Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Pima Medical Institute-Aurora

Pima Medical Institute-Aurora's vet tech program starts promisingly but follows a troubling trajectory: graduates earn $36,875 in their first year—ranking around the 60th percentile both nationally and within Colorado—but see their income drop to $32,302 by year four. That's a 12% decline when graduates should be establishing themselves professionally. Among Colorado's nine vet tech programs, this lands squarely in the middle, trailing top performers like Bel-Rea Institute ($38,899) and Community College of Denver ($38,655).

The $19,015 debt load is manageable relative to first-year earnings, representing about six months of income. That's slightly below Colorado's median debt for this program ($20,534), which helps offset the earnings concerns. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, accessibility isn't an issue. However, the declining earnings pattern raises questions about job stability or career advancement opportunities for this program's graduates.

For families considering this program, the numbers suggest adequate short-term preparation but uncertain long-term returns. If your child is passionate about veterinary technology, they might find better value at Bel-Rea or Community College of Denver, where graduates maintain higher earnings four years out. If Pima-Aurora is the choice, plan for the possibility that those initial earnings may not grow—and factor that into your financial planning.