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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$55,099

77th percentile

60th percentile in Oklahoma

Est. Median Debt

$19,698

Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

Rose State College's laboratory science program produces graduates earning $55,099 in their first year—well above both the state median of $48,934 and the national median of $48,026. That's a solid outcome for an associate's degree in healthcare, putting graduates ahead of 60% of similar Oklahoma programs and 77% of programs nationally.

The estimated debt load of around $19,700—based on what's typical across comparable two-year programs nationally—appears manageable against these earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates would need roughly 4-5 months of gross income to cover their loans, which compares favorably to the national median debt of $24,994 for this field. Laboratory science roles often come with structured pay scales and steady demand, which helps with loan repayment planning.

What makes this particularly attractive is the combination: higher-than-typical earnings for an associate's degree with lower-than-average estimated debt. While we can't know the exact debt burden for Rose State graduates specifically, similar programs suggest a reasonable financial picture. For students interested in healthcare who want to enter the workforce quickly, this path offers a practical entry point to a stable field without the time and cost of a bachelor's degree.

Where Rose State College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Rose State College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Rose State CollegeMidwest City	$5,032	$55,099	—	$19,698*	—
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M CollegeMiami	$4,943	$48,934	—	—*	—
Tulsa Community CollegeTulsa	$3,768	$47,316	—	$26,444*	0.56
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 Rose State College, approximately 29% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.