Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College

Earning around $41,600 in the first year after completing this program puts graduates slightly below what's typical for automotive technician programs in Kansas, where the median sits closer to $49,000. With an estimated $11,425 in debt based on typical borrowing at similar technical colleges, the financial burden is manageable—representing about three months of first-year income.

The stagnant earnings picture raises questions, though. While first-year wages are reasonable for entry-level technician work, the lack of growth to year four (actually a slight decline to $40,826) suggests graduates may not be advancing into diagnostic or specialty roles that command higher pay. Other Kansas programs, particularly at Wichita State's applied technology campus, produce graduates earning $56,000+ annually, indicating that program quality and employer connections vary significantly across the state.

For families considering this path, the modest debt load works in your favor—automotive careers don't require crushing student loans to launch. However, the below-average outcomes compared to peer Kansas programs suggest investigating why: Is the job market in northwestern Kansas limiting opportunities? Are graduates staying local rather than moving to better-paying markets? The program gets students working quickly without heavy debt, but you'll want to understand whether $40,000 annually meets your expectations for a skilled trade career, particularly when better outcomes appear achievable at other Kansas technical programs.