Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Raritan Valley Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,905

Est. from NJ median (8 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$9,500

Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

Raritan Valley's automotive program carries an estimated $9,500 in debt—notably lower than both the state median of $13,560 and the national median of $11,000 for similar certificates. With first-year earnings from comparable New Jersey programs hovering around $36,000, that translates to a debt burden of just over three months' salary, which is manageable for a technical credential that gets graduates working quickly.

The estimated earnings place this program in the middle of New Jersey's automotive training landscape. Universal Technical Institute's Bloomfield campus reports first-year outcomes above $40,000, suggesting room exists in the market for higher earnings, though the $36,000 figure from peer programs still represents solid entry-level pay for skilled trades work. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 compares favorably to many four-year programs, and automotive technology offers the advantage of hands-on skills that translate directly into employment.

The key caveat: these figures come from similar programs statewide, not Raritan Valley's actual graduate outcomes. If you're serious about this path, talk to the program's advisory board members or local employers who hire their graduates. The automotive field values certifications and dealer-specific training as much as the initial credential, so consider how this program positions students for those next steps in their career development.

Where Raritan Valley Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Raritan Valley Community CollegeBranchburg	$5,520	$35,905*	—	$9,500*	—
Universal Technical Institute-BloomfieldBloomfield	—	$40,469*	$46,698	$16,000*	0.40
Pennco Tech-BlackwoodBlackwood	—	$36,800*	$34,867	$13,675*	0.37
Lincoln Technical Institute-UnionUnion	—	$35,905*	$42,123	$13,560*	0.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-MahwahMahwah	—	$35,905*	$42,123	$13,560*	0.38
Lincoln Technical Institute-South PlainfieldSouth Plainfield	—	$35,905*	$42,123	$13,560*	0.38
National Median	—	$35,905*	—	$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 Raritan Valley Community College, approximately 27% 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 8 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.