Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,483
Est. from CO median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,534
Est. from CO median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on peer veterinary technician programs in Colorado, graduates here face estimated debt of $20,534—slightly above the national median but not alarmingly so given the state's higher cost of living. The projected first-year earnings of $36,483 track right at the state median, placing this program squarely in the middle of Colorado's competitive vet tech landscape. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, graduates would need to dedicate just over half their first year's salary to debt repayment, a manageable figure that suggests reasonable financial footing for entering this hands-on healthcare field.

What's worth noting is how tightly clustered Colorado's vet tech programs are in terms of outcomes. The top performer earns graduates about $2,400 more annually than Apex's estimated figure—meaningful but not a massive gap. Similar programs at other private institutions in the state show nearly identical earnings, suggesting the field itself has fairly standardized compensation regardless of where you train. For parents considering the 36% Pell grant rate here, the program appears accessible to middle-income families without pricing itself into luxury territory.

The practical takeaway: this looks like a solid pathway into veterinary medicine for students committed to the field. The debt load is digestible on a vet tech salary, and Colorado's robust pet economy supports steady demand. Just recognize these figures are estimates based on peer programs—visiting the school to understand their clinical partnerships and job placement specifics would help confirm whether Apex delivers comparable value to the state's community college alternatives.

Where Apex College of Veterinary Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Apex College of Veterinary TechnologyColorado Springs$13,850$36,483*—$20,534*—
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal TechnologyDenver$13,819$38,899*$35,272$26,772*0.69
Community College of DenverDenver$4,902$38,655*$35,193$17,750*0.46
Pima Medical Institute-AuroraAurora—$36,875*$32,302$19,015*0.52
Pima Medical Institute-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs—$36,090*$36,771$21,151*0.59
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster$4,740$35,040*$34,380$22,228*0.63
National Median—$36,090*—$18,000*0.50
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

$45,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

$37,320/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Apex College of Veterinary Technology, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.