Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Thomas University

Thomas University's clinical laboratory science program produces graduates who earn solid healthcare wages but trail most competitors—though the limited sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably. Starting at roughly $60,000, graduates earn about $5,000 less than the national median for this field and sit in just the 23rd percentile nationally. Within Georgia's small pool of programs, it ranks middle-of-the-pack (40th percentile), well behind Augusta University's $71,000 first-year earnings.

The program's relative strength lies in its debt load. At $23,000, graduates carry about $3,000 less than the national median and $2,000 less than Georgia's average, yielding a comfortable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means manageable monthly payments even at the program's below-average salary levels. The 8% earnings growth to year four is modest for healthcare, suggesting this may not be a fast-track career path.

For families weighing Georgia options, the math is straightforward: Thomas costs less upfront than alternatives, but Augusta University graduates earn $11,000 more annually while carrying only slightly more debt. If your child can gain admission to Augusta, the higher earnings likely justify any additional borrowing. Thomas makes sense primarily as a backup option or if proximity to Thomasville matters—just recognize you're trading some earning potential for lower debt and potentially easier admission.