Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Moraine Park Technical College

Wisconsin's automotive technology programs typically produce stronger outcomes than the national average, with median first-year earnings of $46,622 compared to the $42,896 figure suggested by national peer programs. Moraine Park's estimated outcomes fall slightly below the state median but remain solid for a two-year technical credential—a debt load around $11,425 paired with earnings in the low-to-mid $40,000s creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning less than three months of gross pay to cover the total borrowed.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Fox Valley Tech reports nearly $48,000 in actual first-year earnings for their automotive graduates, while Gateway Tech shows $45,246—both figures from real data rather than estimates. Without Moraine Park's specific outcomes, you're making a significant financial decision based on what comparable programs achieve elsewhere. The fundamentals suggest this should work—automotive technicians are in demand, and technical colleges in Wisconsin have strong employer connections—but you can't confirm whether Moraine Park delivers results closer to Fox Valley's strong performance or trails the pack.

Before committing, contact Moraine Park's automotive department directly and ask what their recent graduates are earning and where they're landing jobs. If they're placing students into dealerships or specialized shops at wages competitive with Fox Valley and Gateway, the estimated $11,425 in debt represents a reasonable investment. If they can't provide clear placement data, that's a red flag worth taking seriously.