Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Lakeland Community College

Lakeland Community College's clinical lab science program starts strong—graduates earn $53,080 in their first year, landing in the 60th percentile among Ohio programs and well above both the state median ($46,335) and national average ($48,026). The debt load of $27,000 is manageable relative to that first-year income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51.

The catch is what happens next. Earnings drop 12% by year four, falling to $46,495. This backward trajectory is unusual for healthcare credentials and suggests graduates may be starting in higher-paying hospital roles before moving to different positions or facilities. This pattern matters because it means the strong starting salary may not represent long-term earning potential. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) also means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

For parents, the core question is whether your student plans to stay in medical lab work. If they're using this as a stepping stone—say, working while completing a bachelor's degree—that first-year salary makes the investment reasonable. If they're planning a long-term lab career, the earnings decline deserves scrutiny. Programs like Cincinnati State show this field can deliver nearly $60,000 in starting pay within Ohio, suggesting location and employer relationships matter considerably.