Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Texas Southern University

Texas Southern graduates with this degree earned $54,327 in their first year—about $10,000 less than the state median for clinical lab programs and nearly $11,000 below the national benchmark. More concerning, earnings actually declined to $51,959 by year four, an unusual pattern in a healthcare field where skills and certifications typically translate to steady wage growth. While estimated debt from similar Texas programs sits at roughly $23,000, even this moderate burden takes on different weight when paired with below-market earnings that aren't improving.

The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (71%), which makes the value question particularly important. Clinical laboratory science typically offers stable employment, but the earnings gap here is substantial: top programs in Texas like DeVry and Tarleton State produce graduates earning $15,000-$16,000 more annually. That's not a marginal difference—it's money that compounds year after year in career progression and retirement savings.

For families banking on healthcare credentials as a reliable path to middle-class stability, these numbers suggest this particular program isn't delivering the same outcomes as peer institutions in Texas. The field itself remains solid, but where you earn the degree appears to matter significantly. Before committing, compare job placement rates and certification pass rates with programs like Texas State or Texas Tech's health sciences center, where graduates are reaching earnings levels more typical for the profession.