Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Southeastern Illinois College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$51,093

Est. from IL median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,425

Est. from national median (65 programs)

Analysis

Similar automotive programs across Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $51,000—meaningfully above what most automotive techs earn nationally. With estimated debt of just $11,425, graduates would be looking at monthly loan payments under $130, a manageable burden even in the sometimes unpredictable world of shop work.

The earnings figure comes from just three comparable Illinois programs, including Parkland College and Illinois Central, where automotive grads typically start in the low-to-mid $50,000 range. That's solid money for a two-year credential in southern Illinois, where living costs run well below Chicago levels. The debt estimate, drawn from similar community college auto programs nationwide, sits below both state and national medians. This suggests Southeastern Illinois College likely keeps costs reasonable, consistent with typical community college pricing.

The real question is whether these peer-program outcomes translate to Southeastern's specific setup. Do local dealerships and independent shops actively recruit here? Does the program maintain current certifications and equipment? Those details matter enormously in automotive training, where hands-on quality varies widely between schools. The estimated numbers suggest a workable investment, but visiting the shop floor and talking to instructors about job placement would tell you whether this particular program delivers on that promise.

Where Southeastern Illinois College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (39 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southeastern Illinois CollegeHarrisburg	$4,320	$51,093*	—	$11,425*	—
Illinois Central CollegeEast Peoria	$4,650	$58,122*	$55,178	—*	—
Parkland CollegeChampaign	$4,284	$51,093*	$49,676	$7,000*	0.14
Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose ParkMelrose Park	—	$37,089*	$39,110	$19,016*	0.51
National Median	—	$42,896*	—	$12,000*	0.28

* 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 Southeastern Illinois College, approximately 23% 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 3 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.