Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Evergreen Valley College

At an estimated $11,425 in debt, this automotive program's financing picture looks manageable compared to other California options, where median debt runs closer to $19,000. The first-year earnings estimate of roughly $40,000—drawn from six comparable California programs—sits right at the state median but trails the national figure by about $3,000. That gap matters in San Jose's expensive market, where even modest housing costs can strain an entry-level automotive technician's budget.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests graduates from similar programs typically manage repayment within reasonable timelines, though the surrounding economic reality deserves attention. Some private technical institutes in California report graduates earning $64,000+ in their first year, nearly 60% more than what peer community college programs produce. Whether that premium justifies significantly higher tuition depends on your child's financial aid eligibility and career timeline—faster earnings growth could close the gap, or it might not.

For families weighing this program, the key uncertainty is whether Evergreen Valley's specific outcomes match these peer-program estimates. The relatively low debt burden provides some cushion if earnings disappoint, but San Jose's cost of living leaves little room for a sub-$40,000 salary. Contact the college's career services office for graduate employment specifics—actual placement rates and local employer connections matter more than statewide estimates in deciding whether this particular program delivers value.