Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Shawnee Community College

At an estimated $19,698 in debt against first-year earnings around $48,000, this program's financial foundation appears more manageable than many healthcare tracks—though both figures come from comparable programs nationally rather than Shawnee's own graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests roughly five months of gross income to cover what you'd owe, which is reasonable territory for a two-year credential. Peer programs across the country typically produce earnings near this $48,000 mark, though Illinois programs specifically trend slightly lower at about $43,800 according to state data.

The debt estimate actually looks better than typical for this field. Similar programs nationally carry median debt around $25,000, and Illinois schools show even higher at $27,500, so Shawnee's community college structure may offer cost advantages. Lab science roles generally provide stable employment with clear career pathways, and associate-level credentials get you working faster than bachelor's programs.

The reality check here: we're working with educated guesses based on what similar programs produce elsewhere, not what Shawnee graduates actually earn and owe. For a field as technical and credential-dependent as lab science, where certification requirements and local hospital networks matter significantly, those differences could be meaningful. The estimated numbers suggest solid value, but you'd want to verify that Shawnee's program feeds into good clinical placements and that local labs actually hire at these salary levels.