Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology

49.6%Acceptance

$13,819Tuition

161Students

61%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,506Earnings

#9 in ColoradoPrivate forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology

Bel-Rea Institute trains the next generation of veterinary technicians and animal care professionals in suburban Denver. The school enrolls just 161 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused entirely on animal technology. This specialized institute has built its reputation on hands-on training that prepares graduates for immediate entry into veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities. Nearly half of applicants gain admission with a 49.55% acceptance rate.

Students pay an average net price of $24,961 after aid, regardless of whether they're from Colorado or elsewhere since tuition stays flat at $13,819. Graduates typically earn $39,506 ten years after leaving school, making the investment worthwhile for most students. Those who borrow money graduate with a median debt of $20,372, leading to monthly loan payments around $216. The employment rate reaches an impressive 94.7%, reflecting strong industry demand for trained animal technicians.

Women dominate the student body at 88.82%, which mirrors the gender composition of the veterinary field nationwide. Students work closely with faculty in a 20:1 ratio, though the quarter system keeps the pace intense. About 40.67% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students pursuing careers in animal care.

Academics & Faculty

Bel-Rea focuses exclusively on veterinary technology and animal care training, preparing students for hands-on careers in animal hospitals, research labs, and pet care facilities. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide direct supervision during clinical procedures and lab work. With a 60.8% graduation rate, about six in ten students complete their programs, which is respectable for a technical institute where students often balance school with work. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills like animal restraint, laboratory procedures, and surgical assistance. Students gain experience with live animals through the school's teaching hospital and externship placements at local veterinary clinics.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,506

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$29,524

View all 2 programs →

Campus Life

The Denver suburb setting puts you 15 minutes from downtown but surrounded by strip malls and veterinary clinics where many students intern. With 88.82% of students being women, the small cohort of 161 creates tight-knit study groups focused on animal care techniques. Colorado's 300 days of sunshine mean you'll need sunscreen more than heavy coats, though winter temps still drop below freezing.

Most students commute to the campus since there's no on-campus housing. The quarter system keeps pace intense with hands-on lab work dominating your schedule. Weekend plans often involve working at local animal hospitals or pet stores since 94.7% find employment quickly after graduation. Students bond over shared rotations at the nearby animal shelters and emergency clinics. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and track your progress closely. With 69.62% of students from Colorado, many already have connections to the state's robust veterinary industry. Study sessions frequently happen at nearby coffee shops between the campus and internship sites.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–47°F
July Avg: 56°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.8"
Annual Snowfall: 49.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly nine out of ten students are women, reflecting the gender patterns common in veterinary and animal care fields. The school draws primarily from Colorado and surrounding states, with about 70% coming from in-state. This strong local presence speaks to Bel-Rea's established reputation among Colorado families seeking hands-on animal training. Four out of ten students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class students pursuing stable careers in animal healthcare. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation, mirroring Denver's demographics and the growing diversity in veterinary professions.

Men: 11.2%
Women: 88.8%
White: 57.1%
Black: 3.1%
Hispanic: 24.8%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 69.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.7%

Location

Bel-Rea Institute sits in Denver, Colorado, giving students direct access to a major metropolitan area with over 715,000 residents. The school operates in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Mountain West, where the outdoor recreation industry drives demand for animal care professionals. Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains creates abundant opportunities for wildlife and outdoor animal work. The city hosts major veterinary conferences and houses numerous animal hospitals, providing networking opportunities for aspiring vet techs. With 69.62% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to staying in Colorado's booming job market. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Bel-Rea Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Denver, Colorado 80247

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,506
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,921
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $216/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,372

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology?

Bel-Rea accepts 49.55% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized technical institute. The school attracts students passionate about veterinary technology and animal care careers. With an enrollment of just 161 students, the institute maintains a close-knit learning environment focused on hands-on training.

How much does Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,961 annually, with tuition set at $13,819 regardless of residency status. About 41% of students receive financial aid, helping to offset costs. Graduates typically leave with $20,372 in debt and monthly loan payments of $216.

What academic programs does Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology offer?

The institute specializes in veterinary technician and animal care professional training programs on a quarter calendar system. Students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in laboratory and clinical settings. The school's focused curriculum prepares graduates for immediate entry into the animal healthcare field.

What are the job outcomes for Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology graduates?

An impressive 94.7% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. Alumni earn a median salary of $39,506 ten years after graduation, reflecting steady career growth in veterinary technology. The school's 60.80% six-year graduation rate demonstrates its commitment to helping students complete their specialized training.

Where is Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology located and what is the campus like?

The institute sits in Denver's large suburban setting, providing access to numerous veterinary clinics and animal hospitals for internships. Nearly 70% of the 161 enrolled students come from Colorado, creating a strong local community. The small campus size allows for intensive, hands-on learning with real animals and state-of-the-art veterinary equipment.

What makes the student body unique at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology?

Women comprise 88.82% of the student body, reflecting the gender demographics common in veterinary technology fields. The diverse student population includes 57% White, 25% Hispanic, and students from various other backgrounds. This composition mirrors the growing diversity in animal healthcare professions across Colorado and beyond.