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

Carrington College-Stockton's veterinary technician program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—60th percentile in California and 52nd percentile nationally. With first-year earnings of $36,236 and debt of $20,000, graduates face manageable monthly payments, though they won't be getting ahead quickly on these salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 is reasonable for an allied health program, and the earnings bump to $38,358 by year four suggests steady, if unspectacular, career progression.

What's notable is the gap between this program and the top performers in California. Stanbridge University and Mt. San Antonio College graduates earn $4,000-5,000 more annually right out of the gate—a meaningful difference when you're already operating on a tight budget. The 60% Pell grant rate here indicates many students are coming from families with limited financial resources, making that earnings gap more consequential. Your child will likely find steady work (veterinary technicians remain in demand), but the financial margins will be tight.

If your child is committed to veterinary technology and Carrington-Stockton is the most convenient option, the numbers work—just barely. But if they can access one of California's community college programs or top-tier private options, the higher earnings potential is worth exploring. This isn't a red flag program, but it's not a standout either.