Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Eastern Iowa Community College District

Based on comparable automotive programs in Iowa, this associate's degree appears positioned to deliver solid returns. The estimated first-year earnings of $47,882 represent the state median for automotive programs, and with estimated debt around $11,326, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24—meaning roughly three months of gross income to pay off loans. That's a reasonable financial foundation for entering a skilled trade.

Iowa's automotive programs cluster tightly together in outcomes, with the top performers earning $52,000-plus in the first year compared to this program's estimated $47,882. While Eastern Iowa Community College District sits at the state median rather than leading the pack, the difference amounts to perhaps $4,000-$5,000 annually. More importantly, similar programs across Iowa consistently exceed the national median of $42,896, suggesting the state's job market favors automotive technicians. The modest Pell grant rate of 22% indicates this program draws fewer low-income students than typical community college programs, though that doesn't directly speak to quality.

The key limitation here is that all figures are estimates—the school's actual graduate sample was too small to publish specific outcomes. For a hands-on technical program where job placement and local employer relationships matter enormously, you'll want to ask the school directly about graduate employment rates, average starting wages with specific employers, and whether their training aligns with current dealership and shop demands in the Quad Cities area.