Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at Weber State University

Weber State's Clinical Lab Science program puts graduates on solid financial footing right from the start, with first-year earnings of $67,576—notably above the national median for this field and matching Utah's state median. At roughly $27,000 in debt, graduates face monthly loan payments around $300, less than 5% of their gross income, making this one of the more manageable debt loads you'll find in healthcare.

The program holds up well against competitors: it essentially ties with the University of Utah (whose graduates earn just $400 more) while requiring similar debt levels. The 60th percentile ranking among Utah programs and 62nd percentile nationally confirms this is a reliably above-average option. One note: earnings stay relatively flat over the first four years, increasing just $1,000. That's typical for lab science careers where salaries standardize quickly based on certification and experience rather than showing steep early growth.

For a parent weighing this investment, the math works cleanly: your child enters a stable healthcare profession with immediate earning power and debt they can realistically handle. Weber State isn't producing top-tier earners in this field, but it's delivering exactly what matters most—a credential that pays for itself quickly and opens doors to steady employment in Utah's healthcare system.