Clinical Laboratory Science at South College

Knoxville, TN · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

enrolling 6,323 students in Knoxville, TN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,446 place South College below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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.

With first-year pay of $30,446 far exceeding the $11,951 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #138 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places South College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
40
Score
40
High End
Earnings $30,446/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$319K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
8.9x
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
$35,870
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,951
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Explore what Clinical Laboratory Science graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 146 programs nationwide.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at South College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Clinical Laboratory Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is South College a good choice for Clinical Laboratory Science despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at South College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of South College?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Clinical Laboratory Science career paths, including Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at South College.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
The large job market (79,700 annual openings) works in favor of Clinical Laboratory Science graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →