Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Franklin Technology Center Adult Education

Missouri automotive programs show wide variation in first-year outcomes, from around $29,000 to over $38,000. Franklin Technology Center's certificate falls in the middle of this range—peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $35,500, which aligns with both state and national medians for this field. That's modest income for someone starting their career, but it's also enough to manage the estimated $9,500 in debt relatively quickly.

The debt figure here is notably lower than Missouri's median for automotive programs ($13,200) and sits below the national median as well. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, Franklin appears to be serving working families who need affordable credentials. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 means borrowers would dedicate roughly three months of first-year income to repaying loans—manageable by most standards.

The practical question is whether your child can achieve earnings toward the higher end of Missouri's range. The top programs push closer to $38,000-$39,000, which could justify the investment even more. But even at the median outcome suggested by comparable programs, the debt load here won't be crushing. If your child is mechanically inclined and willing to pursue ASE certifications and continuous training, this kind of program can lead to stable middle-income work without the debt burden of a four-year degree.