Clinical Laboratory Science at Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

A 94% acceptance rate means Tarleton State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 12,263 students in Stephenville, TX.

Program Analysis

Tarleton State University Clinical Laboratory Science graduates command $51,327/yr out of the gate, well above the $39,620 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 38.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,180 in median debt clears fast against $51,327 in annual earnings.

A #50 ranking among 146 Clinical Laboratory Science programs places Tarleton State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $51,327 to $58,808 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
59
Score
59
High End
Earnings $51,327/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (79,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$601K
3.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.1x
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)
$15,756
Out-of-state: $35,916
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,180
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,808
15% 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

What can you do with a Clinical Laboratory Science credential from Tarleton State University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Clinical Laboratory Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Clinical Laboratory Science Overview

Clinical Laboratory Science at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tarleton State University's Clinical Laboratory Science program score?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Clinical Laboratory Science field.
What's the typical debt for Clinical Laboratory Science graduates from Tarleton State University?
Median debt of just $13,180 against $51,327/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Clinical Laboratory Science program at Tarleton State University?
The DOL recognizes 15 apprenticeship pathways related to Clinical Laboratory Science. For students weighing Tarleton State University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
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 →