Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

Stautzenberger College's veterinary biomedical program posts first-year earnings of $30,855 against $21,335 in debt—a manageable 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio that outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally. That's a striking achievement for an associate's degree serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student population (72%), where graduates typically enter the workforce immediately rather than continuing to bachelor's programs. The debt figure ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt for similar outcomes.

The state comparison deserves context: this appears to be Illinois' only veterinary biomedical associate's program, so the 60th percentile state ranking simply reflects how the seven national programs stack up when sorted geographically. What matters more is the national standing—this program matches the national median for earnings while keeping debt well below typical levels. For students certain about veterinary support roles, this creates a reasonably quick path to employment without the debt burden of longer programs.

For families considering this program, the math works if your child is committed to veterinary medicine careers and ready to start working quickly. The $30,855 starting salary won't feel luxurious, but the modest debt load makes it manageable from day one. Just confirm the specific career paths these graduates pursue—veterinary technician roles vary widely by state in terms of licensing requirements and earning potential.