Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Central Community College

Central Community College's automotive program produces graduates earning around $47,000 annually—well above the national average for similar programs but trailing other Nebraska schools. While these earnings land in the 69th percentile nationally, they fall to just the 40th percentile within Nebraska, where Southeast Community College graduates earn about $5,800 more annually. That gap matters for an in-state student deciding where to enroll.

The program's standout feature is its remarkably low debt load of $5,500, less than half the state median and among the lowest nationwide. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.12, graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about a month and a half of gross earnings. Minimal borrowing means financial flexibility from day one, even if earnings plateau quickly (they grow only 1% over four years).

The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. Still, the combination of solid entry-level pay and minimal debt makes this a financially safe option, particularly for students who want to stay local or prefer a smaller campus. If maximizing earnings is the priority, Southeast Community College's stronger placement numbers are worth investigating.