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Cheapest Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

The automotive service industry's growing complexity creates a wide spectrum of educational costs for aspiring technicians. Lamar State College-Port Arthur leads with a remarkable $4,887 net price, while other programs range up to $19,733, highlighting how institutional type affects affordability. These 20 programs show graduation rates from 25.60% to 57.30%, with earnings potential reaching $64,087 annually. Community colleges dominate the most affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest being two-year public institutions. The field connects directly to America's 276 million registered vehicles, creating steady demand for skilled technicians across dealerships, independent shops, and fleet maintenance operations. Geographic location plays a significant role in both program costs and career prospects, as automotive hubs like California and Texas offer different combinations of training expenses and employment opportunities.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,887 $1,770 30.2%
2 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
3 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
4 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
5 $7,600 $5,109 45.8%
6 $8,263 $1,124 30.6%
7 $11,903 $1,388 27.1%
8 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
9 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
10 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
11 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
12 $14,164 $6,269 42.3%
13 $16,172 $18,906 47.2%
14 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
17 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
18 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
19 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $19,733 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
21 $23,992 $33,027 64.2%
22 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
23 $25,007 $15,356 62.0% 94.1%
24 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
25 $39,723 $28,850 39.9%
26 $40,289 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lamar State College-Port Arthur so affordable at $4,887?

As a public community college, Lamar State benefits from Texas state funding and lower operational costs. The $1,770 in-state tuition represents one of the lowest base rates nationally. The 30.20% graduation rate reflects the intensive, hands-on nature of automotive programs. Students gain direct access to Gulf Coast petrochemical and transportation industries.

How do private schools compare in cost and outcomes?

Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the best private value at $7,131 net cost with a 55.10% graduation rate. Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology costs $16,172 but provides $55,964 median earnings. Calvary University charges $12,860 with a 52.60% graduation rate. Private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and specialized equipment access.

Is the $37,000 earnings gap between schools significant?

The range from $37,208 to $64,087 reflects regional job markets and specialization levels. Benjamin Franklin Cummings graduates earn $55,964, likely due to Boston's higher wages and technical focus. Montana State University-Northern produces $55,286 earners in a resource-rich state. Geographic location strongly influences both starting salaries and career advancement opportunities.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost?

Not consistently across these 20 programs. Utah State University combines a reasonable $12,869 cost with a strong 57.30% graduation rate. Middle Georgia State costs $13,922 but shows only 25.60% completion. Wake Technical Community College achieves 31.40% graduation at just $6,935. Success depends more on student support services and local industry partnerships than price.

Where do California programs rank for value?

Antelope Valley Community College District offers strong value at $8,263 net cost with only $1,124 in-state tuition. Rio Hondo College costs $11,903 despite similar $1,388 base tuition, showing how aid packages vary. Both schools serve major automotive markets near Los Angeles. California's high living costs offset low tuition rates, making total education expenses comparable to other states.

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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.