Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Hazard Community and Technical College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 makes this program look manageable on paper, but there's significant uncertainty here. Both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from national peer programs, not actual outcomes for Hazard graduates. What we can say is that automotive technology programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $43,000, while Kentucky programs tend to run slightly lower at $39,000. Where Hazard's graduates actually fall within that range depends on factors the data can't show us—local employer demand in Eastern Kentucky, internship partnerships, and how well the program prepares students for ASE certifications that drive wages.

The estimated debt of $11,425 sits comfortably between Kentucky's median ($9,625) and the national figure ($12,000), suggesting reasonable borrowing if accurate. What matters more is whether graduates can secure positions with dealerships or independent shops that pay closer to $42,000 than $39,000. In rural Kentucky, automotive technicians often face different opportunities than those near Louisville or Lexington, where the comparison schools operate.

For parents, the key question is whether your student has clear employer connections in the region. With 37% of students receiving Pell grants, Hazard serves a population where even modest debt matters. Before committing, get specifics from the program: placement rates, starting wages for recent graduates, and which local employers hire from this program. The estimates suggest reasonable value, but actual outcomes could vary significantly.