Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Pima Medical Institute-El Paso
Associate's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Pima Medical Institute-El Paso graduates compare to all programs nationally
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all veterinary/animal health technologies/technicians associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute-El Paso | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 |
| Dallas College | $40,781 | $40,668 | $16,040 | 0.39 |
| Lone Star College System | $38,202 | — | — | — |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio | $36,090 | $36,771 | $21,151 | 0.59 |
| Vet Tech Institute of Houston | $30,665 | $33,165 | $14,804 | 0.48 |
| National Median | $36,090 | — | $18,000 | 0.50 |
Other Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College Dallas | $2,370 | $40,781 | $16,040 |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands | $3,090 | $38,202 | — |
| Pima Medical Institute-Houston Houston | — | $36,090 | $21,151 |
| Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio San Antonio | — | $36,090 | $21,151 |
| Vet Tech Institute of Houston Houston | $16,024 | $30,665 | $14,804 |
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.