Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Colorado Northwestern Community College

Colorado Northwestern's automotive program carries an estimated $9,500 in debt—well below both the state and national medians for this credential. That lean debt load paired with first-year earnings around $39,400 (based on six comparable Colorado programs) creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, which means graduates could theoretically clear their debt with roughly three months of salary. This math works in students' favor, though it's worth noting that comparable programs across Colorado show a wide range, with top performers reaching $42,000 while others fall closer to $36,000.

The Rangely location matters here. Rural automotive technicians often find steady work at dealerships, fleet operations, and independent shops where skilled labor is scarce, but wages may not climb as quickly as in metropolitan areas like Denver or Colorado Springs. Similar programs in Colorado suggest earnings that cluster tightly around the state median, and this program appears positioned right in that middle pack rather than among the standout performers.

For families comfortable with the uncertainty of estimated figures, the low debt burden makes this a relatively low-risk technical credential—especially if your student can secure employment quickly after completion. The key will be whether job opportunities in northwestern Colorado or willingness to relocate align with your family's expectations, since location flexibility often determines whether automotive graduates hit that higher earning potential.