Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's automotive program graduates earn about $38,670 in their first year—roughly $4,000 below both the national and Indiana median for similar programs. Among Indiana's three automotive programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile, trailing Vincennes University's $51,465 significantly. However, the debt picture tells a more favorable story: at $8,000, graduates leave with one-third less debt than the typical automotive program nationally.

That low debt makes the economics workable despite the below-average earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of full-time work. Earnings do grow to $43,171 by year four—a 12% increase—though this still lags the state median. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests reasonably stable outcomes.

For families prioritizing minimal debt and local job placement, this program delivers on affordability. But if your child has the option to attend Vincennes University instead, that program's $13,000 higher starting salary would more than offset any tuition difference. Ivy Tech works best for students who need to stay in Indianapolis or who are balancing work and school—the low debt provides flexibility even if the earnings potential is modest compared to other Indiana options.