Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Portland Community College

Portland Community College's automotive program delivers earnings that beat both national and state averages, with graduates earning $48,144 their first year—about $5,000 more than the national median for similar programs. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Oregon schools, the state comparison may be less meaningful here since Oregon only has 12 automotive programs tracked, and PCC outperforms several regional competitors. The debt load of $12,666 is reasonable for a skilled trade, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26. That means graduates typically earn nearly four times their debt in their first year, making repayment manageable even on entry-level technician wages.

The 15% earnings growth over four years shows steady progression, though these numbers come from a small sample size (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, the fundamentals are solid: this is a hands-on trade with strong labor demand, modest educational costs, and clear career progression as technicians gain certifications and experience. The fact that 31% of PCC students receive Pell grants suggests the program serves students who need affordable pathways to stable income.

For parents worried about education costs and job prospects, this program offers a practical trade-off: two years of relatively low-cost training leading to immediate employment in a field with consistent demand. The debt burden won't dominate your child's early career, and the earning trajectory points upward as skills develop.