Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park

This automotive program at Lincoln College of Technology delivers below-average outcomes that should give parents pause. With first-year earnings of $32,767, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($35,905) and especially the Illinois state median ($41,386) for similar programs. Among Illinois automotive programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning 75% of comparable in-state programs produce better-earning graduates.

The debt picture offers some relief, with $14,130 in median debt creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43. However, this debt level is still above both national and state medians for the field. The 18% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates to $38,597, but even this improved salary remains well below what peers at other Illinois schools achieve immediately after graduation.

The stark comparison with top Illinois programs is telling: Lincoln Land Community College graduates earn $48,308 in their first year—nearly $16,000 more than Lincoln College of Technology graduates. For a family considering automotive training in Illinois, this program represents a weaker investment compared to readily available alternatives that offer better earnings potential for similar or lower debt loads.