Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Apex Technical School

Apex's automotive program graduates earn about $32,000 four years out—roughly $10,000 less than the typical New York auto tech graduate and $3,000 below the national median. Among the 21 schools offering this program in New York, Apex ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs produce better-earning graduates. For context, Mohawk Valley Community College graduates earn $55,000+ in this field, nearly double what Apex students make.

The $9,500 debt burden is manageable in absolute terms—significantly lower than the state median of $13,560. However, that advantage is swallowed up by the weak earning power. Even with modest debt, graduates face a challenging financial reality when their income barely covers basic living expenses in the New York metro area. The earnings do grow 10% over four years, which at least shows some career progression, but that still leaves graduates well behind their peers.

For an anxious parent, this is a tough sell. Your child could attend one of several other New York programs and potentially earn $10,000-$20,000 more annually doing the same work. If automotive technology is the goal, the data suggests looking at BOCES programs or community colleges that consistently produce higher-earning graduates. The lower tuition here doesn't offset starting a career $10,000 behind.