Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin's technical colleges produce a wide range of outcomes in automotive programs, and Mid-State sits squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates here are looking at around $37,200 in first-year earnings—roughly on par with the national median for vehicle maintenance certificates. That's decent money for immediate employment after a short program, though it's notably less than what Fox Valley ($45,675) or Gateway ($43,965) graduates are earning at similar schools across the state.

The estimated debt of $8,700 is reasonable for a technical certificate, working out to about three months of earnings. Peer programs in Wisconsin typically carry similar debt loads, which is actually below the national median of $11,000 for automotive certificates. The path to breaking even is clear and relatively quick, assuming the earnings estimates hold true for Mid-State's specific program.

The practical question is whether this program matches what top Wisconsin automotive programs deliver. Those $8,000 earnings gaps between Mid-State and the top-performing schools add up quickly—that's real money when you're starting a career. Before committing, get specific about Mid-State's employer connections and job placement rates, and consider whether the location limits access to higher-paying opportunities that graduates at other Wisconsin tech colleges seem to be finding.