Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at West Georgia Technical College
Associate's Degree
westgatech.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 suggests manageable financial risk, even when working with estimates. Similar associate's programs in laboratory science nationally point to first-year earnings around $48,000, with debt typically under $20,000—numbers that should allow graduates to begin repayment without overwhelming their budgets. This program appears to cost less to complete than the national median for the field, which matters considerably when earnings potential is relatively consistent across schools.
The Georgia context adds an interesting wrinkle. Comparable programs in the state typically produce higher earnings ($52,478 median) with lower debt ($15,179 median), while this estimate sits somewhat below that benchmark. Georgia Piedmont Technical College's reported outcomes of $54,140 show what's achievable for laboratory science graduates in the state. Whether West Georgia Technical College's actual outcomes match state peers depends on factors these estimates can't capture—clinical placement quality, employer relationships, or regional demand variations around Waco.
For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamental math looks sound: debt that represents less than half of first-year earnings gives graduates breathing room. But the lack of reported data means you're betting on this program performing roughly like its peers. Connect with the school's career services to learn where recent graduates actually work and what they're earning—those specifics matter more than regional estimates when you're writing the tuition check.
Where West Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,122 | $48,026* | — | $19,698* | — | |
| $3,188 | $54,140* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,934 | $50,815* | — | $15,179* | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $48,026* | — | $24,994* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Surgical Technologists
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Phlebotomists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Cytogenetic Technologists
Cytotechnologists
Histotechnologists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Histology Technicians
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
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 West Georgia Technical College, approximately 39% 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 62 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.