Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at South College

South College's medical laboratory science associate program produces troubling outcomes that fall far below both state and national standards. Graduates earn just $30,446 one year out—roughly $13,000 less than the Tennessee median for this field and $18,000 below the national average. This places the program in the 10th percentile statewide, meaning nine out of ten comparable Tennessee programs produce better earnings outcomes. Even programs at other Tennessee community colleges significantly outperform South College, with Columbia State graduates earning nearly $18,000 more annually.

While the debt load appears manageable at $24,487, it's misleading when paired with such weak earnings. That 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry debt equal to 80% of their first year's income—a heavy burden when starting at barely $30,000. Compare this to the state picture: Tennessee programs typically charge slightly more but deliver earnings that justify the investment. South College seems to be delivering neither a cost advantage nor the career outcomes families expect from healthcare training.

For parents considering this program, the math is straightforward: you can find substantially better medical laboratory science training at other Tennessee schools. The data suggests this specific program isn't positioning graduates for the solid middle-class careers that typically come with healthcare credentials.