Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Pittsburg State University

With an estimated $12,000 in debt—right at the national median—this associate's program appears reasonably priced for automotive training. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, typically manageable on technician wages. However, the earnings picture requires context: the $42,896 national benchmark used here sits notably below what Kansas programs typically produce. Similar automotive programs in Kansas report a median of $48,976, suggesting this program may underperform its in-state peers by $6,000 annually.

That gap matters when top Kansas programs like Wichita State's automotive campus produce first-year earnings above $56,000—$13,000 more than peer-program estimates suggest for Pittsburg State. The automotive industry pays relatively well for associate's graduates, but outcomes vary significantly by program and local employer connections. Kansas has 21 schools offering this credential, giving families meaningful alternatives to compare.

The conservative debt load works in this program's favor, but parents should verify what the actual earnings trajectory looks like by contacting the career services office directly. Ask about job placement rates with specific dealerships or service chains, and whether the program has industry partnerships that lead to higher-paying positions. At this price point, it's a reasonable gamble only if the school can demonstrate it matches the stronger outcomes other Kansas programs achieve.