Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Bishop State Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,905

Est. from national median (266 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,500

Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $9,500 for an automotive certificate positions this program carefully in Alabama's technical education landscape. Similar certificate programs at Bishop State typically produce this level of borrowing, which is modest by most educational standards—representing about three months of the expected first-year salary based on national automotive program outcomes.

The earnings estimate of roughly $36,000 comes from national automotive certificate data and sits slightly above what graduates from comparable Alabama programs have actually reported. Lawson State's nearby program shows confirmed earnings of $35,347, while Gadsden State comes in lower at $31,387. These real outcomes from peer schools suggest the national benchmark is reasonable for Alabama's automotive market, though local wages can vary based on whether graduates land dealership positions versus independent shop work.

The practical calculation here is straightforward: if the debt estimate holds and earnings track with similar Alabama programs, a graduate could realistically pay off the certificate within a year or two while building a skilled trade credential. The 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio is sustainable, and with 42% of Bishop State students receiving Pell grants, many may graduate with even less debt than estimated. The risk lies mainly in whether local job opportunities match what nearby community colleges have delivered—worth confirming through Bishop State's placement office before enrolling.

Where Bishop State Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Bishop State Community CollegeMobile	$5,280	$35,905*	—	$9,500*	—
Lawson State Community CollegeBirmingham	$4,980	$35,347*	$35,320	—*	—
Gadsden State Community CollegeGadsden	$4,032	$31,387*	$35,128	—*	—
National Median	—	$35,905*	—	$11,000*	0.31

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bishop State Community College, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 266 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.