Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Johnson College

Johnson College's auto tech program stands out in Pennsylvania despite lackluster national rankings. While it places in just the 28th percentile nationally, it beats 60% of Pennsylvania programs—performing above the state median of $37,509 and delivering stronger four-year earnings than most in-state competitors. This matters because students choosing this program are likely comparing it to other Pennsylvania schools, where it genuinely holds its own.

The debt picture is manageable at $12,000, translating to a comfortable 0.31 ratio against first-year earnings. More importantly, graduates see meaningful income growth: starting at $38,507 and climbing 35% to nearly $52,000 by year four. That four-year mark puts them within striking distance of the state's top performers like Pennsylvania College of Technology, despite the weak initial showing.

The real question is whether starting below the national median matters if you end up middle-of-the-pack in Pennsylvania by year four. For families prioritizing stable trades careers in the Scranton area, this program delivers predictable outcomes without crushing debt. Just understand you're choosing regional competitiveness over national standing—perfectly reasonable for automotive work, which remains fundamentally local employment.