Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Northeast State Community College

Similar automotive technology programs across Tennessee typically produce first-year earnings around $43,000, which aligns with what peer institutions nationally report for associate-degree automotive technicians. The estimated $11,425 debt load sits slightly below the national median for this credential, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary.

The automotive service field offers a relatively stable entry point: comparable programs show consistent earnings in the low-to-mid $40,000s whether you're in Tennessee or elsewhere. With 38% of Northeast State students receiving Pell grants, the accessibility of this relatively affordable credential matters. That said, this is a field where advancement often depends less on the specific school and more on ASE certifications, manufacturer training, and hands-on experience—factors this data can't capture.

For families considering this path, the numbers suggest reasonable financial risk if your child is genuinely interested in automotive work. The debt burden is modest enough that even if earnings come in below the estimate, repayment shouldn't derail other financial goals. The bigger question is whether your student wants to work with their hands in a physically demanding field—the financial picture looks sensible, but career satisfaction will depend on fit with the work itself.