Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

Lincoln Tech's automotive program delivers a modest outcome at an elevated cost. Graduates earn $37,089 initially—about $6,000 below the national median for auto tech programs—though that debt load of $19,016 runs 58% higher than what students at other programs typically carry. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 means graduates face just over half a year's salary in loans, manageable but not ideal when you're starting near the bottom quarter nationally for this field.

Maryland context offers a slightly different picture: this program actually sits at the 60th percentile among the state's six automotive programs, meaning it's middle-of-the-pack locally even while underperforming nationally. That's more a reflection of Maryland's generally weaker automotive training landscape than a strength of this particular program. The positive: earnings do tick upward to $39,110 by year four, and that 5% growth matches broader national trends for the field. With half the student body receiving Pell grants, this serves a working-class population aiming for stable trades work.

For families comfortable with $19,000 in debt for a $37,000 starting salary in a hands-on trade, this program provides reliable entry into automotive work. Just know that stronger earnings outcomes exist at other schools nationally—if location flexibility allows, exploring alternatives could mean better financial positioning from day one.