Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at College of Western Idaho

Based on comparable automotive programs in Idaho, graduates here can expect starting pay around $45,400—solid middle-of-the-pack performance that holds steady over time. The $9,750 in typical debt sits well below both the state median ($10,875) and national average ($12,000), translating to a debt load that represents just three months of first-year earnings. That's a manageable burden for entering a skilled trade.

The real question is whether this program can match the outcomes at Idaho State University, where similar graduates report earning $52,000—about $7,000 more annually. That gap matters when you're talking about a 15% difference in starting salary for the same credential. The steady earnings picture from year one to year four also suggests this field doesn't reward experience with substantial raises, at least early on.

For parents considering this investment, the low debt provides a cushion that offsets some concern about the estimated earnings figures. Your child won't be buried in payments while learning whether automotive work is their long-term career. But before committing, get specifics from the school about their job placement rates and which employers hire their graduates—that's where you'll find evidence of whether this program delivers value comparable to stronger performers like Idaho State.