Clinical Laboratory Science at Midwestern Career College

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 824 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,466 place Midwestern Career College below the $39,620 national median for Clinical Laboratory Science — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $33,466 far exceeding the $7,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #97 of 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs, Midwestern Career College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $36,106 are relatively flat compared to the $33,466 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $33,466/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$365K
1.9% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$7,125
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,106
8% growth from Year 1

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 Midwestern Career 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 Midwestern Career College's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Clinical Laboratory Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the typical debt for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Midwestern Career College?
At $7,125 in median debt, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Midwestern Career College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Can you still earn well with Clinical Laboratory Science from Midwestern Career College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Clinical Laboratory Science through an apprenticeship instead of Midwestern Career College?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to Clinical Laboratory Science. For students weighing Midwestern Career College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Midwestern Career College find jobs?
With approximately 79,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Clinical Laboratory Science offers a large employment pool. Midwestern Career 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 →