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

Medical laboratory technician programs typically lead to solid healthcare jobs, and the estimated numbers here suggest reasonable value. Based on similar associate degree programs nationally, graduates can expect around $48,000 in first-year earnings—modestly above the $43,800 median for Illinois lab science programs. The estimated $19,700 in debt is notably lower than both the state median ($27,500) and national median ($25,000) for this field, giving this program an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41.

That ratio means you'd be borrowing roughly five months of expected salary, which is manageable for a healthcare credential that opens doors to hospital and clinical laboratories. The catch is that Illinois lags behind the national market for lab techs—comparable programs elsewhere in the state show similar first-year earnings in the mid-$40,000 range, while programs nationally often crack $50,000 or more. Healthcare jobs are portable though, and the lower debt load here provides flexibility if your child wants to relocate to a stronger market after graduation.

The practical takeaway: this appears to be a cost-effective path into medical laboratory work, especially if keeping debt low is a priority. Just recognize that staying in Illinois may mean accepting slightly below-average pay for the field compared to what lab techs earn in other regions.