Veterinary Technology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,814/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (29% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 13 Animal Health Technologies programs

Program Analysis

While the earnings figures might seem modest, they reflect the regional reality of North Dakota's labor market. Your NDSU degree prepares you for a career that is deeply integrated into the state's agricultural economy, working with both companion animals in Fargo clinics and large animals in rural and livestock settings. The program is known for its hands-on approach, ensuring you graduate with practical, in-demand skills that local employers—from small-town veterinary practices to research facilities—desperately need. This is a passion-driven field where the reward is often the work itself, not just the paycheck. To maximize your opportunities, seek out internships or work-study programs that align with your specific interests, whether that’s in equine medicine, public health, or small animal surgery, to build connections that lead directly to post-graduation employment.

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 $460K $460K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.6x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 46% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 32
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,428
Out-of-state: $62,044 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,336
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,378
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,933
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

With 96% of applicants admitted, North Dakota State University-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,567 in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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

Other Majors at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Veterinary Technology program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Veterinary Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →