Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Clark State College

For skilled trades programs, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 typically signals a manageable financial start—and based on similar automotive programs in Ohio, Clark State's certificate appears positioned in that territory. The estimated $9,500 debt load falls below both the state median ($12,000) and national median ($11,000) for comparable credentials, while projected first-year earnings of $37,307 align exactly with Ohio's middle-of-the-road performance for this field.

That said, the uncertainty here matters. These figures come from just three peer programs in Ohio, not Clark State's own graduate outcomes, meaning your child's actual earnings could vary based on local employer relationships, internship quality, and how effectively the program connects students to shops and dealerships. The automotive repair industry rewards hands-on experience and ASE certifications, which short-term certificate programs handle with varying degrees of success. What Clark State does during the program—especially placement support and credential preparation—will influence whether graduates land at the higher end (around $40,000, matching University of Northwestern Ohio) or struggle below the state average.

The relatively low debt load provides breathing room if initial earnings come in under estimates or if additional certifications become necessary. For families where a four-year degree isn't the right path, this looks like a potentially solid entry point into a field with consistent demand—just recognize you're making the decision with limited transparency about this specific program's track record.