Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

First-year earnings of $36,087 place this program well below what automotive tech graduates typically earn elsewhere—both nationally ($42,896 median) and within Kentucky ($39,156 median). At the 16th percentile nationally, this means 84% of comparable automotive programs produce higher starting salaries. Even within Kentucky's competitive market, where Jefferson Community and Technical College graduates start at $42,224, Elizabethtown's outcomes lag by about $6,000 annually.

The estimated debt figure of $11,425—derived from similar community college programs nationally—suggests a reasonable borrowing level for a two-year technical credential. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first-year salary. However, this calculation assumes debt comparable to peer institutions; if actual borrowing runs higher, the picture worsens quickly given the below-average earnings.

The core issue here isn't affordability—it's earning potential. At $36,000 annually, graduates face a tougher financial reality than their counterparts at other Kentucky automotive programs. Before committing, compare job placement rates and industry partnerships across schools. The salary difference between programs isn't trivial when you're starting a career in a hands-on field where early earnings matter significantly.