Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Minnesota State College Southeast

Minnesota State College Southeast's automotive program sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, though we're working with estimates since the program's graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to publish directly. Based on comparable automotive programs in Minnesota, graduates are starting around $42,000 with roughly $11,700 in debt—a manageable 3.5-month payback period that compares favorably to most career training.

The wrinkle here is what happens after year one. Actual reported earnings drop to $38,568 by year four, which runs counter to the typical career trajectory and raises questions about whether graduates are staying in the field or facing wage stagnation. Meanwhile, top automotive programs at Minneapolis Community and Technical ($58,745) and St. Cloud Technical ($45,960) are producing significantly stronger outcomes, suggesting location or industry connections matter considerably in this field.

For a certificate that can be completed relatively quickly, the debt load is reasonable and well below what you'd see with a bachelor's degree. But your child would be entering at the middle of Minnesota's automotive training pack with uncertain earnings growth. If they're committed to this career path, the stronger-performing programs elsewhere in the state might justify the commute or relocation, particularly if those schools have better shop facilities or dealer partnerships that translate into higher-paying positions.