Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at College of DuPage

Based on comparable automotive programs in Illinois, College of DuPage's certificate would leave students with around $9,500 in debt—roughly $2,300 less than the state median for similar programs. That's a meaningful advantage when you're entering a skilled trade. Combined with estimated first-year earnings of $41,386, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 suggests a manageable financial picture, particularly compared to many other certificate programs where debt can quickly outpace initial earning power.

The earnings figure mirrors Illinois' state median for automotive programs, placing graduates right in the middle of the pack. Top-performing programs in the state like Lincoln Land Community College show there's room to earn more ($48,000+), but College of DuPage appears competitive with established programs like Rock Valley College. The real question is whether the school's hands-on training and employer connections can help graduates reach those higher earning tiers within a few years—something the limited graduate sample makes impossible to verify from Department of Education data alone.

For parents evaluating this program, the lower estimated debt works in your favor, but you're making this decision with incomplete information about this specific program's track record. Talk directly to the school about job placement rates, which employers hire their graduates, and whether students typically need additional ASE certifications. The automotive industry values skilled technicians, but outcomes depend heavily on the quality of training and local demand.