Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Stautzenberger College-Maumee

This vocational program at Stautzenberger College-Maumee delivers surprisingly strong value despite serving a predominantly low-income student body. With first-year earnings of $30,855 and manageable debt of $21,335, graduates achieve a 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning they owe less than nine months of income. That's noteworthy for an associate's degree program where three-quarters of students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully prepares students from challenging economic backgrounds for stable employment in veterinary support roles.

The context makes these numbers even more interesting: this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings while keeping debt in the 5th percentile (meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide carry *higher* debt loads). In Ohio specifically, where only two schools offer this credential, this program sits at the median—but that median appears strong compared to most veterinary biomedical programs across the country. The consistency across both Ohio programs at this earnings level suggests realistic market rates for veterinary technicians and assistants in the state.

For parents whose children are passionate about animal healthcare but don't want to commit to a four-year degree immediately, this represents a practical entry point. The debt level is reasonable enough to pay down within a few years, and the credential could serve as a foundation for future advancement in the veterinary field.