Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology

Starting at $36,000 might feel disappointing—this program ranks in just the 16th percentile nationally for automotive tech programs—but the trajectory tells a more interesting story. By year four, graduates are earning nearly $49,000, representing 35% growth that outpaces many two-year technical programs. Within Massachusetts, this places the program right at the state median, though it trails top performers like Mass Bay Community College by about $5,000.

The $13,375 in debt is manageable, translating to roughly 37% of first-year earnings. That's a reasonable burden for a technical credential, especially given the strong wage progression. The 40% Pell grant population suggests this program serves students who might otherwise struggle to access skilled trades, and the earnings growth indicates they're developing marketable skills over time.

The real question is whether that lower starting salary reflects the Boston job market or program placement strength. If your child is comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for steady advancement into middle-class earnings, this works. But if they can access one of Massachusetts' higher-performing programs, the $7,000 difference in year-four earnings could compound significantly over a career. For students who need to stay in Boston or value the institute's urban location, the debt level won't derail their financial future—just temper expectations for those first couple of years.