Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Carrington College-Sacramento

Carrington College-Sacramento's veterinary tech program sits right at California's median for earnings while costing less than many alternatives. With first-year graduates earning $36,236 and climbing to $38,358 by year four, students are landing squarely in the middle of the state's vet tech outcomes—ranking in the 60th percentile among California programs. The $20,000 debt load translates to a 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary, which is manageable for an allied health program.

The challenge here is the ceiling: top California programs like Stanbridge University and Mt. San Antonio College see graduates earning $40,000-$42,000, suggesting this field rewards location and employer networks significantly. That extra $5,000 annually adds up over a career. However, Carrington's outcomes are identical to their other Bay Area campuses, showing consistency in their training and placement.

For families where affordability matters—and with 56% of students receiving Pell grants, it clearly does here—this program delivers reliable entry into veterinary care without excessive debt. You're not getting best-in-state outcomes, but you're getting predictable, middle-of-the-pack results at a reasonable cost. If your child is passionate about animal care and comfortable with modest earnings, this program works. Just know they'll need to rely on experience and additional certifications to move up the pay scale.