Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at Pearl River Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,026

Est. from national median (62 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$19,698

Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

Medical laboratory technology offers one of the clearest paths to stable income among two-year healthcare programs, and Pearl River appears positioned in that tradition. Based on comparable associate programs nationally, graduates typically start around $48,000—solid earnings for a two-year credential in Mississippi, where the median for this field sits slightly lower at $44,560. The estimated debt load of roughly $20,000 translates to a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the threshold where repayment becomes burdensome.

What matters here is the career trajectory. Lab techs work in hospitals, clinics, and reference labs with predictable schedules and clear advancement opportunities. The income isn't flashy, but it's reliable—important for the 47% of Pearl River students receiving Pell grants. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the one nearby program with reported outcomes, shows first-year earnings of $44,560, suggesting Pearl River's estimated figure may even be optimistic. Still, even at that lower benchmark, the debt picture remains reasonable.

The uncertainty around Pearl River's specific outcomes means you're making an informed bet rather than reviewing a proven track record. If your child thrives in structured, detail-oriented work and values job security over high income potential, this program likely delivers. Just confirm clinical placement quality and certification pass rates before committing.

Where Pearl River Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (12 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Pearl River Community CollegePoplarville	$3,650	$48,026*	—	$19,698*	—
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston	$3,950	$44,560*	—	$9,785*	0.22
National Median	—	$48,026*	—	$24,994*	0.52

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

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 Pearl River Community College, approximately 47% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 62 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.