Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Rend Lake College

Medical laboratory science programs in Illinois typically lead to solid first-year earnings, and based on comparable programs nationally, Rend Lake College's associate degree appears positioned near the middle of the pack. Similar programs across the country produce median earnings around $48,000, which translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio when paired with the estimated $19,700 in borrowing here. That's notably lower debt than both the national median ($25,000) and what other Illinois programs typically carry ($27,500).

The real advantage shows up in that debt figure. While peer programs in Illinois—including Stautzenberger and Rasmussen—report first-year earnings in the $43,000-$44,000 range, they often come with heavier debt loads. If Rend Lake's graduates follow typical patterns for this field, they'd be earning slightly more while owing considerably less. Medical lab work offers relatively stable employment, and the 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests borrowers could reasonably manage repayment even on an entry-level salary.

The caveat: these figures are drawn from similar programs because Rend Lake's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. Your child's experience could differ based on local hospital networks and whether they pursue additional certifications. Still, the estimated debt burden looks manageable for a healthcare credential with clear workforce demand.