Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Edison State Community College

Based on comparable programs in Ohio, Edison State's automotive technology degree appears positioned right at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $42,300. What makes this particularly relevant: the estimated debt load of $11,425 is substantially lower than Ohio's typical $16,166 for this field. That difference—nearly $5,000 less borrowed—matters more than you might think when starting a career that typically demands tool purchases and certifications beyond the degree itself.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests graduates from similar programs could manage their loans comfortably, paying roughly three months' salary total rather than facing years of financial strain. Ohio's automotive programs show a tight earnings range (Cuyahoga leads at $46,249, but even the lower performers are in the mid-$30s), which means the credential itself matters more than which specific school you choose. Edison State's lower estimated debt could make it a smarter financial choice than higher-cost competitors offering similar earning potential.

The caveat: these figures come from peer programs since Edison State's graduate cohort was too small to report separately. Still, the automotive field is fairly standardized—ASE certifications and dealer training matter as much as your associate degree—so outcomes across Ohio schools tend to cluster. For families focused on minimizing debt while entering a stable trade, Edison State's estimated profile suggests a practical path, assuming your student is committed to the hands-on nature of the work and the ongoing learning this career demands.