Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at IYRS School of Technology & Trades

IYRS graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $45,663—well above both the national median ($35,905) and Rhode Island's state median ($39,870) for automotive programs. With just $9,500 in debt, students face minimal financial risk, putting this program in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, there's only one other automotive program in Rhode Island to compare against, and with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could shift significantly year to year.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: by year four, median pay drops to $39,523, a 13% decline. This is unusual for trades programs, which typically see steady wage growth as workers gain experience and certifications. It could reflect graduates moving between shops, relocating to lower cost-of-living areas, or the specific career paths this small cohort pursued.

For parents, the low debt makes this a low-risk bet—your child could pay off $9,500 relatively quickly even at the lower year-four earnings. But the earnings drop warrants a conversation with the school about typical career paths and whether graduates tend to stay in Newport's higher-cost market or move elsewhere. The strong starting salary suggests IYRS provides solid training, but the small sample size means you're looking at a snapshot, not a guaranteed outcome.