Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Skagit Valley College

In Washington, automotive programs typically launch graduates into the mid-$30,000s—and Skagit Valley's estimated outcomes align squarely with that pattern. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $36,740, with top performers like Spokane Community College placing graduates near $37,200. The estimated $35,905 here falls just below the state median, which isn't unusual for technical certificates where local job markets and specializations create variation.

The debt picture looks more favorable than many automotive programs nationally. At an estimated $9,500, this falls below both Washington's typical $12,162 and the national median of $11,000 for this credential. That produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26—meaning the entire debt burden equals about three months of first-year income. For a field where technicians can build skills and certifications over time, starting with manageable debt matters.

The uncertainty here is real: these figures come from peer programs, not Skagit Valley's specific outcomes. What you can verify is Washington's robust automotive service market and the program's lower-than-typical estimated debt load. For families prioritizing quick workforce entry with minimal borrowing, this estimated profile suggests reasonable value—but confirming job placement rates and local employer connections would help close the gaps that missing graduate data creates.