Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at George Washington University

George Washington University charges post-baccalaureate students $34,500 for a clinical laboratory science certificate that yields median first-year earnings of $69,707—notably below the national median of $73,884 for similar programs. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 falls within reasonable bounds, the concerning factor is that GWU's debt load sits nearly twice the national median of $18,250 for this credential. You're essentially paying a premium price for below-average outcomes in a field where many programs deliver stronger returns at half the cost.

The one mitigating factor: GWU ranks in the 60th percentile among DC programs, though this comparison is limited since it's the only institution in the district offering this certificate. The low national debt percentile (5th) confirms this is among the most expensive programs of its type nationwide. For students who already have bachelor's degrees and need clinical laboratory credentials quickly, this certificate provides a direct path—but the premium tuition at a private research university doesn't translate into premium earnings.

If your child can access similar training at a public institution or teaching hospital, they'll likely graduate with $15,000-20,000 less debt for comparable job prospects. The credential itself opens doors to stable healthcare work, but there's little evidence the GWU name adds value worth the extra cost in this particular field.