Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Ridgewater College

Ridgewater's auto tech program costs less than $10,000 but lands graduates below the middle of the pack in Minnesota—a state where this credential typically pays well. At $38,000 in the first year, new graduates earn about $3,700 less than the Minnesota median for this program, placing them in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters in a state where competitors like Minneapolis Community and Technical College get graduates to nearly $59,000.

The low debt load—26% of first-year earnings—means graduates can manage payments comfortably. And earnings do climb to $45,000 by year four, nearly matching programs that cost more upfront. Still, that trajectory leaves Ridgewater graduates trailing stronger Minnesota programs throughout their early careers. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) adds uncertainty to these figures.

For families prioritizing minimal debt in a stable trade, this program delivers that outcome. But if your child is willing to consider other Minnesota community colleges within driving distance, several programs show meaningfully higher starting wages for similar costs. The vehicle maintenance field pays reliably—the question is whether this particular program maximizes that opportunity.