Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degree) at Western Kentucky University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$64,930

Est. from national median (99 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,908

Est. from national median (71 programs)

Analysis

Clinical laboratory science programs in Kentucky show a tighter salary band than many fields, with most graduates earning between $56,000 and $59,000 in their first year. Based on national benchmarks for similar bachelor's programs, Western Kentucky's pathway suggests first-year earnings around $65,000—above what peer programs in the state actually report. That optimistic estimate deserves scrutiny, especially since comparable Kentucky programs like UK and Eastern Kentucky produce documented earnings in the mid-to-high $50,000s.

The estimated debt load of roughly $26,000 aligns closely with what similar programs carry nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio near 0.40. If earnings land closer to Kentucky's typical $57,600, you're looking at six to seven months of gross income to cover the debt—manageable but not exceptional for a healthcare credential. Lab science offers steady employment in a growing field, but the financial advantage over other health professions isn't dramatic in Kentucky's market.

The real risk here is counting on that $65,000 estimate when actual state data suggests a lower range. If your student is choosing between lab science programs, look for schools that publish their own outcomes rather than relying on national proxies. The career itself is solid, but at Western Kentucky specifically, you're investing with limited visibility into what their graduates actually achieve.

Where Western Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical/medical laboratory science/research and allied professions bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green	$11,436	$64,930*	—	$25,908*	—
University of KentuckyLexington	$13,212	$59,282*	$60,526	$23,250*	0.39
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond	$10,130	$55,917*	—	$25,000*	0.45
National Median	—	$64,930*	—	$26,022*	0.40

* 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 Western Kentucky University, approximately 29% 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 99 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.