Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State produces lab science graduates who earn slightly above both Michigan and national medians, while carrying debt that's substantially lower than typical for this field. At $31,750 in borrowing versus $66,597 in first-year earnings, graduates face a manageable debt burden—about half a year's salary, which puts this program in the 13th percentile nationally for debt (meaning 87% of similar programs leave students with more debt).

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs, but the fundamentals look solid. This program ranks 60th percentile among Michigan's lab science programs, trailing Wayne State and Ferris State by several thousand dollars but beating Oakland by over $10,000. The controlled borrowing is the real standout: students here graduate with about $2,500 less debt than the Michigan average and $5,700 below the national figure.

For parents considering this path, the combination of above-average earnings and well-below-average debt creates favorable financial math. Lab science careers typically offer stable employment with clear credentialing, and starting near $67,000 with modest debt positions graduates well for financial independence. Just recognize the small cohort means less predictability than you'd see at a program graduating 100+ students annually.