Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Johnson County Community College

Similar programs across the country suggest first-year earnings around $43,000 for this associate's degree, but that figure falls notably short of what Kansas automotive technicians typically earn. Other programs in the state report median earnings near $49,000, with Wichita State's applied sciences campus placing graduates above $56,000. This gap matters because Kansas automotive repair jobs generally pay better than the national average—yet these estimated outcomes reflect the broader national picture rather than Kansas-specific advantages.

The estimated debt load of $11,425 keeps the financial risk manageable, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggesting monthly payments well within reach of typical starting salaries. That's a reasonable financing picture for hands-on technical training. However, the lack of actual reported outcomes for this program means you're working with broader averages that may not reflect Johnson County Community College's specific employer connections, equipment quality, or student placement rates—all factors that significantly impact automotive technician careers.

Your best move is requesting concrete placement data directly from the program: where do their graduates actually work, what do local shops pay entry-level technicians, and how many students complete the program versus transfer or drop out? Kansas has strong demand for skilled technicians, but the difference between a $43,000 outcome and a $56,000 one represents real money over a career. Make sure this particular program delivers results closer to Kansas norms than national ones.