Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University graduates in lab sciences earn just $40,156 in their first year—barely 62% of what their peers at other programs nationally take home ($64,930 median). That's a startling gap for a field known for reliable, middle-class earnings. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year, but even accounting for statistical noise, this program appears to underperform its national peer group significantly, landing in just the 5th percentile.

The Missouri context offers a curious twist: this program actually sits at the 60th percentile within the state, suggesting that lab science programs across Missouri may broadly underperform national norms. With $27,000 in debt (right at state and national medians), the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means your child would carry two-thirds of their annual salary in student loans—a heavier burden than ideal for an entry-level healthcare position.

If your child is determined to study lab sciences and stay in Missouri, this program isn't necessarily worse than in-state alternatives. But the national comparison raises real questions about whether Missouri graduates face regional salary constraints or certification issues that limit earning potential. Before committing, investigate whether this leads to lower-paid hospital roles versus higher-paying reference lab positions, and whether graduates leave Missouri for better markets.