Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,090
50th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$21,151
18% above national median

Analysis

Pima Medical Institute-El Paso's veterinary technician program hits the national earnings median exactly but outperforms most Texas programs, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. With debt of just $21,151—placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for low debt—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. This means the typical graduate owes about seven months' salary, well within reasonable bounds for an associate degree program.

The earnings trajectory remains essentially flat over four years, which reflects the reality of veterinary technician careers rather than a program weakness. While top Texas programs like Dallas College ($40,781) offer higher earning potential, Pima's combination of median earnings with exceptionally low debt creates a financially sensible path into the field. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence to these outcomes.

For parents concerned about educational debt, this program offers solid value. Your child can enter a stable healthcare field without the crushing debt loads common to many programs. The 63% Pell Grant recipient rate indicates the school successfully serves working-class families, and the debt levels suggest responsible lending practices. This represents a pragmatic choice for students passionate about animal care.

Where Pima Medical Institute-El Paso Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Pima Medical Institute-El Paso graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso$36,090$36,771+2%
Dallas College$40,781$40,668-0%
Pima Medical Institute-Houston$36,090$36,771+2%
Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio$36,090$36,771+2%
Vet Tech Institute of Houston$30,665$33,165+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Pima Medical Institute-El PasoEl Paso$36,090$36,771$21,1510.59
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$40,781$40,668$16,0400.39
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands$3,090$38,202
Pima Medical Institute-HoustonHouston$36,090$36,771$21,1510.59
Pima Medical Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio$36,090$36,771$21,1510.59
Vet Tech Institute of HoustonHouston$16,024$30,665$33,165$14,8040.48
National Median$36,090$18,0000.50

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

$45,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

$37,320/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pima Medical Institute-El Paso, approximately 63% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.