Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Lone Star College System

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,506

Est. from TX median (15 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$10,387

Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Analysis

Similar automotive technology programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $38,500—nearly $4,400 below the national median for this credential. That gap matters when you're weighing whether an associate's degree is the right path into the automotive trades. While the estimated $10,400 debt load is manageable (representing about three months of gross earnings), several Texas community colleges report their graduates earning substantially more: Tarrant County College's automotive graduates start at $50,500, and even Austin Community College places graduates above $41,000.

The challenge here is that all figures are estimated from peer programs rather than actual outcomes from Lone Star's automotive program specifically. This makes it difficult to assess whether this campus has industry partnerships, curriculum strengths, or placement networks that might produce better results than the state median suggests. The automotive field rewards specialized skills and certifications—ASE credentials, manufacturer training, or expertise in emerging vehicle technologies can significantly impact starting salaries.

Given the uncertainty and the availability of comparable programs in Texas with stronger reported outcomes, parents should investigate what distinguishes Lone Star's program before committing. Does it offer manufacturer-specific training? What's the job placement rate? If those answers aren't compelling, the clearer track record at Tarrant County College or Austin Community College might justify the extra consideration.

Where Lone Star College System Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (44 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands	$3,090	$38,506*	—	$10,387*	—
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth	$1,728	$50,531*	$63,252	$14,503*	0.29
Hallmark UniversitySan Antonio	—	$47,446*	$53,136	$23,287*	0.49
Amarillo CollegeAmarillo	$2,136	$45,594*	$43,890	—*	—
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand PrairieGrand Prairie	—	$42,896*	$46,964	$12,000*	0.28
Austin Community College DistrictAustin	$2,550	$41,194*	$40,855	$10,230*	0.25
National Median	—	$42,896*	—	$12,000*	0.28

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lone Star College System, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 15 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.