Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

UNM's Clinical Laboratory Science program presents an interesting paradox: graduates earn about $7,700 less than the national median for lab science programs, yet they outperform the only other program in New Mexico. With just two schools offering this degree in-state, your child would either choose this path or leave New Mexico entirely for training. The debt load is manageable at $25,625—typical for the field—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests graduates can handle repayment without strain.

The real question is whether $57,000 in first-year earnings justifies the investment. For families prioritizing staying in-state (with its tuition advantages), this program provides solid, middle-class employment in a stable healthcare field. Lab scientists aren't chasing six-figure salaries, but they do enter a profession with consistent demand and clear career progression. The concern is that low national ranking: finishing in the 15th percentile suggests either regional wage differences or possible gaps in the program's preparation compared to peers nationwide.

One major caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they could swing significantly year-to-year. If your child is serious about laboratory medicine and wants to stay close to home, this remains the practical choice. But if they're mobile and ambitious about maximizing earnings, programs in other states deliver notably better starting salaries for similar debt levels.