Veterinary Technology at Colby Community College

Colby, KS · Public · Associate Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

a smaller institution with 837 students in Colby, KS.

Program Analysis

At $36,184 per year, Veterinary Technology graduates from Colby Community College earn slightly above the $32,474 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 47.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Veterinary Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Colby Community College ranks #33 among 169 Veterinary Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

Veterinary Technology has a registered apprenticeship option through Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist) with a median wage of $37,320/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
54
Score
54
High End
Earnings $36,184/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (71% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$381K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,092
Out-of-state: $11,472
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Veterinary Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Veterinary technologists and technicians $45,980 +9.1% 84%
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers $37,320 +8.7% 78%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980
+9.1% growth 84% AI-proof
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320
+8.7% growth 78% AI-proof

Veterinary Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Veterinary Technology credential from Colby Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Veterinary Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Veterinary Technology Overview

Veterinary Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colby Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Veterinary Technology at Colby Community College?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Veterinary Technology graduates.
What makes Colby Community College's Veterinary Technology program stand out?
The #33 ranking out of 169 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
How many job openings are there for Veterinary Technology graduates?
The large job market (63,900 annual openings) works in favor of Veterinary Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →