Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Collin County Community College District

Texas community colleges offering automotive programs typically start their graduates around $38,500 in the first year—roughly $4,000 below the national median for this field. That gap matters when you're entering a trade where earnings growth depends heavily on certifications, specialization, and shop experience. Similar associate programs in Texas show a wide range, with top performers like Tarrant County placing graduates above $50,000, suggesting that local labor markets and employer networks make a real difference in automotive training outcomes.

The estimated debt of $10,387 based on comparable Texas community college programs creates a manageable 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the typical threshold for concern. This positions the program as relatively low-risk financially, even if first-year earnings don't match the national average. However, without program-specific data, there's no way to know whether Collin County's curriculum, equipment, or industry partnerships match those of higher-earning peer schools in the state.

The practical question: Can your student close that $4,000-$12,000 gap to reach what top Texas programs achieve? That depends on factors these estimates can't capture—ASE certifications earned, dealer versus independent shop training, and whether the program connects students to North Texas's substantial automotive sector. Given the modest debt load, this represents a reasonable entry point to the trade, but verify what specific credentials and employer relationships come with completion.