Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Linn-Benton Community College

Linn-Benton's lab science certificate produces first-year earnings of $36,278—outpacing three-quarters of similar programs nationally and landing squarely at Oregon's median for these credentials. That's $5,000 above the national benchmark for lab science certificates, suggesting this program connects students to Oregon's relatively strong healthcare job market. With estimated debt around $12,000 based on what similar community college students typically borrow, the 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well within manageable territory.

The caveat: Because this program graduates small cohorts, the debt figure is estimated from national patterns rather than actual outcomes for Linn-Benton students. Similar certificate programs nationwide report median debt just under $11,000, which serves as the benchmark here. The actual borrowing could be lower or higher depending on financial aid packaging and whether students transfer credits or start fresh.

For parents weighing this option, the earnings performance is real and competitive—these are reported outcomes for Linn-Benton graduates. The debt estimate suggests reasonable borrowing, but confirm actual costs and aid packages with the financial aid office before committing. A one-year credential that produces $36,000 in immediate earnings offers a quick path into healthcare work, particularly valuable if your student wants hands-on technical training without a four-year commitment.