Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,326
Est. from NC median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$10,840
Est. from NC median (3 programs)

Analysis

Vehicle maintenance programs in North Carolina typically lead to solid first-year employment outcomes, and James Sprunt's estimated figures align with that trend. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates here likely earn around $39,300 in their first yearβ€”putting this program right at the state median and above the $35,900 national benchmark. The estimated debt load of $10,800 is notably lower than North Carolina's median of $14,200 for similar programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 that suggests students can manage their loans on an entry-level automotive technician's salary.

What makes this estimate useful is how it reflects the broader reality of automotive tech training in North Carolina. The state's top-performing programs with reported data show first-year earnings ranging from $37,700 to nearly $48,000, with most clustering in the $39,000-$42,000 range. James Sprunt's position at the state median means students are likely entering a competitive job market at par with peers from other community colleges, though specialized programs like NASCAR Technical Institute show there's upside potential for those who pursue niche certifications.

For families evaluating this investment, the math is straightforward: if the estimates hold, your child would finish with manageable debt that represents less than four months of gross earnings. The 38% Pell grant population suggests the program serves students who need affordable pathways to employment, and the automotive service industry consistently needs trained technicians. Just recognize you're working with educated guesses based on peer programs, not this school's specific track record.

Where James Sprunt Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (46 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
James Sprunt Community CollegeKenansville$2,592$39,326*β€”$10,840*β€”
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-CharlotteCharlotte$16,657$47,951*$42,703$31,263*0.65
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$2,319$42,264*$48,241$10,702*0.25
NASCAR Technical InstituteMooresvilleβ€”$41,147*$47,215$14,243*0.35
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville$1,978$39,326*β€”$15,750*0.40
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville$2,882$37,714*β€”β€”*β€”
National Medianβ€”$35,905*β€”$11,000*0.31
* 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 James Sprunt Community College, approximately 38% 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 7 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.