Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Clark State College

Based on comparable auto tech programs in Ohio, Clark State appears positioned right at the state median with first-year earnings around $42,338. That puts graduates roughly $4,000 behind Cuyahoga Community College's program but well ahead of some competitors. For automotive technicians, these earnings are solid entry points—this is a field where experience and manufacturer certifications matter more than where you got your associate's degree.

The estimated debt of $11,425 is notably lower than Ohio's typical $16,166 for this program, which matters in a trade where you're building skills and credentials over time rather than cashing in on a degree. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means graduates would be looking at manageable payments relative to their income, leaving room to invest in tools and specialized training that often drive career advancement in automotive repair.

The real uncertainty here is that both figures are estimates—Clark State's actual graduate outcomes may differ from these peer-based projections. What works in this program's favor is the straightforward economics of automotive technology: steady employer demand, clear career progression, and debt levels that shouldn't constrain your child's ability to build expertise in a stable field. If they're mechanically inclined and prefer hands-on work to a desk job, the numbers suggest this path makes practical sense.