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

Pima Medical Institute-Phoenix's vet tech program stands out nationally—ranking in the 88th percentile for earnings—yet graduates earn only slightly more than the $25,735 Arizona median. First-year earnings of $28,808 are respectable, but they essentially flatline over the next three years, settling at $28,362 by year four. This stagnation is concerning for a field where you'd hope skills and experience would translate into higher pay.

The debt load is reasonable at $8,152, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that's manageable on a vet tech's salary. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class families looking for quick healthcare training. The certificate can be completed relatively quickly, which explains the modest debt figure.

The real question is whether these earnings justify the investment when they don't grow. If your child is passionate about animal care and understands they're entering a field with limited advancement potential, this program delivers solid technical training at a fair price. But if they're hoping veterinary work will lead to meaningful salary increases over time, these numbers suggest otherwise—what you earn at graduation is largely what you'll still be earning years later.