Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at National American University-Rapid City

This Rapid City veterinary technician program carries an estimated $20,000 in debt—higher than the national median of $18,000 for similar associate's degree programs—while first-year earnings based on comparable programs nationally sit around $36,090. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 isn't catastrophic, but it's meaningful when you're entering a field known for modest starting salaries and high emotional demands.

The challenge here is that you're working with estimates rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes. National American University-Rapid City's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses their specific data. What we know from peer programs nationally suggests veterinary technicians typically earn in the mid-$30,000s early in their careers—hardly lucrative given the physical and emotional toll of the work. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially.

For a parent considering this investment, the question becomes whether $20,000 in debt for entry into a moderately-paid healthcare support role makes sense for your specific child. If they're passionate about animal care and committed to this career path, the debt burden is manageable with disciplined repayment. But understand you're relying on estimates here—ask the school directly about their graduates' actual job placement rates and starting salaries in the Rapid City area before committing.