Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,783
95th percentile (95th in FL)
Median Debt
$22,777
107% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.47
Manageable
Sample Size
538
Adequate data

Analysis

National Aviation Academy's vehicle maintenance program delivers exceptional outcomes that justify its higher price tag. With median earnings of $48,783 one year after graduation, graduates earn 36% more than the national average and 51% more than the typical Florida program. This places the school in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Florida—remarkable performance in a field where most programs struggle to reach $40,000 in starting salaries.

The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. While graduates borrow $22,777 compared to the national average of $11,000, this represents excellent value given the earnings premium. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates can expect to pay off their loans in under two years of work—substantially better than most college programs. Additionally, earnings grow steadily to $56,067 by year four, providing long-term financial security in this skilled trade.

This is a premium-priced program that delivers premium results. With robust enrollment data from 100+ graduates and 63% receiving Pell grants, the school serves working-class students while consistently producing top-tier outcomes. For families willing to invest in higher-quality training, this program offers one of the strongest returns available in automotive education, significantly outperforming even well-regarded competitors like Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando.

Where National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay Stands

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

National Aviation Academy of Tampa BayOther vehicle maintenance and repair technologies programs

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 National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates compare to all programs nationally

National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 95th 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 Florida

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (61 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay$48,783$56,067$22,7770.47
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando$44,097$47,056$30,9410.70
Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater$40,025$30,277——
Fort Myers Technical College$38,900$46,232——
George Stone Technical College$38,536———
Orange Technical College-South Campus$38,454$35,559——
National Median$35,905—$11,0000.31

Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando
Casselberry
$16,757$44,097$30,941
Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater
Clearwater
—$40,025—
Fort Myers Technical College
Fort Myers
—$38,900—
George Stone Technical College
Pensacola
—$38,536—
Orange Technical College-South Campus
Orlando
—$38,454—

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 National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay, approximately 63% 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 538 graduates with reported earnings and 522 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.