Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Highland Community College

Similar automotive technology programs in Illinois suggest this could be a solid pathway to middle-class work. Based on three comparable programs statewide, first-year earnings around $51,000 exceed both the $43,000 national median and the $48,000 national 75th percentile for this credential. The estimated $11,425 debt burden sits below typical levels for automotive associate degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.22—meaning graduates would owe roughly two months of their first-year salary.

The Illinois automotive repair market appears stronger than the national average, which matters for graduates likely to start their careers locally. Top performers in the state like Illinois Central College report nearly $58,000 in first-year earnings, suggesting room for variation based on employer connections and specialization. With 30% of Highland students receiving Pell grants, the relatively modest debt estimate is particularly important—automotive technology can offer economic mobility without crushing loan burdens.

The main caveat: these figures come from peer programs, not Highland's actual graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about this specific program's outcomes. Still, the fundamental math—manageable debt for a skilled trade with consistent demand—makes this a reasonable vocational path if your student has mechanical aptitude and prefers hands-on work to a traditional four-year degree.