Clinical Laboratory Science at Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

enrolling 6,235 students in Lincoln, NE.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,884 at Southeast Community College Area come in 18% above the national median of $39,620 for Clinical Laboratory Science programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.3x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At #19 of 146 nationally, this is a top-5% Clinical Laboratory Science program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

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

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
65
Score
65
High End
Earnings $46,884/yr (18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$491K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
69.3x
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)
$7,080
Out-of-state: $8,520

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 Southeast Community College Area

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Clinical Laboratory Science at Southeast Community College Area?
A score of 65/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
Is Southeast Community College Area one of the best schools for Clinical Laboratory Science?
Ranked #19 of 146 programs nationally, Southeast Community College Area lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Clinical Laboratory Science?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to Clinical Laboratory Science occupations, such as Blocker & Cutter Contact Lens and Central Sterile Processing Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Clinical Laboratory Science workers?
With approximately 79,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Clinical Laboratory Science offers a large employment pool. Southeast Community College Area graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →