Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Oklahoma Technical College

Oklahoma Technical College's automotive program sits right in the middle of state options—ranked 60th percentile among Oklahoma's 30 automotive programs—but that masks a troubling earnings trajectory. Graduates start at $36,587, slightly above both state and national medians, then see their income drop 10% to just $32,824 by year four. Compare this to Gordon Cooper Technology Center, where Oklahoma's top automotive graduates earn $47,876, or even Metro Tech at $40,624. You're paying essentially the same debt ($13,437 versus a state median of $12,968) for significantly lower mid-career outcomes.

The debt load itself is manageable at 37% of first-year earnings, meeting typical lending standards. But that calculation becomes less reassuring when earnings are moving in the wrong direction. By year four, that debt represents 41% of annual income—a concerning shift for a certificate program designed to launch careers quickly.

If your child is set on automotive work in Tulsa, this program will get them in the door at a reasonable price point. But the earnings decline suggests limited advancement opportunities compared to other Oklahoma programs. Given that two-thirds of students here receive Pell grants, many families are counting on strong post-graduation earnings. Gordon Cooper or Metro Tech would be worth the commute if they offer better placement into higher-paying shops or dealerships.