Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Blue Ridge Community College

Blue Ridge Community College's automotive program delivers first-year earnings of $41,801—ahead of what 81% of similar programs produce nationally and well above the national median of $35,905. That's solid performance for a certificate program that, based on national patterns for similar two-year programs, typically requires around $9,500 in debt. The 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a few months of full-time work.

The earnings picture becomes more nuanced when looking at Virginia specifically. While Blue Ridge graduates earn more than the state median of $35,887, they trail the top performers in the state—Aviation Institute of Maintenance's Norfolk campus posts $44,572, and Advanced Technology Institute reaches $38,942. The 60th percentile ranking in-state indicates decent but not exceptional performance compared to Virginia's 22 automotive programs.

For parents evaluating trade programs, this represents a reasonable path: relatively modest estimated debt for earnings that exceed most national peers. The automotive technician field offers immediate employment opportunities, and these first-year numbers suggest graduates can start earning right away. Just recognize that within Virginia's competitive landscape, there are higher-earning alternatives, though they may come with different debt loads or program structures worth investigating.