Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Carrington College-Pleasant Hill Campus

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill's vet tech program sits solidly in the middle of the pack—matching the state median exactly at $36,236 first-year earnings, though slightly ahead of the national average. The real question is whether that $20,000 in debt is worth it when some California students at Mt San Antonio College and Stanbridge University are earning $4,000-5,000 more annually with similar training.

The numbers tell a stable but modest story. Graduates see about 6% earnings growth over four years, reaching $38,358—respectable consistency in a field not known for explosive salary growth. The debt burden is manageable at 55 cents owed for every dollar earned in the first year, below the typical threshold where repayment becomes burdensome. Half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from lower-income backgrounds where this level of debt matters more.

For an anxious parent, the calculus is straightforward: if your child is committed to vet tech work and this location works logistically, the program won't bury them in debt. But if they can access Mt San Antonio College or another higher-performing California program without significant added cost or commute time, those extra thousands per year compound meaningfully over a career. This isn't a standout program, but it's a serviceable path into steady work for animal care professionals who understand the financial ceiling of the field.