Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College

Based on similar automotive programs in Illinois, this associate degree appears positioned to deliver solid technical training with manageable financial risk. The estimated first-year earnings of $51,093 match the state median and exceed the national typical outcome by nearly $8,000, suggesting Illinois automotive technicians command stronger wages than their counterparts in many other states. With estimated debt around $11,400—below both state and national medians—the financial commitment stays modest relative to earning potential.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income, a comfortable position for workers entering a field with steady demand. Illinois automotive programs show a range of outcomes, from nearly $60,000 at Illinois Central to the high $30,000s at some private institutions, but the state median where this program clusters represents solid middle ground. As a community college serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, Olive-Harvey fits the profile of accessible career training.

The main caveat: these figures come from peer programs rather than tracked outcomes of this school's specific graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty. However, automotive technology is less variable than many fields—employers need certified technicians regardless of which community college trained them. For a student committed to working with vehicles and staying in the Chicago area, the estimated numbers suggest a practical pathway to skilled employment without overwhelming debt.