How Much Does a Veterinary Technology Degree Cost?

by Lori Johnston

If you’re looking to a career as a veterinary technician, you’ll find both two-year and four-year degree programs offered by colleges from coast to cast. More than 100 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association are offered in the United States.

Most programs are two-year arrangements that result in an associate of science degree in veterinary technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that about 20 schools offer four-year bachelor's of science degrees, both of which can prepare you for a career in this fast-growing profession. Community colleges, public universities, private schools and specialized institutes offer veterinary technology degrees, with opportunities for online learning programs as well (the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited that 10 schools offer fully online accredited programs).

You could earn a veterinary technology degree for as little as $5,000, depending on the school. Quoted tuition typically ranges from $6,000 to more than $20,000, based on factors including whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident and whether it’s a four- or-five semester associates program.

At veterinary school, you’ll learn the skills needed to work in a variety of roles – in a veterinary clinic or hospital, at a biological or medical research lab, a pharmaceutical firm, and commercial poultry and dairy companies. If you’re an in-state resident, you could pay, on average, in the low $10,000's for an associate degree in veterinary technology. Quoted tuition for online programs are comparable. For a bachelor’s degree, tuition reaches up to the mid $30,000s' for an out-of-state student.

The tuition costs at veterinary schools do not include what you’ll pay for books and supplies, which range from $600-$1,200, and the same amount in lab, liability, accidental health insurance, application and other fees, on top of $100, on average, in uniforms.

A limited budget shouldn’t keep you from pursuing a veterinarian technology program. Financial aid is available, and schools such as Colorado’s Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology cite that 80 to 85 percent of its students receive the assistance to pay for their schooling. This investment in your education will allow you to transform your love of animals into a career working with them.