Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at NASCAR Technical Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How NASCAR Technical Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
NASCAR Technical Institute graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Technical Institute | $41,147 | $47,215 | $14,243 | 0.35 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte | $47,951 | $42,703 | $31,263 | 0.65 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $42,264 | $48,241 | $10,702 | 0.25 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $39,326 | — | $15,750 | 0.40 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | $37,714 | — | — | — |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | $31,633 | — | $10,840 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Charlotte Charlotte | $16,657 | $47,951 | $31,263 |
| Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown | $2,319 | $42,264 | $10,702 |
| Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville | $1,978 | $39,326 | $15,750 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville | $2,882 | $37,714 | — |
| Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem | $2,256 | $31,633 | $10,840 |
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.