Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Virginia Western Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Virginia Western's clinical laboratory certificate stands out for one crucial reason: graduates leave with barely any debt. At just $5,919, student loans here run about half the state median and less than half the national average for similar programs. That's a significant advantage for an entry-level healthcare credential.
The $31,772 first-year earnings match Virginia's median exactly and sit slightly above the national benchmark. While top-performing Tidewater Community College pushes graduates to $37,354, Virginia Western's combination of typical earnings with minimal debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19—meaning graduates owe less than two months' salary. That's manageable by any measure and positions students to pay off loans quickly while building their careers.
The 60th percentile ranking among Virginia programs confirms this is a solid middle-of-the-pack option earnings-wise, but the debt advantage tips the scale favorably. For students looking to enter clinical laboratory work without taking on substantial loans, particularly the 30% receiving Pell grants, this program delivers affordable access to a stable healthcare field. The value proposition is straightforward: acceptable starting pay with exceptionally low financial burden.
Where Virginia Western Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Virginia Western Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Virginia Western Community College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Western Community College | $31,772 | — | $5,919 | 0.19 |
| Tidewater Community College | $37,354 | — | $11,856 | 0.32 |
| American National University | $21,951 | — | $13,043 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $31,071 | — | $10,866 | 0.35 |
Other Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College Norfolk | $5,714 | $37,354 | $11,856 |
| American National University Salem | $10,735 | $21,951 | $13,043 |
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 Virginia Western Community College, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.