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

Fortis College's lab science program charges more debt than 95% of comparable programs nationwide while delivering earnings that rank in just the 5th percentile nationally. First-year earnings of $40,819 barely cover the $35,304 in typical debt, and by year four, graduates actually earn less—dropping to $37,575. That's $10,000 below the national median for this field and represents backward career momentum at a critical time.

The state context offers little comfort. While this program hits Louisiana's median for lab science earnings, that's largely because Louisiana's seven programs cluster at the lower end of national outcomes. More concerning: nearly 90% of students here receive Pell grants, meaning the families least able to absorb financial risk are taking on above-average debt for below-average results. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86, graduates will likely spend years under financial strain.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers, but the pattern of declining earnings suggests systemic issues with job placement or credential value. For an associate degree program, you'd expect steady income growth as graduates gain experience and certifications. At $35,000 in debt for a credential that leads to shrinking paychecks, this program looks like a poor return on investment compared to the 340+ alternatives nationwide.