Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Idaho State University

Idaho State University's automotive program launches graduates into strong initial earnings at $52,132—well above both the national median ($42,896) and Idaho's average ($45,404) for this field. That's excellent. However, earnings slip to $49,756 by year four, a concerning 5% decline when most career trajectories show growth. While this still ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally, it sits in the middle of Idaho's offerings (60th percentile), trailing Lewis-Clark State College's graduates by several thousand dollars.

The debt load of $14,572 is manageable with a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates can expect to earn nearly four times their debt in that initial year. That's a solid foundation for financial stability. The higher debt compared to other Idaho schools (which average $10,875) is offset by those stronger starting salaries, though the earnings plateau dampens that advantage over time.

For families comfortable with students peaking early in their automotive careers, this program delivers immediate earning power and reasonable debt. But if you're expecting steady career advancement, the flat trajectory suggests graduates may need additional certifications or specialization down the road to keep earnings growing. The program works best for students focused on getting established quickly in Idaho's automotive market.