Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degree) at Southwestern 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 in Illinois suggest starting earnings around $51,000—notably higher than the $43,000 national median for this field. That puts this pathway well above what most auto tech graduates earn nationally, though still trailing Illinois Central College's $58,000. With estimated debt of $11,400, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $130, manageable on a mid-50s income even before accounting for typical wage growth in skilled trades.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates a two-year investment that comparable programs recover relatively quickly. Auto technicians typically see steady earnings growth as they gain ASE certifications and specialized skills in areas like diagnostics or hybrid/electric vehicles. Illinois's stronger-than-average outcomes for this field likely reflect the state's manufacturing base and higher cost of living around the St. Louis metro area, where Southwestern Illinois College sits.

The caveat: these figures come from just three peer programs in Illinois, not Southwestern's own graduates. If you're considering this route, talk to the school's career services about actual job placement rates and which local employers hire their graduates. The fundamentals look sound for an associate's degree in the trades, but confirming that this specific program delivers on the state's promise matters before committing.

Where Southwestern 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
Southwestern Illinois CollegeBelleville	$3,870	$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 Southwestern Illinois College, approximately 26% 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.