Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Northcentral Technical College

Wisconsin's technical colleges show consistent outcomes for automotive programs, with Fox Valley and Gateway reporting graduate earnings in the mid-to-upper $40,000s. Northcentral's estimated first-year figure of $42,896 falls below that state benchmark of $46,622, though it tracks closely with the national median. By year four, reported earnings of $45,808 suggest steady but modest growth—useful for parents wondering whether early-career wages represent a ceiling or a starting point.

The estimated debt load of $11,425 keeps this program accessible, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that's well within manageable territory for a technical field. Peer programs across Wisconsin average similar debt levels, meaning graduates typically face monthly loan payments that won't crowd out other financial goals. For families concerned about borrowing, this is a relatively low-stakes credential in terms of repayment burden.

The practical takeaway: this appears to be a solid entry point into automotive work, not a standout performer. If your child is choosing between Wisconsin technical colleges for this field, other schools show slightly stronger earning patterns. But the estimated debt here is reasonable enough that the program shouldn't create financial stress, even if earnings start on the lower end of the state range.