Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College's automotive program shows a debt load that's manageable by industry standards—similar community college programs in Washington typically saddle graduates with around $12,690 in debt, while this program estimates closer to $11,425. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means a graduate could theoretically pay off their loans with roughly three months of first-year income, which is about as favorable as you'll find in skilled trades education.

The earnings trajectory tells a more nuanced story. Based on national peer programs, first-year earnings around $42,900 place graduates right at the median for automotive technology associate degrees. What's more concrete: by year four, actual reported earnings of $55,612 represent a 30% income jump. This aligns with how automotive careers typically work—technicians gain certifications and specializations that boost their value over time. Looking at Washington's other automotive programs, outcomes vary significantly (from $38,000 to $45,000 at schools with reported data), suggesting local employer relationships and program focus matter considerably.

For parents weighing this investment, the numbers suggest reasonable value if your child is genuinely interested in automotive work. The estimated debt is modest, and the four-year earnings are solid for an associate degree. However, recognize you're working with limited information—the suppressed data means we can't see this program's actual placement record. Visit the campus, talk to instructors about employer partnerships, and ask where recent graduates are working locally before committing.