Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Autry Technology Center

Similar programs across Oklahoma suggest a first-year salary around $36,500 for automotive technicians with this credential, paired with estimated borrowing of $9,500—a debt load that could be cleared in under four years of dedicated repayment. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable compared to many vocational paths, though it's worth noting that top-performing automotive programs in the state, like Gordon Cooper Technology Center, report graduates earning $47,900—about $11,000 more annually.

The challenge here is that you're making decisions with peer-program estimates rather than Autry's actual graduate outcomes. Automotive technology is generally a stable career path with consistent demand, and the estimated numbers align closely with national benchmarks ($35,900 median). But when neighboring Oklahoma schools show such a wide earnings spread—from the mid-$30s to nearly $48,000—it matters considerably which end of that spectrum Autry's program delivers. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (16%) suggests this isn't primarily serving students who need the most affordable pathway into the trades.

For a field where hands-on training quality and employer connections drive outcomes significantly, you'd want direct evidence of where Autry's graduates land. If the program can demonstrate job placement rates and starting wages comparable to Gordon Cooper or Metro Technology Centers, the investment pencils out well. Without that transparency, you're betting on an estimate when better-documented options exist within the same state.