Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Erie Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,905

Est. from NY median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,500

Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

Is Erie Community College's automotive program worth $9,500 in debt when similar programs in New York produce first-year earnings around $36,000? The math works—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests manageable repayment—but what's striking is how much variation exists across New York's automotive certificate programs. Top performers like Mohawk Valley Community College show graduates earning nearly $56,000, while others cluster in the low $30,000s. Erie's estimated outcomes land right at the state median, making this a middle-of-the-pack option.

The relatively modest debt estimate (based on similar community college programs nationally) offers some cushion. Even at $36,000 annually, graduates should be able to handle monthly loan payments without financial strain. That said, with 21 automotive programs across New York, parents should understand why some produce 55% higher earnings than others—differences in training equipment, industry connections, or regional job markets likely play a role.

The practical question: if your child can access one of the stronger-performing programs in New York, the earnings bump might justify the effort. If Erie is the most convenient option and keeps debt in this range, the fundamentals still work for entry into a field with consistent demand. Just recognize you're looking at typical outcomes for automotive certificates in New York, not proven results specific to Erie's program.

Where Erie Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (21 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Erie Community CollegeBuffalo	$6,100	$35,905*	—	$9,500*	—
Mohawk Valley Community CollegeUtica	$6,114	$55,746*	$54,305	$8,250*	0.15
Western Suffolk BOCESNorthport	—	$43,952*	$58,260	$16,717*	0.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-WhitestoneWhitestone	—	$35,905*	$42,123	$13,560*	0.38
New York Automotive and Diesel InstituteJamaica	—	$32,073*	$41,199	$15,723*	0.49
Apex Technical SchoolLong Island City	—	$30,036*	$32,889	$9,500*	0.32
National Median	—	$35,905*	—	$11,000*	0.31

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Erie Community College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.