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Clinical Laboratory Science at Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 5,392 in Littleton, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $63,746 put Arapahoe Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program 61% above the national median of $39,620 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 77.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates.

With first-year pay of $63,746 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #8 out of 146 programs, Arapahoe Community College's Clinical Laboratory Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Clinical Laboratory Science, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $63,746/yr (61% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$667K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
77.4x
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)
$8,616
Out-of-state: $33,084
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500
1.8 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

Clinical Laboratory Science opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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) Carolinas College of Health Sciences ($62,885) Hillsborough Community College ($61,237) Phoenix College ($59,829) Miami Dade College ($59,566)

Other Majors at Arapahoe Community College

Nursing ($73,926) Allied Health Professions ($59,024) Criminal Justice ($54,371) Funeral Service & Mortuary Science ($50,953) Business Administration ($49,531) Health Administration ($43,631) Medical Assisting ($42,853) Vehicle Repair Technology ($38,845)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Clinical Laboratory Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Clinical Laboratory Science at Arapahoe Community College?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Clinical Laboratory Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
How affordable is Clinical Laboratory Science at Arapahoe Community College?
At $9,500 in median debt, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Arapahoe Community College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.1x is well below the trade program average.
Why does Arapahoe Community College rank so high for Clinical Laboratory Science?
The #8 ranking out of 146 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Clinical Laboratory Science?
If Arapahoe Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Clinical Laboratory Science. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates?
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science is strong — 79,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Arapahoe Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CO may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →