Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at College of the Sequoias

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,784

Est. from CA median (23 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,500

Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

For an automotive technician program in California's Central Valley, the estimated $9,500 debt load sits slightly below the typical $11,000 national figure—a reasonable starting point for a field where hands-on skills matter as much as credentials. The concern emerges when looking at first-year earnings: while similar California programs suggest around $35,800, several community colleges in the state report significantly higher outcomes. West Los Angeles College graduates earn nearly double this estimate, and even nearby San Joaquin Valley College shows graduates starting above $54,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 appears manageable on paper, but the real question is whether College of the Sequoias' program prepares students to compete for the better-paying positions in California's automotive industry. The gap between the state median and top performers suggests that program quality, employer connections, and perhaps ASE certification support vary considerably across schools. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this certificate to deliver solid middle-class employment quickly.

Before committing, your child should visit the program and ask direct questions: What percentage of graduates earn ASE certifications? Which dealerships and independent shops hire from here? The wide range of outcomes across California programs means choosing the right school matters enormously in this field.

Where College of the Sequoias Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (100 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
College of the SequoiasVisalia	$1,394	$35,784*	—	$9,500*	—
West Los Angeles CollegeCulver City	$1,238	$65,978*	—	—*	—
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia	—	$54,977*	—	$20,000*	0.36
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education CenterFresno	—	$54,977*	—	$20,000*	0.36
Victor Valley CollegeVictorville	$1,425	$49,729*	—	—*	—
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-FremontFremont	$16,757	$47,109*	$50,485	$32,500*	0.69
National Median	—	$35,905*	—	$11,000*	0.31

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

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 the Sequoias, approximately 35% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 23 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.