Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Starting at $32,901 means graduates earn about $3,600 less than their Kansas peers and fall well below the national median for vet tech programs. While Kansas has only four programs offering this degree, Colby Community College's graduates earn roughly $3,300 more right out of the gate—a significant gap when you're entering a field with inherently modest pay scales.

The relatively low debt load of $14,118 helps soften the blow. At 0.43 times first-year earnings, graduates face a manageable repayment burden that won't overwhelm entry-level paychecks. This debt level sits comfortably below both state and national medians, which matters when you're committed to animal care work regardless of salary constraints.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. If your child is passionate about veterinary technology and specifically wants to stay in Wichita, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if they're open to other Kansas options, Colby's stronger earnings track record—along with potentially lower living costs—deserves serious consideration before committing.