Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Middlesex Community College

The numbers here tell a straightforward story about an auto tech program that appears solidly positioned. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates typically start around $43,000—right at the national median and actually above what similar programs in Massachusetts generally produce ($39,817). With estimated debt of $11,425, borrowers would be looking at monthly payments around $130 on a standard 10-year plan, manageable on a $43,000 salary even with Massachusetts's high cost of living.

The auto repair field offers something many degree programs don't: immediate earning potential in a trade where skilled technicians remain in demand. Similar programs across the country show consistent outcomes, suggesting this career path doesn't rely on landing the "right" job or having the "right" connections. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 indicates that for every dollar earned in the first year, graduates owe about 27 cents—well within the safe borrowing zone.

The real question is whether your child has the aptitude and interest for mechanical work. These estimated figures suggest the financial fundamentals work, but they assume completion and employment in the field. If they're genuinely interested in automotive technology and willing to get their hands dirty, this looks like a practical investment with predictable returns and relatively low financial risk.