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

This automotive program at Lincoln College of Technology delivers solid, middle-of-the-pack results that position graduates for stable entry into the trades. While the first-year median earnings of $32,767 fall about $3,000 below the national average for similar programs, graduates actually outperform the Maryland state median by nearly $900—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's six automotive programs.

The debt picture is notably favorable. At $14,130, students borrow slightly more than the national median but stay well below problematic levels, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.43. More importantly, graduates see meaningful wage growth, with earnings jumping 18% to $38,597 by year four—bringing them much closer to national benchmarks. The low debt percentile (26th nationally) indicates this program keeps borrowing reasonable compared to peers nationwide.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers tell a practical story: your child will likely find work quickly in a stable field, carry manageable debt, and see steady income growth. While this won't make anyone wealthy, it's a reliable path to middle-class earnings without the crushing debt loads seen in other programs. Given Maryland's higher cost of living, the ability to outperform state peers while maintaining low debt makes this a reasonable choice for students committed to automotive careers.