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Best Value Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Vehicle maintenance and repair programs show striking cost differences that don't always match earnings outcomes. While Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University charges over $40,000 annually, graduates earn $64,087, but Montana State University-Northern delivers nearly identical earnings at $55,286 for just $6,269 in-state tuition. This field connects directly to America's 280 million registered vehicles, creating steady demand across all regions. Public schools dominate the affordable options, with 12 programs under $20,000 annually. The earnings spread runs from $37,208 to $64,087, reflecting specialization levels and geographic markets. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 21.60% to 67.40%, suggesting program structure matters as much as cost. Aviation-focused programs command premium prices but deliver top earnings, while community colleges offer the most accessible entry points into this essential trade.
26
Programs
$4,887 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$53,947
Avg. Program Earnings
45.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,869 $50,439 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
2 $14,164 $55,286 $6,269 42.3%
3 $16,172 $55,964 $18,906 47.2%
4 $19,733 $64,087 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
5 $16,177 $49,840 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
6 $18,701 $54,661 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
7 $17,393 $37,208 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
8 $40,289 $64,087 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%
9 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
10 $8,263 $1,124 30.6%
11 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
12 $23,992 $33,027 64.2%
13 $7,600 $5,109 45.8%
14 $4,887 $1,770 30.2%
15 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
16 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
17 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
18 $39,723 $28,850 39.9%
19 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
20 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
21 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
22 $25,007 $15,356 62.0% 94.1%
23 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
24 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
25 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
26 $11,903 $1,388 27.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge price gap between the most and least expensive programs?

Southeastern Oklahoma State University charges just $6,352 while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University costs $40,289, a difference of nearly $34,000. Private aviation schools drive the high end with specialized facilities and industry connections. Public community colleges anchor the low end, focusing on core repair skills rather than aerospace applications. The price difference often reflects specialization level rather than program quality.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Graduation rates range from 21.60% at Embry-Riddle Worldwide to 67.40% at the Daytona Beach campus, despite both schools charging similar tuition. Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better completion rates. SUNY Morrisville graduates only 31.90% despite reasonable $8,769 in-state costs. Community colleges typically see 30-31% graduation rates, reflecting their open-access mission and part-time student populations.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment at expensive schools?

Embry-Riddle graduates earn $64,087 annually but pay $40,289 in net costs, creating a 1.6:1 earnings-to-cost ratio. Montana State University-Northern delivers $55,286 earnings for $6,269 costs, an 8.8:1 ratio. The math clearly favors affordable public options for return on investment. Students should consider whether aerospace specialization justifies the premium pricing and debt load.

Where do the most affordable quality programs operate?

The best value combinations appear in the Mountain West and Midwest regions. Montana State University-Northern leads with $55,286 earnings at just $6,269 in-state tuition. Utah State University offers solid $50,439 earnings for $9,228 in-state costs. These states benefit from strong agricultural and mining equipment markets that value skilled technicians.

Does program type significantly affect earning potential?

Aviation-focused programs consistently produce the highest earners, with both Embry-Riddle campuses reaching $64,087 annually. General automotive programs typically range from $37,208 to $55,286 in starting salaries. Community college programs prepare students for immediate employment but may cap advancement potential. Four-year programs often include management training that opens supervisory roles and higher lifetime earnings.

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