Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology

Colorado Academy graduates start at just $29,194—roughly $7,000 below what other veterinary tech programs deliver in the state and nearly $7,000 below the national median. Among Colorado's nine vet tech programs, this ranks in the bottom quarter for earnings. Even the modest 8% growth over four years leaves graduates earning less at year four than peers from other programs earn right out of school.

The debt load of $19,917 sits near typical levels, but paired with these earnings, it creates a challenging financial picture. That 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry debt equivalent to about two-thirds of their first year's salary—manageable for some careers, but tight on a $29,000 income. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting many are already navigating financial constraints before taking on this debt.

If your child is committed to veterinary technology in Colorado, look at Bel-Rea Institute or Community College of Denver first—both produce graduates earning $9,000 more annually with similar debt loads. That difference compounds significantly over a career. This program may work for students with minimal college costs or family support, but the earnings data suggests it's not delivering the training or connections that translate to competitive starting salaries in Colorado's veterinary market.