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
The financial picture here is mixed, and it leans on one number: a 93% graduation rate paired with a low $9,500 median debt. You finish, and you don't owe much when you do. That combination is rare and it's the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The catch is the price. At over $26,000 a year, this two-year program costs more than many four-year public degrees, and the net price barely drops for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay around $23,655 , only about $6,000 less than the wealthiest families pay. That flat pricing hits low-income students hardest.
Program payoff is uneven. The Precision Metal Working certificate leads on earnings but carries the heaviest debt of any program here, so the higher pay comes with a bigger loan to service. The Vehicle Maintenance certificate is the better trade-off: solid earnings against the school's low median debt. The associate version of that same field earns less than the certificate, so paying more time and money for the degree doesn't buy you higher pay.
The risk specific to this school is the gap between cost and starting wages. Every program listed starts below the $57,529 median 10-year earnings, and the top certificate starts under $40,000. You're paying a four-year-college price for entry wages that take years to grow.
This school fits you if you're committed to automotive or machining work, will finish, and can keep borrowing near the $9,500 median. Look elsewhere if you'd need to take full loans to cover the sticker price, or if you're unsure this trade is your path , the flat net price and modest starting wages leave little room for a costly change of mind.
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.