Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Bates Technical College

Is borrowing $11,425 for an automotive technology degree worth it when earnings data for Bates' specific program isn't available? Based on national benchmarks for similar associate's programs, graduates typically start around $43,000—putting this debt load at just 27% of first-year income, well below concerning thresholds. The real validation comes four years out, when Bates reports actual median earnings of $49,564, suggesting graduates do reach solid mid-career footing.

Washington's automotive technology programs show considerable variation, with outcomes ranging from $38,000 to $46,000 at comparable community colleges. Bates appears positioned in the middle of this pack based on peer program data. The estimated debt here sits slightly below both state and national medians for this credential, which matters in a field where technicians often start working immediately and begin paying down loans quickly.

The four-year earnings figure—which reflects actual Bates graduate outcomes rather than estimates—tells you the most important story: graduates are clearing nearly $50,000 within a few years, representing solid wage progression in a trade with consistent demand. With debt under $12,000, most graduates should manage payments comfortably while building technical expertise. For families comfortable with the uncertainty that comes from estimated rather than program-specific data, this represents a modest investment in stable skilled work.