Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's auto tech certificate costs just $7,000—roughly half what competitors charge—but graduates earn less than the state median for this program. While first-year earnings of $37,317 beat the national average, they trail Indiana's $42,634 median by over $5,000, placing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. For context, Vincennes University's graduates start at $51,226, a $14,000 premium that raises questions about curriculum or industry connections.

The good news is the debt load makes this a low-risk option, with graduates owing less than 20% of their first-year salary. Earnings also climb 13% by year four, reaching $42,137—nearly matching what others in the state start at. That growth pattern suggests graduates either need time to build skills on the job or are initially underemployed.

For families on a tight budget, this program won't bury you in debt and leads to real employment. But if your child can access Vincennes or another stronger program for a manageable cost difference, that gap in starting salary is worth considering. The tradeoff here is clear: lowest financial risk in Indiana, but not the strongest launch pad for earnings.