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Clinical Laboratory Science at Austin Community College District

Austin, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with 25,969 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,737/yr, edging above the $39,620 national average for Clinical Laboratory Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 118.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Clinical Laboratory Science programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Clinical Laboratory Science's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #10 of 146 programs, Austin Community College District's Clinical Laboratory Science program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $48,737 to $58,744 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Clinical Laboratory Science offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
70
Score
71
High End
Earnings $48,737/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$607K
4.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
119.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,100
Out-of-state: $21,180
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,744
21% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Surgical technologists $62,830 +4.5% 93%
Health technologists and technicians, all other $48,790 +5.2% 48%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Surgical technologists
$62,830
+4.5% growth 93% AI-proof
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790
+5.2% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Clinical Laboratory Science Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Clinical Laboratory Science careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

View all 146 schools offering Clinical Laboratory Science →

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Community College of Philadelphia ($74,011) Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences ($68,940) Springfield Technical Community College ($66,182) University of North Dakota ($65,073) Arapahoe Community College ($63,746) Carolinas College of Health Sciences ($62,885) Hillsborough Community College ($61,237) Phoenix College ($59,829)

Other Majors at Austin Community College District

Nursing ($68,125) Allied Health Professions ($66,380) Accounting ($62,261) Dental Assisting ($60,475) Allied Health Professions ($59,770) Accounting ($58,469) Criminal Justice ($55,230) Electrical Engineering Technology ($51,640)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Clinical Laboratory Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Austin Community College District's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at Austin Community College District?
Beyond Austin Community College District's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to Clinical Laboratory Science careers — including Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
With approximately 79,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Clinical Laboratory Science offers a large employment pool. Austin Community College District graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →