Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lewis and Clark Community College

Based on comparable automotive technology programs in Illinois, this associate's degree appears positioned to generate solid returns, with estimated first-year earnings around $51,000 against roughly $11,400 in debt—a manageable 0.22 ratio that suggests graduates could reasonably tackle their loans on a technician's salary. That earnings figure tracks with what other Illinois community colleges report for their auto tech graduates, placing it well above the $43,000 national median for this field.

The estimated debt load here runs slightly below both state and national averages for automotive programs, which matters when you're entering a trade where income depends heavily on certifications, shop location, and whether you specialize in areas like diesel or advanced diagnostics. Illinois auto techs at the higher-performing programs can crack $58,000 in their first year, suggesting room for growth as your child builds experience and credentials beyond the associate's degree.

The real question is whether this specific program delivers the hands-on training and industry connections that translate estimates into reality. With only 21% of students receiving Pell grants—unusually low for a community college—this campus may draw students with more financial resources, but that doesn't tell you whether the program's equipment, instructor expertise, and employer relationships match what's available at peer schools posting similar outcomes.