Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Gateway Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Gateway Technical College's automotive program graduates earn nearly $44,000 in their first year—substantially more than the national median of $35,905 and placing them in the 89th percentile nationally. However, within Wisconsin's competitive technical college landscape, the picture is more nuanced. Gateway trails Fox Valley Technical College by about $1,700 annually, though it still performs solidly in the middle of the state pack. The debt load of $9,333 is quite manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross earnings.
For parents, the math here works clearly in your favor. Your child would enter the workforce earning roughly $22,000 more annually than the typical automotive certificate holder nationally, while carrying less than $10,000 in debt. That's exceptional leverage. The program demonstrates particular strength when compared to most of the country, even if it's not the absolute top performer in Wisconsin. Fox Valley does edge it out, but Gateway's lower debt and strong outcomes make it a solid choice, especially if location or other factors favor Kenosha.
The combination of low debt and above-average earnings creates minimal financial risk. Automotive technicians face steady demand, and starting near $44,000 with minimal debt positions graduates well for financial stability early in their careers.
Where Gateway Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Gateway Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Gateway Technical College graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Technical College | $43,965 | — | $9,333 | 0.21 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $45,675 | $53,391 | $8,250 | 0.18 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $38,091 | $38,463 | $9,500 | 0.25 |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | $37,745 | — | — | — |
| Lakeshore Technical College | $37,431 | — | — | — |
| Madison Area Technical College | $37,001 | $32,368 | $9,500 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Valley Technical College Appleton | $4,916 | $45,675 | $8,250 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire | $4,724 | $38,091 | $9,500 |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore | $4,796 | $37,745 | — |
| Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland | $4,649 | $37,431 | — |
| Madison Area Technical College Madison | $4,780 | $37,001 | $9,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Gateway Technical College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.