Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (39 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of Lake County$39,663
Illinois Central College$58,122$55,178
Parkland College$51,093$49,676$7,0000.14
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park$37,089$39,110$19,0160.51
National Median$42,896$12,0000.28

Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Illinois Central College
East Peoria
$4,650$58,122
Parkland College
Champaign
$4,284$51,093$7,000
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park
Melrose Park
$37,089$19,016

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of Lake County, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.