Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at University of Illinois Springfield

This program's estimated numbers suggest a solid professional credential with manageable debt. While federal data isn't available for UIS specifically, comparable lab science programs in Illinois typically produce first-year earnings around $70,654—notably above the national median of $64,930 for this field. With estimated debt of $25,908, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning annual debt equals roughly one-third of first-year income.

That ratio sits in favorable territory for healthcare programs. Similar lab science degrees across Illinois report fairly consistent outcomes, with first-year earnings clustering in the $65,000-$71,000 range regardless of institution. This stability reflects the program's direct path to credentialed lab work in hospitals and diagnostic facilities, where hiring follows standardized qualifications and the job market remains steady. The field doesn't typically reward expensive credentials with dramatically higher pay—Northern Illinois and DeVry graduates earn nearly identical amounts despite very different institutional profiles.

For an 84% admit-rate public university, this looks like practical workforce preparation. If your child is genuinely interested in clinical laboratory work and wants to stay in Illinois, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable for the career trajectory. The uncertainty lies in whether UIS's specific program outcomes match its state peers, something worth confirming directly with the school's career services regarding recent graduate placement rates and starting salaries.