Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College's auto tech program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with manageable debt. Graduates start at $46,262—about 3% above the state median and roughly $3,400 more than the national average. Among South Dakota's five automotive programs, it ranks just below Lake Area Technical College but ahead of three others. The $12,000 median debt equals both state and national benchmarks, creating a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 (meaning graduates owe about three months' salary).

The 8% earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four suggests steady career progression, and the relatively modest debt load means your child won't spend years digging out from under payments. This matters especially for hands-on trades where earnings typically plateau earlier than professional careers—getting to $50K with minimal debt is a legitimate win.

For families in South Dakota, this represents a practical path to stable employment without breaking the bank. The program isn't exceptional, but it delivers what parents should want from a two-year technical degree: quick entry into a field with consistent demand, earnings that exceed the investment almost immediately, and room for growth. If your child has mechanical aptitude and wants to stay in the region, the numbers support this choice.