Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at College of DuPage

Based on comparable programs in Illinois, College of DuPage's automotive technology students can expect to earn around $51,000 in their first year—right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $43,000. The estimated debt of $11,425 creates a manageable 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly two months' salary. For context, Illinois Central College's automotive program leads the state at $58,000, while programs range down to $37,000, showing that location and employer connections matter significantly in this field.

The numbers suggest solid financial positioning for this program. Automotive technicians typically see steady demand in the Chicago suburbs where College of DuPage is located, and starting near $51,000 with under $12,000 in debt gives graduates breathing room to establish themselves. The moderate Pell grant percentage (20%) indicates the program serves a mix of students, which often correlates with strong industry partnerships that help with job placement.

The caveat: these figures come from similar Illinois programs, not tracked outcomes from DuPage specifically. If the college has strong relationships with local dealerships and repair facilities—which community colleges often do—actual earnings could exceed these estimates. Parents should ask the program about job placement rates and specific employer partnerships in the western Chicago suburbs, as those connections will ultimately determine whether graduates land at the higher or lower end of that $37,000 to $58,000 state range.