Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Broward College

Based on comparable programs in Florida, this automotive tech associate's degree appears positioned in the sweet spot—estimated first-year earnings around $58,400 would significantly outpace the national median of $42,900 for similar programs. With estimated debt of just $11,400, that translates to a manageable 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about one-fifth of their first year's salary.

Florida's automotive repair market appears unusually strong. Similar programs across the state cluster around the same $58,400 earnings figure, well above what most graduates make nationally. The standouts here are Embry-Riddle's aviation maintenance programs (not directly comparable given their specialized aerospace focus), while Universal Technical Institute and Jones Technical Institute—more traditional auto tech programs—report graduates earning around $40,200, suggesting Broward's peer group estimate may be optimistic.

The fundamentals still look solid: skilled trades face persistent labor shortages, and automotive technology is evolving rapidly with electric vehicles and advanced diagnostics creating demand for well-trained technicians. At 40% Pell eligibility, Broward serves many students for whom this could be an accessible pathway to middle-income work. Just recognize these figures are estimates from peer schools, not Broward's actual graduate outcomes. The real test is whether this program connects students to Florida's better-paying service markets rather than entry-level quick-lube positions.