Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Clovis Community College

Is an automotive tech degree worth borrowing for when labor shortages and EV transitions are reshaping the field? Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates from two-year automotive programs typically earn around $43,000 in their first year—which puts Clovis Community College's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of the pack. What's more encouraging is that similar programs in New Mexico often produce slightly better results, with the state median reaching $44,309. The gap between the state's top performer (New Mexico Junior College at $52,024) and its lowest (Central New Mexico at $36,594) shows that program quality matters, but Clovis appears positioned near the median.

The estimated debt load of $11,425 creates a manageable ratio of 0.27—meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a trade that offers immediate employment prospects and clear advancement paths as technicians gain ASE certifications and specialized skills. The field is particularly strong in rural areas like Clovis, where local dealerships and independent shops struggle to fill positions.

The caveat: these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs because Clovis's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish. That means actual outcomes could vary. If your child is mechanically inclined and wants to stay in New Mexico, the debt-to-earnings picture suggests this path could work—but visiting the program to assess equipment, instructor credentials, and employer partnerships would help confirm whether Clovis delivers value comparable to the state's stronger performers.