At $24,961/yr net price, Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology graduates earn $39,506/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,506/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,961 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,506/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,506/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,372 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,154/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,820/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,400/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,753/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,182/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,524 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
60.8% of students at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bel-Rea gives you one path and it doesn't pay well. The single program with earnings data, Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies at the associate level, leaves you making around $29,500 a year ten years out, while the school's overall median sits near $39,500. That gap tells you the vet tech track earns below what the average Bel-Rea graduate makes, and neither number covers much ground against a net price near $25,000 a year for a two-year program.
The math is hard. You could borrow roughly $24,000 for the vet tech associate and land in a job paying under $30,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio is close to one-to-one, which is a red flag for any credential, and especially for an associate degree that should cost far less to finish. Veterinary technician work in Colorado pays modestly, so the low earnings here reflect the field, but Bel-Rea's price does not.
The 60.8% graduation rate is the other risk. If you're among the four in ten who don't finish, you carry the debt without the credential that justifies it. That's the worst outcome this school can hand you.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay about $22,000 a year, and higher-income families pay closer to $29,000. Aid does not meaningfully lower the cost for lower-income families here, so plan on financing most of it yourself regardless of what you make.
Bel-Rea fits you only if you're committed to veterinary technician work and can't find a cheaper program to get there. Community college vet tech programs cost a fraction of this and lead to the same jobs. Look there first before you take on this much debt for these earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology worth the cost?
With graduates earning $39,506 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $20,372, the debt-to-income ratio is manageable for animal health careers. The school specializes in veterinary technology, which typically offers stable employment but modest pay.
What is the return on investment for Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology graduates?
Graduates earn about $39,500 annually after ten years, which is reasonable for veterinary technology roles but below the national average for college graduates. The relatively low debt load of $20,372 helps offset the modest earning potential.
Do Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology programs lead to good-paying jobs?
The main veterinary technology program leads to earnings around $29,524 early in careers, which aligns with industry standards for vet techs. These are stable jobs with growth potential, but the field generally offers moderate rather than high salaries.
What are the graduation rates at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology?
About 61% of students graduate, which is below the national average but typical for specialized technical programs. The completion rate reflects the hands-on, demanding nature of veterinary technology training.