Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Central Oregon Community College

Three Oregon community colleges with reported outcomes for automotive programs show first-year earnings ranging from $35,827 to $48,144, with the state median sitting at $44,906—exactly where comparable programs suggest Central Oregon Community College graduates land. With estimated debt of $11,425, that translates to a manageable quarter of first-year income, better than many associate degree programs where debt can easily reach half a year's earnings or more.

The automotive repair field offers immediate employability, and the earnings trajectory here—based on similar Oregon programs—puts graduates slightly above the national median of $42,896 for this credential. This matters in Bend's labor market, where cost of living can be challenging but the demand for skilled technicians remains steady. The relatively low debt estimate (close to the state and national medians of around $11,600-$12,000) reflects the shorter time to completion typical of technical programs.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether their student is committed to the trades and ready for physically demanding work. The estimated debt-to-earnings picture suggests this program won't burden graduates with unmanageable payments, and the field typically rewards experience with steady income growth. While we can't assess this specific program's job placement rates or employer relationships without reported data, the financial fundamentals—low debt relative to immediate earnings—align with what makes technical education work.