Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Colleges Under $20,000

Vehicle maintenance programs across America span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Lamar State College-Port Arthur's $4,887 net price to private institutions approaching $20,000. The automotive service industry employs over 750,000 technicians nationwide, with demand growing as vehicles become increasingly complex. Public colleges dominate the affordable end, with seven schools offering net costs below $10,000. Texas and Washington lead in low-cost options, while graduation rates vary dramatically from 25.60% at Middle Georgia State to 57.30% at Utah State University. Earnings data reveals graduates typically earn between $37,208 and $64,087 annually, with specialized programs like Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute producing graduates earning $55,964. The wide acceptance rates, including Middle Georgia State's 99.71%, reflect the industry's urgent need for skilled technicians. Regional differences matter significantly, as California community colleges leverage proximity to major automotive manufacturers while rural programs often focus on agricultural and commercial fleet maintenance.

Programs

$4,887 – $19,733

Net Price Range

$52,498

Avg. Program Earnings

42.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Lamar State College-Port Arthur Port Arthur, Texas	$4,887	$1,770	30.2%
2	Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma	$6,352	$7,200	33.3%	74.2%
3	Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, North Carolina	$6,935	$2,336	31.4%
4	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, Idaho	$7,131	$4,656	55.1%	95.6%
5	Centralia College Centralia, Washington	$7,600	$5,109	45.8%
6	Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster, California	$8,263	$1,124	30.6%
7	Rio Hondo College Whittier, California	$11,903	$1,388	27.1%
8	Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, Idaho	$12,832	$7,388	44.7%	86.8%
9	Calvary University Kansas City, Missouri	$12,860	$13,692	52.6%	63.2%
10	Utah State University Logan, Utah	$12,869	$9,228	57.3%	93.7%
11	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922	$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
12	Montana State University-Northern Havre, Montana	$14,164	$6,269	42.3%
13	Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology Boston, Massachusetts	$16,172	$18,906	47.2%
14	Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, Illinois	$16,177	$13,244	56.3%	91.5%
15	Siena Heights University Adrian, Michigan	$17,185	$29,778	51.1%	65.0%
16	Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho	$17,324	$8,356	38.3%
17	SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, New York	$17,393	$8,769	31.9%	87.2%
18	Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas	$17,883	$10,942	70.5%	95.1%
19	Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan	$18,701	$15,298	57.8%	84.6%
20	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Daytona Beach, Florida	$19,733	$11,665	21.6%	57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public community colleges dominate the affordable range, with Lamar State College-Port Arthur charging just $4,887 compared to private institutions approaching $20,000. In-state tuition at public schools averages under $7,000, while private programs like Siena Heights University charge $29,778 before aid. The cost gap reflects different funding models, with public colleges receiving state subsidies that private institutions lack. Community colleges also focus specifically on technical training rather than broad liberal arts education.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in vehicle maintenance?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Utah State University achieves 57.30% graduation at $12,869 net cost, while expensive Siena Heights University reaches 51.10% at $17,185. However, some affordable options perform well, with Brigham Young University-Idaho hitting 55.10% at just $7,131. The lowest graduation rate belongs to Middle Georgia State at 25.60%, despite moderate $13,922 costs.

Where do vehicle maintenance graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute graduates earn $55,964 annually, the highest among schools reporting earnings data. Montana State University-Northern follows at $55,286, while Utah State graduates start at $50,439. These figures exceed the national average for automotive technicians, which hovers around $44,000. Geographic location plays a major role, as urban markets typically offer higher wages than rural areas.

Is attending a community college worth it for vehicle maintenance training?

Community colleges offer strong value, with schools like Wake Technical and Centralia College providing full training under $7,000. These programs maintain strong industry connections and often feature newer equipment than four-year institutions. Graduation rates at community colleges range from 27.10% to 45.80%, reflecting the part-time nature of many students. The lower costs allow students to minimize debt while entering a field with immediate job prospects.

Does program selectivity matter for vehicle maintenance degrees?

Most programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Middle Georgia State accepting 99.71% of applicants and Utah State taking 93.73%. Only Calvary University and Siena Heights University show selective admission at 63.16% and 64.98% respectively. The open-access nature reflects industry demand for technicians and the practical, skills-based curriculum. Students benefit from easier admission while employers value hands-on training over academic prestige.

More Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Rankings

Cheapest Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Best Value Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

All Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.