Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A Louisiana lab science graduate entering the workforce at $64,525 should clear their $40,400 debt load comfortably—the 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly eight months of gross income covers the full balance. That's notably better than the national debt picture for this field, where LSU Health Shreveport ranks in just the 5th percentile for debt burden. Among Louisiana's nine programs, this one lands at the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt near the state median, making it a solid middle-tier option within the state.
The caveat worth noting: this data comes from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual circumstances could vary more than typical. The earnings nearly match the national median of $64,930, suggesting graduates compete effectively despite Louisiana's generally lower cost of living. For students already committed to staying in Louisiana and interested in medical laboratory work, this program delivers market-rate preparation without the debt overload that can complicate early-career financial decisions. The combination of healthcare sector stability and manageable debt makes this a defensible choice, particularly for in-state students paying lower tuition rates.
Where Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport graduates compare to all programs nationally
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport graduates earn $65k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport | $64,525 | — | $40,400 | 0.63 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | $64,772 | — | $21,053 | 0.33 |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | $61,067 | $61,513 | $38,689 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $64,930 | — | $26,022 | 0.40 |
Other Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Programs in Louisiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe | $9,190 | $64,772 | $21,053 |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans New Orleans | — | $61,067 | $38,689 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.