Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Gogebic Community College

Michigan's automotive repair programs typically produce first-year earnings around $46,000, and Gogebic's estimated outcomes align with this state median—putting graduates slightly ahead of the $43,000 national benchmark for this field. While these figures are drawn from peer institutions rather than Gogebic's own reported data, they suggest the program should lead to immediate employment in a trade where hands-on training matters more than institutional prestige.

The estimated debt load of $11,400 works strongly in this program's favor. That's below both the national median ($12,000) and well under Michigan's typical $16,700 for automotive programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, graduates would need to allocate roughly a quarter of their first year's income to pay off loans—manageable for someone entering a skilled trade with steady demand. The 35% Pell grant rate indicates Gogebic serves students who need affordable pathways to career training, and the modest debt figures support that mission.

The practical reality: automotive technicians in Michigan's Upper Peninsula may face different job markets than those in Detroit or Grand Rapids, but the earnings estimates suggest viable starting wages. Without school-specific data, you're making a calculated bet that Gogebic's outcomes mirror state averages. If your student wants to work close to Ironwood or values small-class training environments, the low debt makes this a defensible choice—just recognize you're relying on broader industry patterns rather than verified outcomes from this particular campus.