Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Highland Community College

Looking at auto technology programs across Kansas, similar associate degrees produce first-year earnings around $49,000—notably higher than the national figure of roughly $43,000 this program estimates based on peer institutions. That $6,000 gap matters when you're trying to pay down debt and launch a career. The state's top program at Wichita State's applied tech campus reports graduates earning $56,000, suggesting Kansas employers do pay competitively for skilled technicians.

The estimated debt load of $11,425 is manageable regardless—it sits below both state and national medians for this credential. With a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.27 based on comparable programs, monthly payments should consume a reasonable slice of take-home pay. Auto repair offers relatively stable work with clear advancement paths as technicians gain certifications and specializations.

The practical concern is whether Highland's program connects students to the higher-earning outcomes typical of Kansas shops, or whether graduates land closer to the national baseline. For a field where hands-on training quality and employer relationships drive outcomes, you'll want to visit the campus, talk to instructors about job placement, and ask which local dealerships and shops hire their graduates. The debt won't sink your child, but knowing where graduates actually land jobs will tell you if this program opens doors to Kansas's better-paying opportunities.