Veterinary Technology at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,400/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (29% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 13 Animal Health Technologies programs

Program Analysis

While the earnings figures for this field may seem modest, your degree comes from a powerhouse in veterinary medicine. Michigan State’s program is housed within a major research university with a world-class veterinary hospital, giving you hands-on experience with complex cases and advanced equipment that smaller programs can’t offer. This reputation opens doors not just to local clinics, but to specialized roles in research labs, university facilities, and pharmaceutical companies across the Midwest. The moderate AI risk reflects that while technology will change diagnostics, the essential, hands-on care you provide to animals remains irreplaceable. To maximize your investment, plan to earn your Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in a high-demand area like anesthesia or emergency critical care; this specialized credential is the key to unlocking significantly higher earning potential in the field.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Veterinary Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $486K $487K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.6x 7.6x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 46% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,982
13% growth from Year 1

About Michigan State University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Michigan State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Veterinary technologists and technicians $45,980/yr
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers $37,320/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Veterinary Technology at Other Schools

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Veterinary Technology at Michigan State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Veterinary Technology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →