Clinical Laboratory Science at Columbia State Community College

Columbia, TN · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a smaller institution with 3,679 students in Columbia, TN.

Program Analysis

At $48,168 per year, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Columbia State Community College earn slightly above the $39,620 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 51.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Clinical Laboratory Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #40 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Columbia State Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Clinical Laboratory Science reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $48,168/yr (22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$504K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
51.4x
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)
$9,808
Out-of-state: $36,208

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

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia State Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia State Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to Clinical Laboratory Science. For students weighing Columbia State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
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. Columbia State Community College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →