Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at James Sprunt Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
jamessprunt.eduAnalysis
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 yearβputting 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,592 | $39,326* | β | $10,840* | β | |
| $16,657 | $47,951* | $42,703 | $31,263* | 0.65 | |
| $2,319 | $42,264* | $48,241 | $10,702* | 0.25 | |
| β | $41,147* | $47,215 | $14,243* | 0.35 | |
| $1,978 | $39,326* | β | $15,750* | 0.40 | |
| $2,882 | $37,714* | β | β* | β | |
| National Median | β | $35,905* | β | $11,000* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Motorcycle Mechanics
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.