Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College graduates earn $45,675 right out of the gate—nearly $10,000 more than the typical Wisconsin automotive program and crushing the national median by over $9,700. That 95th percentile national ranking isn't a typo. While this program sits at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin (where technical college automotive programs are unusually strong), it's still among the state's top five earners, trailing only Gateway Technical College. By year four, graduates see their income grow to $53,391, a solid 17% bump that suggests decent career momentum in the trades.

The $8,250 in median debt keeps this accessible, though it's worth noting that students here carry less debt than the Wisconsin average for automotive programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income—one of the better financial pictures you'll see in vocational education.

For families weighing the cost of a four-year degree against immediate earning potential, Fox Valley delivers. Your child would enter the workforce quickly with minimal debt and strong earnings that grow over time. The technical college system in Wisconsin is competitive for automotive training, and Fox Valley holds its own among the best.