Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Hondros College of Nursing

At $27,535 in estimated debt, this associate degree carries a notably heavier price tag than comparable lab science programs across Ohio, which typically see debt closer to $23,000. When set against projected first-year earnings of $46,335—based on six similar programs statewide—that 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests you'd be borrowing more than half a year's salary for a two-year credential. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, Hondros appears to serve a predominantly lower-income population, making that extra $4,000-plus in debt particularly consequential for families already stretching financially.

The earnings picture reflects Ohio's middle-of-the-pack positioning for lab science associate degrees—neither impressive nor alarming—but other in-state schools consistently deliver better outcomes. Cincinnati State graduates, for instance, see first-year earnings north of $59,000 with their associate degrees, while Lakeland exceeds $53,000. Even nearby community colleges like Marion Technical and Clark State match or slightly exceed the statewide median while typically charging less. That's a meaningful gap when you're deciding where to invest two years and nearly $30,000.

Given the limited actual data on Hondros graduates specifically, the higher-than-average debt combined with middle-tier earnings from peer programs suggests exploring Ohio's community college options first. Those institutions show a clearer track record of launching lab science graduates into solid-paying positions without the elevated borrowing burden.