Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Southern Arkansas University Tech

Automotive technology programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $43,000, and Southern Arkansas University Tech's program appears to track close to this figure. With estimated debt of $11,425—slightly below the $12,000 national median for these programs—graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27. That translates to roughly three months of gross income, which is favorable for a technical credential that gets graduates into the workforce quickly.

The four-year earnings figure of $44,215 offers an important reality check: automotive technicians don't typically see dramatic salary growth in their first years on the job. The modest bump from year one to year four suggests that earnings in this field depend more on certifications, specializations, and employer type than on tenure alone. For families considering this path, that means the initial job placement and training quality matter enormously—ASE certifications and manufacturer-specific training can open doors to better-paying dealership positions.

Given that 41% of students here receive Pell grants, the relatively low debt load is particularly important for those without family financial cushion. An associate's degree that costs around $11,000 and leads to immediate employment around $43,000 represents a straightforward value equation, even if it won't lead to six-figure earnings. The key question is whether your student has genuine interest in automotive work—this is skilled labor that rewards mechanical aptitude, not a path to pursue purely for job security.