can start building financial stability quickly.

For Florida families, this represents a practical pathway into healthcare without the debt burden that often accompanies four-year degrees. Just keep in mind that the small graduate cohort means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs, and verify current job placement rates directly with the school.