Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Morgan Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$40,871

Est. from CO median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,425

Est. from national median (65 programs)

Analysis

Morgan Community College's automotive program appears to occupy the lower tier of Colorado's vehicle maintenance programs. While similar associate's programs in Colorado suggest first-year earnings around $40,871, top performers in the state like Community College of Aurora and Spartan College launch graduates into the mid-$50,000s—roughly $15,000 more annually. That gap compounds significantly over time and may reflect differences in curriculum focus, industry connections, or the types of technician roles graduates land.

The estimated debt load of $11,425 is manageable at face value, yielding a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28. However, this figure comes from national peer programs rather than Morgan's actual graduates, and Colorado automotive programs show considerable variation—some carry debt exceeding $17,000. The real question isn't whether the debt is affordable, but whether this particular program positions students competitively in Colorado's automotive job market when other in-state options demonstrate stronger earning potential.

For parents, the core issue is opportunity cost. If your child can access programs like Aims Community College or Community College of Aurora—both community colleges with reported earnings 16-41% higher—those alternatives warrant serious consideration. The automotive field pays well for skilled technicians, but program choice appears to matter significantly in Colorado's market.

Where Morgan Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Morgan Community CollegeFort Morgan	$4,127	$40,871*	—	$11,425*	—
Community College of AuroraAurora	$4,030	$57,677*	—	—*	—
Spartan College of Aeronautics and TechnologyBroomfield	$17,406	$55,219*	$55,952	$17,428*	0.32
Aims Community CollegeGreeley	$2,090	$47,529*	$40,818	—*	—
Lincoln College of Technology-DenverDenver	—	$42,896*	$46,964	$12,000*	0.28
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton	$4,308	$38,845*	$66,773	—*	—
National Median	—	$42,896*	—	$12,000*	0.28

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Morgan Community College, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.