Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,431
Est. from CO median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,500
Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable automotive programs in Colorado, Pueblo Community College's certificate appears financially sound. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $39,400 against estimated debt of $9,500β€”a 0.24 ratio that means graduates would need to set aside roughly three months of earnings to clear their loans. That's manageable territory for a credential that typically takes less than two years to complete.

The estimated figures align closely with what other Colorado schools actually report. Top performers like Aims and Front Range deliver first-year earnings in the low $40,000s, while this program's projected outcomes sit right at the state median. The debt picture looks slightly better than typicalβ€”peer programs across the country carry a median of $11,000 in loans. For a field where hands-on skills matter more than pedigree, spending less to reach similar earnings outcomes makes practical sense.

The real question is whether these estimates hold for Pueblo specifically. The program's small graduate cohort means we're working from statewide patterns rather than this school's track record. Given that automotive technician wages don't vary wildly within Colorado, the estimates probably offer a reasonable guide. For families weighing technical training options, a sub-$10,000 investment that points toward near-median state earnings represents a defensible betβ€”just know you're betting on pattern recognition rather than proven outcomes from this particular program.

Where Pueblo Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (19 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Pueblo Community CollegePueblo$4,883$39,431*β€”$9,500*β€”
Aims Community CollegeGreeley$2,090$42,120*β€”$8,125*0.19
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster$4,740$41,745*β€”$10,501*0.25
Emily Griffith Technical CollegeDenverβ€”$40,358*β€”β€”*β€”
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora$4,930$38,503*$39,968β€”*β€”
Lincoln College of Technology-DenverDenverβ€”$35,905*$42,123$13,560*0.38
National Medianβ€”$35,905*β€”$11,000*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Pueblo Community College, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.