Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates start above their state peers in automotive repair, landing in the 60th percentile among Kansas programs, but earnings slide 8% by year four—a pattern worth understanding before enrollment. That first-year salary of $36,954 beats both state and national medians, suggesting strong initial job placement. However, the decline to $34,007 by year four could reflect several realities: graduates may be hitting a ceiling in entry-level shop positions, some may be transitioning between employers, or the local automotive market may have limited advancement opportunities without additional certifications.

The financial barrier to entry is remarkably low. At just $4,849 in median debt, students graduate with less than half what Kansas peers typically carry and well under the national median of $11,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 means most graduates could clear their loans within months of working, making this one of the more accessible pathways into skilled trades. For families concerned about educational debt, this represents minimal financial risk.

The real question is whether starting wages justify potential earnings stagnation. If your student plans to pursue ASE certifications, open their own shop, or specialize in areas like diesel or high-performance vehicles, this certificate provides an affordable foundation. But if they expect steady salary growth from employment alone, the four-year numbers suggest they'll need to be strategic about their career trajectory after graduation.