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 Institute delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its high costs. With median earnings of just $39,506 ten years after graduation and a net price near $25,000 annually, you're looking at a degree that barely pays for itself over time.
The school's signature veterinary technology program produces the lowest earnings outcomes, with graduates earning $29,524 while carrying $24,250 in debt. This creates a problematic debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging. The 60% graduation rate adds another layer of risk, meaning four out of ten students leave without completing their program.
Bel-Rea works financially only if you have significant family support or savings to minimize borrowing. If you need loans to attend, the numbers don't support the investment. Colorado's veterinary job market offers limited advancement opportunities, and the earning potential caps out relatively low compared to the debt burden.
You should look elsewhere if you're counting on strong ROI from your education investment. Community colleges offer similar veterinary technology programs at much lower costs, often with better job placement rates in the same regional market. The 41% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities.
Consider Bel-Rea only if you have clear family connections in veterinary practices that guarantee employment, or if you're using this as a stepping stone to a four-year veterinary degree. For most students, the financial risk outweighs the modest career benefits this specialized program provides.
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.