Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Fortis Institute-Wayne

With estimated first-year earnings around $48,000—matching the national median for similar programs—and projected debt of $27,500, this associate's degree lands in workable territory, though the numbers come with important caveats. Since Fortis Institute-Wayne has a small graduate sample size, we're relying on national benchmarks from comparable clinical lab programs to gauge outcomes. That 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in the zone where graduates typically manage their loans, assuming steady employment in the field.

The challenge lies in what's missing. New Jersey has seven schools offering this credential, but none report public earnings data that would let you compare this specific program to local alternatives. You're essentially trusting that Fortis prepares students as effectively as the national peer group—a reasonable baseline expectation, but not a guarantee. The 73% Pell grant enrollment signals that most students here carry significant financial need, making that $27,500 debt load more burdensome than it might appear.

Clinical lab work offers stable employment prospects, and starting near $48,000 with an associate's degree provides a foundation for growth. But before committing here, call admissions departments at those other six New Jersey programs offering medical lab credentials. Ask about their graduates' job placement rates, typical starting employers, and whether they have certification exam pass rates to share. Those details matter more than estimated earnings when you're choosing between schools that all promise entry to the same field.