Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College's auto tech program charges double the typical debt for this credential—but the premium appears justified. Graduates earn $55,000 in their first year, landing this program in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide. That's a remarkable 53% above California's median for auto tech programs and $19,000 more than the national average. Among California's 100 programs, only West Los Angeles College posts comparable outcomes.
The $20,000 debt warrants attention, especially compared to the $9,500 state median. However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates should be able to manage repayment comfortably—their first-year income covers the entire debt load nearly three times over. This beats the rule-of-thumb target of keeping debt below one year's salary by a healthy margin.
For families weighing the higher upfront cost against earning power, the math works. Your child would graduate owing roughly $11,000 more than peers at typical California programs but earning $19,000 more annually. That gap pays for the extra debt in seven months. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves working-class families who need strong employment outcomes—and delivers them.
Where San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduates compare to all programs nationally
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (100 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center | $54,977 | — | $20,000 | 0.36 |
| West Los Angeles College | $65,978 | — | — | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $54,977 | — | $20,000 | 0.36 |
| Victor Valley College | $49,729 | — | — | — |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont | $47,109 | $50,485 | $32,500 | 0.69 |
| San Diego Miramar College | $43,285 | $47,176 | — | — |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Los Angeles College Culver City | $1,238 | $65,978 | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $54,977 | $20,000 |
| Victor Valley College Victorville | $1,425 | $49,729 | — |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont Fremont | $16,757 | $47,109 | $32,500 |
| San Diego Miramar College San Diego | $1,150 | $43,285 | — |
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 San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center, approximately 58% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.