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

Based on peer programs nationally, this clinical laboratory science degree appears positioned near the middle of the pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $65,000—slightly below what similar programs in Tennessee typically produce. Austin Peay State University, the only program in the state with reported outcomes, shows graduates earning about $70,000, suggesting Union's program may underperform local alternatives by roughly $5,000 annually. That gap matters when you're carrying debt.

The estimated debt load of $25,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, which is manageable in absolute terms—monthly payments would consume a reasonable portion of that first-year salary. However, this estimate comes from a small sample of similar private institutions nationally, not Union's actual graduates, so there's uncertainty baked into this calculation. Clinical lab science programs generally lead to stable healthcare employment with clear licensing pathways, which provides some risk mitigation even when specific program data is limited.

The key question is whether Union's smaller, more selective environment (47% admission rate, strong SAT scores) justifies potentially lower earnings and higher debt than the state university option. If your student values Union's faith-based mission or campus culture specifically, the financial difference appears survivable. But purely as an ROI decision, the available evidence—limited though it is—suggests Tennessee's public programs may offer better value in this particular field.