Animal Health Technologies at Colby Community College
a smaller institution with 837 students in Colby, KS.
Program Analysis
At $36,184 per year, Animal Health Technologies 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 Animal Health Technologies 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 Animal Health Technologies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
Animal Health Technologies 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Animal Health Technologies 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% |
About Animal Health Technologies Careers
Your career begins on the front lines of animal care. You’ll be the one prepping a nervous dog for surgery, skillfully drawing blood for diagnostics, or running tests using lab equipment in a busy clinic or research facility. This is deeply hands-on work; you can’t comfort a frightened animal or assist in surgery from behind a computer screen. Your days are active, requiring both technical skill and compassion.
Compare & Explore
Animal Health Technologies Overview
Animal Health Technologies 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.