Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests manageable finances for this automotive technology program, even working from estimates rather than Central Wyoming College's actual graduate outcomes. Based on national patterns from similar associate degree automotive programs, graduates typically earn around $43,000 in their first year—enough to handle the estimated $11,425 in student debt without overwhelming their budget. That's roughly three months of gross pay, which aligns with what financial advisors generally consider sustainable for career-focused technical programs.
The challenge here is that six Wyoming schools offer automotive programs, but none report public data, making it difficult to assess Central Wyoming's specific standing. The estimated figures come from national medians across hundreds of programs, which tells us what's typical nationwide but not necessarily what this particular college delivers. Wyoming's automotive job market and cost of living differ from national averages, which could work in either direction for actual graduate outcomes.
For parents considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is committed to automotive work. The relatively low debt burden is encouraging, and hands-on technical programs often provide clearer paths to employment than many associate degrees. However, you'll want to talk directly with Central Wyoming's placement office about actual job placement rates and local employer connections—information that matters more than national estimates when evaluating a geographically-rooted career field like automotive repair.
Where Central Wyoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,680 | $42,896* | — | $11,425* | — | |
| $42,304 | $76,663* | $76,825 | $12,500* | 0.16 | |
| $11,665 | $76,663* | $76,825 | $12,500* | 0.16 | |
| $6,213 | $65,311* | $62,391 | $12,000* | 0.18 | |
| — | $64,326* | $63,194 | $20,188* | 0.31 | |
| — | $64,326* | $63,194 | $20,188* | 0.31 | |
| National Median | — | $42,896* | — | $12,000* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Motorcycle Mechanics
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Central Wyoming College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 143 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.