Clinical Laboratory Science at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Chicago, IL · Public · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 5,847 in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,947 place City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 64.4x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #78 of 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

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

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
52
Score
52
High End
Earnings $26,947/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$282K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
64.4x
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)
$4,380
Out-of-state: $14,430

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

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X 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 City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
At 52/100, the score looks reasonable — but Clinical Laboratory Science is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Why are Clinical Laboratory Science earnings lower at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
Starting salary is one data point. If City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
If City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X 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.
Is there demand for Clinical Laboratory Science workers?
Job availability for Clinical Laboratory Science is strong — 79,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates specifically, local market conditions in IL may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →