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

In Ohio's competitive medical laboratory science landscape, Shawnee State's program faces a challenging comparison. While comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $46,300, several community colleges report outcomes well above this—Cincinnati State's graduates earn $59,300 and Lakeland's $53,000. That $13,000 gap matters when you're starting a healthcare career, especially in a field where technical skills should translate fairly uniformly across the state.

The estimated debt load of $19,400 is notably lower than both the state median ($23,200) and national median ($25,000) for similar programs, which helps offset the earnings concern. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, graduates from comparable programs typically manage this burden comfortably—less than half a year's salary is reasonable for an associate's degree in healthcare. The lower debt matters particularly for Shawnee State's population, with 35% receiving Pell grants.

However, the wide range in Ohio outcomes—from $45,000 to nearly $60,000—suggests that program quality or employer connections vary significantly. Before committing, find out where Shawnee State's lab science graduates actually work and what they're earning. The estimates here are based on peer programs, but Shawnee State's specific outcomes could fall anywhere in that range. If this program can't provide actual placement data, that's a red flag worth investigating before enrollment.