Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Central Oklahoma

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$64,930

Est. from national median (99 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,908

Est. from national median (71 programs)

Analysis

Laboratory science programs in Oklahoma typically launch graduates into stable healthcare careers, and the estimated numbers here—$64,930 in first-year earnings against roughly $26,000 in debt—suggest University of Central Oklahoma follows that pattern. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means graduates would owe about five months of their annual salary, a manageable burden that most lab professionals can pay down within a few years. Comparable programs across the state show similar outcomes, with Northeastern State University's graduates earning a reported $62,912, placing UCO's estimated earnings slightly above the state average.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here since UCO's graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish. What we can say is that lab science credentials generally translate well to employment—hospitals and clinical labs need these professionals, and the work pays steadily from day one. The estimated figures align with both state and national medians for this field, which is reassuring.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: healthcare credentials from an affordable public university with debt you can reasonably manage on a lab technician's salary. Just recognize you're betting on UCO delivering outcomes similar to peer programs rather than banking on their specific track record, which remains unpublished due to cohort size.

Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Central OklahomaEdmond	$8,522	$64,930*	—	$25,908*	—
Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah	$7,513	$62,912*	—	$21,330*	0.34
National Median	—	$64,930*	—	$26,022*	0.40

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Central Oklahoma, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 99 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.