Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degree) at Rock Valley College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$48,026

Est. from national median (62 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$19,698

Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

A medical laboratory technician credential from Rock Valley College would cost an estimated $19,698 in debt—notably below both the Illinois state median of $27,535 and the national median of $24,994 for this program. When balanced against projected first-year earnings around $48,000 (based on national outcomes for similar associate programs), that 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable compared to many healthcare pathways.

The earnings picture is less certain. Similar programs in Illinois actually show slightly lower median outcomes at $43,829, though peer programs nationally cluster in the mid-to-upper $40,000s. Medical lab work offers stability—hospitals and clinics always need technicians who can run blood tests and tissue samples—but it's not a field known for dramatic income growth. Your child would be entering a profession with steady demand but relatively flat earnings over time, particularly with an associate degree rather than advancing to bachelor's-level positions.

The lower debt load makes this program worth considering if your child is certain about lab work and wants to start earning quickly. But given that both earnings and debt figures here are estimates, you'll want to verify the program's actual job placement rate and whether local Rockford employers actively hire Rock Valley graduates. The financial math works on paper, but success depends heavily on securing that first lab position after graduation.

Where Rock Valley College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Rock Valley CollegeRockford	$4,274	$48,026*	—	$19,698*	—
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career CollegeRockford	$16,699	$44,021*	—	—*	—
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford	$13,546	$43,637*	$48,300	$27,535*	0.63
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 Rock Valley College, approximately 21% 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.