Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lee College

Lee College's automotive certificate lands right at the state median—peer programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, which tracks closely with the $37,166 typical for this credential statewide. The estimated $9,500 in debt is notably lower than Texas's median of $13,560 for similar programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26. That's better than many technical certificates, where debt can quickly approach half a year's income.

The catch is clear when you look at top performers in the state: programs at Tarrant County College and several others produce earnings exceeding $43,000—some approaching $51,000. That's a $6,000 to $14,000 annual difference that compounds over time. Whether Lee College's outcomes cluster near the state average or lag behind stronger programs matters significantly, but without program-specific data, you're making this decision somewhat blind.

For a family weighing this investment, the lower debt estimate offers some cushion against uncertainty. Automotive technicians find steady work in industrial areas like Baytown, and the debt load won't trap your child in a difficult situation even if earnings start on the lower end. But if your child can access one of the higher-performing programs—particularly Tarrant County College or Amarillo College—the potential earnings boost could be worth exploring, especially since community colleges typically maintain affordable tuition regardless of location.