Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Carrington College-San Leandro Campus

Carrington College-San Leandro's vet tech program sits squarely in the middle of California's offerings—exactly at the state median for earnings and debt. Among California's 25 vet tech programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates here earn more than most of their in-state peers. The $20,000 debt load is reasonable for a two-year program, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that's manageable compared to many healthcare tech fields.

What's noteworthy is the earnings trajectory: graduates see modest but steady growth from $36,236 to $38,358 over four years. That's not explosive, but it's consistent upward movement in a field known for modest compensation. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (59%), suggesting it's accessible to students who need affordable pathways into animal healthcare. With a robust sample size giving confidence in these numbers, the data shows exactly what you'd expect from a solid regional vet tech program.

For families committed to animal care careers, this represents a reasonable investment—debt is contained, earnings are predictable, and the program performs slightly above average statewide. The higher-earning programs like Stanbridge ($41,647) exist, but they may come with tradeoffs in location or cost. If your child is passionate about veterinary medicine and willing to accept industry-standard compensation, this program delivers stable employment prospects without excessive financial burden.