Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Emily Griffith Technical College

Emily Griffith Technical College's automotive program delivers first-year earnings of $40,358—ahead of three-quarters of similar programs nationally and competitive with Colorado's best automotive schools. That puts graduates roughly on par with Front Range Community College's outcomes and well above the national median of $35,905 for this credential. For a certificate program that typically takes less than a year, these earnings represent solid entry into a trade with consistent demand.

The estimated debt of $9,500—derived from similar programs at public two-year schools nationally—would consume just 24% of first-year income if this figure holds true for Emily Griffith graduates. That's manageable by any standard, particularly in a field where earnings typically grow as technicians gain certifications and specializations. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (7%) might suggest students are funding this shorter program through other means, keeping borrowing minimal.

The real question is whether this program specifically matches its peer schools' debt profiles. While Emily Griffith's earnings performance is documented and strong, the debt figure remains an educated guess. If actual borrowing here runs closer to the state median of $10,462, the math still works. Even at that level, you're looking at debt repayment that shouldn't interfere with building a career in a field where experienced technicians can command significantly higher wages.