Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Hocking College

Based on comparable programs in Ohio, this automotive technology degree appears to offer a manageable debt load relative to earning potential. The estimated $11,425 in debt falls below both the state median ($16,166) and national median ($12,000) for similar programs, while first-year earnings align with Ohio's typical outcomes for the field. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests graduates could realistically handle their loan payments—roughly equivalent to a quarter of their first year's salary.

The field itself shows consistent but modest earning potential. Top automotive programs in Ohio produce first-year earnings ranging from $35,000 to $46,000, and Hocking's peer-based estimate of $42,338 sits squarely in the middle of this range. For students pursuing automotive careers, these figures reflect the practical reality: steady work with reasonable starting pay, but not the rapid salary growth you'd see in other technical fields. With 46% of Hocking students receiving Pell grants, the relatively low debt burden matters even more for families watching every dollar.

The takeaway: If your child is genuinely interested in automotive work, peer programs suggest this represents a solid vocational path without crushing debt. The uncertainty here stems from limited graduate data rather than program quality concerns. What matters more is whether the specific training—diesel, collision repair, diagnostics—matches local employer demand in your area.