Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Premiere Career College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Premiere Career College delivers something rare in healthcare education: strong early earnings with minimal debt burden. At $39,459 one year out, graduates match the California median while carrying just $6,286 in debt—about 40% less than typical programs nationwide. That 0.16 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in months, not years, while earning a livable wage in Southern California's expensive market.
The catch is what happens next. Earnings drop to $33,482 by year four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling without additional credentials. However, this pattern isn't unusual for certificate programs that serve as stepping stones—many lab professionals use these roles to gain clinical experience before pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (65%), so the quick entry to healthcare employment at low debt may matter more than long-term trajectory for families needing immediate income.
For students who need fast entry to healthcare work without crushing debt, this program accomplishes its mission. It ranks in the 81st percentile nationally and performs competitively within California's crowded market. The declining earnings suggest treating this as a launchpad rather than a final destination, but the low debt load makes that pivot financially feasible. If your child needs healthcare credentials quickly and plans to continue their education while working, the numbers justify enrollment.
Where Premiere Career College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions certificate'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 Premiere Career College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Premiere Career College graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere Career College | $39,459 | $33,482 | $6,286 | 0.16 |
| Contra Costa Medical Career College | $44,990 | — | $6,333 | 0.14 |
| Glendale Career College | $40,382 | $37,319 | $8,971 | 0.22 |
| MTI College | $36,215 | $40,713 | $8,569 | 0.24 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos | $31,071 | $33,711 | $3,167 | 0.10 |
| National Median | $31,071 | — | $10,866 | 0.35 |
Other Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa Medical Career College Antioch | — | $44,990 | $6,333 |
| Glendale Career College Glendale | — | $40,382 | $8,971 |
| MTI College Sacramento | — | $36,215 | $8,569 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Marcos San Marcos | — | $31,071 | $3,167 |
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 Premiere Career College, approximately 65% 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.