Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Kilgore College

Similar automotive programs across Texas suggest a modest but manageable financial picture for this associate degree. With estimated first-year earnings around $38,500 and debt near $10,400, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—meaning roughly three months of gross income to cover what they borrowed. That's considerably lower than the state median debt of $17,360 for comparable community college programs, though the earnings track below what some Texas peers achieve. Tarrant County College District and Hallmark University graduates earn $12,000-$47,000 more annually in their first year, raising questions about whether Kilgore's program offers the same industry connections or certification pathways.

The real uncertainty here is whether these state-wide estimates reflect what actually happens to Kilgore graduates specifically. The national median for automotive associate degrees is $42,900—about $4,400 higher than the Texas average this estimate draws from. If Kilgore's outcomes align closer to that national figure, the value proposition improves. If they track lower, graduates might struggle in a field where experienced technicians can earn substantially more but entry-level positions often start modestly. The low debt figure provides a safety net, making this less risky than programs where students borrow $15,000-$20,000 for similar credentials. For families weighing this option, the key question is whether Kilgore specifically places graduates into dealerships, fleet operations, or specialty shops that pay above the state median—information worth requesting directly from the program.