Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Technical College of the Rockies
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
tcr.eduAnalysis
Colorado's automotive repair programs show a relatively tight earnings band, and based on comparable credentials in the state, graduates here likely earn around $39,400 in their first yearβright at the state median. That puts estimated outcomes slightly above the national typical salary of $35,900, though a few Colorado programs like Aims Community College and Front Range consistently place graduates higher. The estimated debt load of $9,500 is manageable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, which suggests you could realistically pay this off within the first year or two of working.
The challenge is uncertainty: with only six similar programs reporting earnings data in Colorado and these figures drawn from statewide medians rather than actual outcomes from this school, you're making decisions with limited visibility. What we do know is that automotive technician work offers steady employment and relatively quick debt payback compared to many fields. The 27% Pell grant rate suggests this school serves students from various economic backgrounds, though it doesn't tell us about job placement or employer relationships specific to the Delta area.
If your child is committed to automotive work and Delta's location works logistically, the estimated numbers don't wave red flagsβbut seek out the school's actual placement rates and talk to local employers about hiring. The debt estimate should be easily serviceable on a technician's salary, assuming the earnings projection holds true.
Where Technical College of the Rockies Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β | $39,431* | β | $9,500* | β | |
| $2,090 | $42,120* | β | $8,125* | 0.19 | |
| $4,740 | $41,745* | β | $10,501* | 0.25 | |
| β | $40,358* | β | β* | β | |
| $4,930 | $38,503* | $39,968 | β* | β | |
| β | $35,905* | $42,123 | $13,560* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $35,905* | β | $11,000* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Motorcycle Mechanics
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 Technical College of the Rockies, approximately 27% 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 6 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.