At $26,359/yr net price, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology graduates earn $57,529/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,529/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,359 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $105,436 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,529/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,529/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 93.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,655/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,846/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,239/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,941/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,941/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,729 | $16,354 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,569 | $9,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,771 |
The Risk Factor
93.1% of students at School of Automotive Machinists & Technology graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
School of Automotive Machinists & Technology delivers strong financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $57,529 annually while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $9,500. The 93% graduation rate indicates you're likely to complete your program, making this expensive investment worthwhile for most students.
Your program choice matters significantly at this school. Precision Metal Working graduates earn $39,729 but carry $16,354 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offers better financial outcomes with similar earnings around $32,000 but half the debt burden. This makes automotive repair the clear winner from a return perspective.
The biggest financial risk is the $26,359 annual cost, which puts pressure on you to graduate quickly and find employment immediately. With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans. The school's for-profit status means fewer scholarship opportunities compared to community colleges offering similar programs.
This school works financially if you're committed to automotive careers and can afford the premium pricing for specialized training and high completion rates. The Houston location provides access to a strong automotive job market that supports the higher earnings potential. You should look elsewhere if you're price-sensitive or uncertain about automotive careers, as community colleges offer similar programs at significantly lower costs with comparable job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is School of Automotive Machinists & Technology worth the cost?
The school costs $26,359 per year but graduates earn $57,529 after 10 years, making it a decent investment. The 93% graduation rate is strong, and median debt of $9,500 is manageable compared to most colleges.
What programs at School of Automotive Machinists & Technology have the best ROI?
Precision Metal Working offers the highest earning potential at $39,729 annually. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair programs earn $30,000-$32,000, which is lower but still reasonable given the low debt burden.
How much debt do School of Automotive Machinists & Technology graduates have?
Median debt is $9,500, which is much lower than typical college debt. This low debt load makes the school more affordable even though starting salaries in automotive fields are modest.
Do School of Automotive Machinists & Technology graduates find jobs after graduation?
The 93% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs successfully. However, earnings data shows starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range, which reflects the reality of entry-level automotive industry pay.