Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Pima Medical Institute-Denver

With exceptionally low debt of just $3,167, Pima Medical Institute-Denver's lab science program offers one of the most affordable pathways into healthcare—though earnings lag slightly behind Colorado competitors. While graduates earn $31,071 in their first year, this falls short of the state median of $33,294, ranking in the 40th percentile among Colorado programs. However, the debt load is dramatically lower than both the national median ($10,866) and Colorado median ($5,500), creating an outstanding debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.10.

The program shows steady if modest growth, with earnings climbing 9% to $33,711 by year four, nearly matching the state median. What makes this particularly attractive is the minimal financial risk—graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary, compared to four months for typical programs nationally. This positions students well for immediate financial stability rather than years of debt repayment.

For families prioritizing affordability in healthcare training, this program delivers solid value despite slightly lower initial earnings than state competitors. The combination of minimal debt and steady career progression makes it a practical choice, especially for students who want to enter the workforce quickly without the burden of significant educational loans.