Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,147
79th percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$14,243
29% above national median

Analysis

NASCAR Technical Institute's vehicle maintenance program delivers strong earning potential that justifies its premium positioning. At $41,147 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 15% more than the national average for similar programs and rank in the 79th percentile nationally. While earnings place in the 60th percentile within North Carolina, this still positions graduates well above the state median of $39,326.

The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $14,243, student debt sits in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of similar programs saddle students with more debt), creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35. This means graduates can reasonably expect to earn back their investment in under five months of work. The 15% earnings growth to $47,215 by year four demonstrates solid career progression in this field.

For an anxious parent, the numbers tell a reassuring story: NASCAR Tech graduates enter a stable field with immediately viable earnings and manageable debt. While not the absolute top performer in North Carolina, the program's national ranking and low debt burden make it a solid investment, especially for students drawn to automotive technology careers.

Where NASCAR Technical Institute Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How NASCAR Technical Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
NASCAR Technical Institute$41,147$47,215+15%
Ferris State University$68,791$80,314+17%
Rock Valley College$41,625$69,285+66%
Guilford Technical Community College$42,264$48,241+14%
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte$47,951$42,703-11%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (46 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
NASCAR Technical InstituteMooresvilleโ€”$41,147$47,215$14,2430.35
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-CharlotteCharlotte$16,657$47,951$42,703$31,2630.65
Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown$2,319$42,264$48,241$10,7020.25
Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville$1,978$39,326โ€”$15,7500.40
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community CollegeAsheville$2,882$37,714โ€”โ€”โ€”
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWinston-Salem$2,256$31,633โ€”$10,8400.34
National Medianโ€”$35,905โ€”$11,0000.31

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 NASCAR Technical Institute, approximately 46% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 2416 graduates with reported earnings and 2428 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.