Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Metropolitan Community College Area

Metropolitan Community College's automotive program produces first-year earnings of $52,060—significantly outpacing the national median of $35,905 for similar certificates. While the debt figure of $9,500 is an estimate drawn from comparable community college programs nationwide rather than this school's actual graduates, the fundamentals here look solid. That estimated debt would represent just 18% of first-year earnings, well below the 1:1 ratio that signals trouble.

The earnings performance is particularly impressive nationally, landing at the 95th percentile compared to other automotive certificate programs across the country. That $52,060 figure also matches the state median for Nebraska automotive programs, suggesting this is representative of what skilled technicians can command in the Omaha area. The relatively low estimated debt—about $2,500 less than the national median—combined with strong local earning potential creates a favorable entry point into a field with persistent workforce demand.

For parents weighing this option, the estimated numbers point toward a practical investment: modest debt paired with earnings that should allow rapid payoff. The key uncertainty is whether this specific program's actual debt aligns with the national estimate, something worth confirming directly with the financial aid office. But based on what similar programs typically produce, this appears to be a low-risk pathway to solid middle-income employment.