Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Frederick Community College

With just $9,500 in estimated debt, this automotive program appears far more affordable than its Maryland peers—comparable programs in the state typically saddle graduates with over $12,000 in debt. The estimated first-year earnings of $35,905 align with national norms for automotive certificates, putting graduates roughly on par with what the field typically delivers. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting these figures come from similar programs nationally rather than Frederick Community College's own graduate outcomes.

The earnings picture tells an important story about the automotive field itself. Even top-performing Maryland programs like Lincoln Tech and North American Trade Schools report first-year earnings in the low $30,000s—below Frederick's estimated figure. This suggests the field has a relatively compressed earnings range regardless of where you train, making the lower debt load here potentially more valuable than chasing marginally higher starting salaries elsewhere.

For parents weighing this investment, the key advantage appears to be cost containment rather than exceptional earning power. If your child is committed to automotive work, a lower-debt entry point matters more in a field where first-year wages cluster tightly. Just remember these are estimates based on peer programs—ask the school directly about their graduates' actual job placement and starting wages in the Frederick area market.