Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,026
Est. from national median (62 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$19,698
Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco$3,122$48,026*—$19,698*—
Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston$3,188$54,140*——*—
Albany State UniversityAlbany$5,934$50,815*—$15,179*0.30
National Median—$48,026*—$24,994*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

$62,480/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.

$45,820/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

$43,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Cytogenetic Technologists

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Histology Technicians

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

All health technologists and technicians not listed separately.

Neurodiagnostic Technologists

Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.

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.