At $17,585/yr net price, Vet Tech Institute graduates earn $34,583/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $583/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,585 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,583/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$583/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 120.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,623 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,974/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,200/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,114/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,551/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $26,059 | $13,622 |
The Risk Factor
62.6% of students at Vet Tech Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Vet Tech Institute delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $34,583 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a salary that barely justifies the $17,585 annual cost and $13,623 in typical debt.
The school's singular focus on veterinary technology creates both clarity and limitation. You'll graduate prepared for one specific career path, but that path pays just $26,059 annually according to the school's own data. This salary makes the debt burden particularly problematic, as you'll spend years paying off loans while earning less than many positions requiring only a high school diploma.
The 63% graduation rate signals that nearly four in ten students don't complete their programs, creating additional financial risk if you struggle with the coursework or change your mind about the field. For a specialized program with limited transferability, this dropout rate should concern potential students.
This school makes financial sense only if you're absolutely certain about working with animals and have explored all alternatives. Community colleges often offer similar veterinary technician programs at significantly lower costs. Before committing here, research whether your state's public institutions provide comparable training.
If you do enroll, minimize borrowing and consider working part-time in veterinary settings to confirm your career commitment. The financial aid rate of 54% suggests limited scholarship opportunities, so expect to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. Given the low earning potential in this field, any debt beyond the bare minimum creates long-term financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vet Tech Institute worth the cost compared to other veterinary programs?
Vet Tech Institute costs $17,585 per year but graduates earn only $34,583 ten years later, making it a poor return on investment. The median debt of $13,623 is manageable, but the low earning potential means it takes longer to pay off than stronger programs.
What is the job market like for Vet Tech Institute graduates?
Graduates from Vet Tech Institute's veterinary technology program earn around $26,059 annually, which is below the national average for vet techs. The field has steady demand but limited salary growth potential.
Does Vet Tech Institute have good graduation rates?
Vet Tech Institute has a 62.6% graduation rate, meaning nearly 4 out of 10 students don't finish their program. This completion rate is concerning given the specialized nature of veterinary technology training.
How much debt do students typically have after Vet Tech Institute?
Students graduate from Vet Tech Institute with a median debt of $13,623, which is relatively low compared to many programs. However, the modest starting salaries mean debt payments will consume a significant portion of early career earnings.