Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Coffeyville Community College

This certificate program sits right at Kansas's median for automotive technician training, with estimated first-year earnings around $36,400 and debt of about $7,000—a manageable 19% debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to the national median of $11,000 in student loans. Based on comparable programs across Kansas, graduates typically enter the workforce earning close to what similar certificate holders make statewide, though Wichita State's campus technology program shows some schools produce significantly higher starting wages at $47,000.

The concerning data point here is the reported four-year earnings of $24,150, which drops well below the first-year estimate. While automotive technicians often see wage growth as they gain certifications and specialize, this lower figure raises questions about whether graduates are finding full-time work in their field or whether some are leaving the industry. The estimates suggest this program performs typically for Kansas, but that actual mid-career picture needs closer examination.

For families considering this investment, the low debt burden makes it a relatively low-risk credential if your child is committed to automotive work. However, before enrolling, contact the school directly about job placement rates and ask whether that four-year earnings figure reflects full-time technician positions—that gap between year one and year four deserves a clear explanation before you commit even $7,000.