Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lakes Region Community College

A debt load around $9,500 for an automotive certificate positions graduates reasonably well, with comparable programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings near $36,000. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're looking at roughly three months of gross income to cover the total debt—manageable for a skilled trade that doesn't require a four-year degree. The real question is whether Lakes Region's specific program connects students to New Hampshire's automotive market as effectively as the handful of other technical programs in the state.

The challenge with this program is that we're working entirely from national patterns rather than actual outcomes from Lakes Region graduates. Automotive technology programs vary widely in their industry connections, equipment quality, and certification preparation. Some route students directly into dealership positions with strong earning potential; others leave graduates scrambling for entry-level oil change work. The estimated $36,000 reflects what's typical nationally, but New Hampshire's cost of living and wage structure could push that figure higher or lower depending on whether graduates stay local or relocate.

For an anxious parent, the debt figure is reassuring—you're not gambling with massive loans. But before committing, get specifics from the program: Which ASE certifications do students typically earn? What's the job placement rate? Where do graduates actually work, and what do they earn in year one? The numbers suggest a reasonable investment, but only if the program delivers the hands-on training and industry access that turn a certificate into actual employment.