Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Community Care College

Community Care College's auto tech program puts graduates right in the middle of the pack—60th percentile among Oklahoma schools—but that's only part of the story. First-year earnings of $36,587 beat both national and state medians, and the debt load of $13,437 is manageable at just 37% of first-year income. Half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting this serves working-class families looking for practical career training.

The concerning pattern emerges after graduation: earnings drop 10% by year four, falling to $32,824. This backward trajectory is unusual in skilled trades and raises questions about job quality or advancement opportunities. Compare this to Gordon Cooper Technology Center, where grads earn $47,876, or even Tulsa Technology Center at $36,437, which likely maintains steadier earnings over time. The moderate sample size means these numbers are reasonably reliable, but you're seeing a real signal here about limited growth potential.

For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal debt, this program checks those boxes—you'll graduate owing less than many programs charge for a single semester. But if you're betting on steady income growth or long-term career building, the declining earnings pattern suggests looking at the stronger Oklahoma programs that better demonstrate how skilled trades typically reward experience with higher pay.