Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at University of Central Florida

UCF's clinical laboratory science program positions graduates in the middle of Florida's field—60th percentile statewide—but trails the national median by about $2,500 annually. Starting at $62,453, graduates earn less than peers at University of West Florida ($65,673) while matching the state median exactly. The national comparison is more sobering: this program ranks only in the 36th percentile, meaning most similar programs elsewhere deliver stronger first-year outcomes.

The financial picture, however, works in students' favor. With median debt of $21,405—roughly $5,000 below the national benchmark—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. That's manageable for healthcare professionals who typically see steady income growth. The moderate sample size suggests stable results, and UCF's 40% admission rate indicates reasonable accessibility for qualified students.

For Florida families, this program represents a solid but unspectacular choice. You're getting reliable healthcare training at a manageable price point, though not the premium outcomes available at top Florida programs. If your student has options at University of West Florida, the $3,200 earnings difference deserves attention. But if UCF offers better financial aid or location advantages, the lower debt load here creates flexibility—especially important in a field where many professionals eventually pursue additional certifications or graduate degrees.