Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Fortis College

Fortis College's lab science certificate starts strong—initial earnings of $34,909 place it 60th percentile among Texas programs and well above the national median of $31,071. With $9,500 in debt, graduates face manageable obligations that represent just 27% of first-year income. The program serves a predominantly low-income population (73% Pell recipients) and provides relatively quick entry into healthcare work.

The challenge emerges in year four, when median earnings drop to $29,577—a 15% decline that's worth understanding. This could reflect graduates using the certificate as a stepping stone before moving to different roles, or it might indicate limited advancement without further credentials. However, the debt load stays reasonable: at $9,500, it's actually below the national median of $10,866 for similar programs, though higher than Texas's state median of $6,334.

For families considering this as an affordable healthcare entry point, the numbers work—graduates can manage their debt on first-year salaries. But this looks more like a bridge credential than a long-term destination. If your student plans to continue their education or use this as healthcare experience before pursuing other opportunities, that context makes sense. As a terminal degree for sustained earnings growth, you'll want to look at what typical career paths actually involve after this certificate.