- Located at base of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Colorado, Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology is one of the largest veterinary technician schools in the United States.
School Highlights
Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology serves 265 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 51%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 265 students
- Private-state tuition: $32,900
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Student:teacher ratio: 8:1
- Minority enrollment: 59%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology
(CO) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Two-Year: Health Professions
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Private, for profit
Total Faculty
35 staff
80 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology has declined by 7% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 has decreased from 9:1 over five years.
The Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology diversity score of 0.75 is more than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 61% over five years.
Total Enrollment
265 students
1,174 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
23:1

# Full-Time Students
265 students
712 students

# Part-Time Students
n/a
1,500 students


# Enrollment Undergraduate
265 students
185 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
265 students
483 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
95 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,114 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
1 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
346 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%

% Asian
1%
6%

% Hispanic
19%
25%

% Black
3%
6%

% White
41%
49%

% Hawaiian
20%
3%

% Two or more races
6%
4%

% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
11%
4%


Diversity Score
0.75
0.69

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5833%
0.636%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2712%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,900
$33,300

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $32,900 is more than the state average of $16,162. The private state tuition has grown by 166% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$32,900
$16,162

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
87%
84%

Median Debt for Graduates
$23,486
$11,000

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,334
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
81%
98%

Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Bel-Rea offers large animal internship programs at many facilities including Fossil Creek Veterinary Hospital, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Littleton Large Animal Hospital. Each student will spend ten weeks in a variety of areas such as field service, surgery, radiology treatment and emergency treatments. Each student will gain a general knowledge of the aforementioned areas. Other areas of general knowledge will include an understanding of the relationship between the anatomy and physiology of patients and the impact that support areas such as radiology, laboratory tests and surgery may have on their prescribed treatments. On completion of your veterinary technician training, you'll have skills in handling and restraining animal patients, nursing care, office procedures, anesthesia, sterilization, radiology, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, blood chemistry and other procedures. You'll also understand basic principles of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, veterinary laboratory procedures, and surgical techniques. Our graduates work in veterinary hospitals and clinics, medical research centers, breeding facilities, wild animal rescue organizations, feedlots and production farms, retail pet facilities, zoos and animal shelters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology cost?
Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology's private state tuition is approximately $32,900.
What is the acceptance rate of Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology?
The acceptance rate of Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology is 81%, which is lower than the state average of 98%.
What is Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology's ranking?
Bel-Rea Institute Of Animal Technology ranks among the top 20% of community college in Colorado for: Diversity in US community colleges.
Recent Articles

Why You Should Strive To Be On The Dean's List
Explore the benefits and requirements of making the Dean's List in college. This comprehensive guide outlines the prestige, career advantages, and personal growth associated with this academic honor. Learn valuable study tips and strategies to help you achieve and maintain Dean's List status throughout your college career.

How Community Colleges Are Changing Remedial Education
Remedial education exists to help struggling students succeed in college-level classes. Unfortunately, the existing model may be doing more harm than good. Keep reading to learn more about the history of remedial education and what community colleges are doing to change it.

Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.