Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Pima Medical Institute-El Paso
Associate's Degree
pmi.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 | |
| $2,370 | $40,781 | $40,668 | $16,040 | 0.39 | |
| $3,090 | $38,202 | — | — | — | |
| — | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 | |
| — | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 | |
| $16,024 | $30,665 | $33,165 | $14,804 | 0.48 | |
| National Median | — | $36,090 | — | $18,000 | 0.50 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians graduates
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.