Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Spartan College's automotive program charges nearly double the typical debt load for vehicle maintenance training, but the investment appears to pay off through superior earnings outcomes. While graduates carry $20,009 in debt compared to the national median of $11,000, they earn $40,206 in their first year—placing them in the 75th percentile nationally and well above both national and California medians of around $36,000.

The earnings trajectory looks particularly strong, with graduates seeing nearly 40% income growth by their fourth year, reaching $55,999. Among California's 100 automotive programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solid performance in a competitive state market, though several community colleges like West Los Angeles achieve higher outcomes at lower cost. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means graduates typically earn double their debt in the first year, which is manageable for a skilled trade.

For families considering this program, the premium tuition translates to meaningfully higher starting salaries than most automotive programs, with strong earning potential as graduates gain experience. While community college alternatives might offer better value, Spartan College provides above-average outcomes with reasonable debt levels for those prioritizing immediate employability in California's automotive market.