Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center

Based on comparable automotive programs in Oklahoma, Caddo Kiowa's certificate appears financially straightforward: estimated debt of $9,500 against first-year earnings around $36,500. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're looking at roughly three months of gross income to cover the credential cost—manageable by most measures. The estimated debt also runs below both the state median ($12,968) and national median ($11,000) for similar programs, which suggests relatively efficient training without unnecessary expense.

The earnings picture tells a more complex story. While the $36,500 estimate aligns with Oklahoma's median for automotive programs, it trails considerably behind top performers in the state. Gordon Cooper Technology Center graduates earn nearly $48,000 in their first year—$11,000 more than the typical Oklahoma program. Even Metro Technology Centers shows outcomes around $40,600. This gap matters because automotive work involves similar curriculum and certification standards across schools, yet outcomes vary significantly based on employer connections, equipment quality, and regional job markets.

For parents, the key question is whether this specific location and school network opens doors to Oklahoma's better-paying automotive employers. The modest debt exposure limits downside risk, but the potential earnings gap—if this program trends toward the lower end of state outcomes—could mean $40,000-$50,000 in lost income over five years compared to stronger programs. Given the small graduate cohorts that triggered data suppression here, visiting the campus to understand job placement specifics and talking to recent graduates becomes essential due diligence.