Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at North Georgia Technical College
Associate's Degree
northgatech.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 tells you something useful even when both figures come from similar programs rather than this school's actual outcomes: graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, which is manageable territory for a technical credential. Based on comparable automotive programs nationally, first-year earnings around $43,000 align with what skilled technicians typically make early in their careers, and the estimated $11,425 in debt sits slightly below the national median for these programs.
Georgia's automotive repair market offers steady demand, particularly in the mountain communities and metro corridors North Georgia Technical serves. What works in this program's favor is the practical nature of the credential—employers hire based on ASE certifications and hands-on skills, not pedigree. The 42% Pell grant rate suggests the school serves students who need affordable pathways into middle-skill trades, and these estimated figures—if they hold—would deliver on that promise.
The uncertainty here matters because actual outcomes could swing higher or lower depending on how well this specific program prepares students for certification exams and whether local dealerships actively recruit from campus. If your student is mechanically inclined and committed to the automotive field, the projected debt load shouldn't prevent them from building equity in a home or starting a family within a few years of graduation, assuming the estimates prove accurate.
Where North Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,162 | $42,896* | — | $11,425* | — | |
| $42,304 | $76,663* | $76,825 | $12,500* | 0.16 | |
| $11,665 | $76,663* | $76,825 | $12,500* | 0.16 | |
| $6,213 | $65,311* | $62,391 | $12,000* | 0.18 | |
| — | $64,326* | $63,194 | $20,188* | 0.31 | |
| — | $64,326* | $63,194 | $20,188* | 0.31 | |
| National Median | — | $42,896* | — | $12,000* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Motorcycle Mechanics
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 North Georgia Technical College, approximately 42% 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 national median of 143 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.