Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Imperial Valley College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,836

Est. from CA median (6 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,425

Est. from national median (65 programs)

Analysis

Imperial Valley's automotive program carries an estimated $11,425 in debt—well below both the state median of $18,788 and the national benchmark of $12,000 for associate's degrees in this field. With half the student body receiving Pell grants, this relatively modest debt burden matters considerably for families without deep financial reserves.

The earnings picture is less encouraging. Based on comparable automotive programs across California, graduates typically start around $39,836—nearly $3,000 below the national median of $42,896 for this credential. This regional gap likely reflects Imperial County's smaller automotive service market compared to major California metros. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests manageable repayment, but that calculation assumes graduates stay in the area where these earnings estimates apply.

The practical question is whether local job opportunities justify the investment. While some California programs produce graduates earning $64,000+ at specialized trade schools, those outcomes come with different (often higher) debt loads and may not reflect what's achievable for Imperial Valley graduates staying in the region. For students planning to work locally and who value lower debt over maximum earnings potential, this program offers a reasonable trade-off. Those with mobility and higher earning ambitions should compare outcomes at other California community colleges or specialized trade schools before committing.

Where Imperial Valley College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in California (83 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Imperial Valley CollegeImperial	$1,126	$39,836*	—	$11,425*	—
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia	—	$64,326*	$63,194	$20,188*	0.31
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education CenterFresno	—	$64,326*	$63,194	$20,188*	0.31
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California IncSacramento	—	$40,213*	—	$17,368*	0.43
Universal Technical Institute of California IncRancho Cucamonga	—	$39,458*	$47,748	$17,389*	0.44
Universal Technical Institute-Southern CaliforniaLong Beach	—	$39,458*	$47,748	$17,389*	0.44
National Median	—	$42,896*	—	$12,000*	0.28

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Imperial Valley College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.