Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Craven Community College

In North Carolina, automotive technology programs at community colleges typically produce first-year earnings in the upper $30,000s to mid-$40,000s. Based on similar programs across the state, Craven's automotive program lands in the middle of this pack, with estimated earnings around $38,800—comparable to Davidson-Davie but trailing stronger performers like Guilford Tech and Central Piedmont by several thousand dollars. The estimated debt load of $11,425 tracks closely with what students typically borrow for automotive credentials statewide.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests a manageable financial picture: graduates would need roughly three and a half months of gross pay to cover their educational debt. For a technical credential that leads directly to employment, this represents a reasonable investment, particularly for students already living in eastern North Carolina where Craven serves. However, the earnings gap compared to top-performing programs in the state—sometimes exceeding $6,000 annually—is worth considering if relocation is feasible.

The practical takeaway: This program appears financially viable based on what peer schools achieve, but without actual graduate outcomes from Craven itself, you're making an informed guess rather than evaluating a proven track record. If your student is committed to staying in the New Bern area where shop networks and employer relationships matter, local connections may offset the earnings difference seen at larger urban programs.