Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Lincoln Land Community College

The numbers for Lincoln Land's automotive program tell two different stories. Based on comparable Illinois programs, graduates can expect to earn around $51,000 in their first year—putting them right at the state median and well above the national benchmark of $43,000. With an estimated $11,425 in debt, that's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, which means graduates would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary. That's a manageable starting point for a skilled trade.

But here's where it gets murky: four years out, reported earnings drop to $33,000. That's a steep decline that runs counter to typical career progression in the trades, where experience usually means higher pay. It's unclear whether this reflects actual outcomes for Lincoln Land graduates or simply a data quirk from a small sample size. Similar programs in Illinois show graduates from Illinois Central College earning $58,000 and Parkland College matching that $51,000 mark, suggesting the field can support solid mid-career earnings.

For parents weighing this option, the estimated first-year picture looks reasonable—moderate debt for respectable starting pay in a field with steady demand. But that four-year earnings dip is a red flag you can't ignore. Before committing, talk to the school's career services office about actual placement rates and starting employers. The debt burden won't sink your child, but you need clearer evidence that graduates build on that initial salary rather than backslide.