Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

The strongest evidence here comes from the actual earnings data: graduates from this program earn $36,772 in their first year, putting them above both the state median ($33,116) and national median ($35,905) for automotive programs. That 55th percentile national ranking and 60th percentile state ranking tell us this is a solidly middle-of-the-pack program among nearly a thousand schools nationwide offering similar credentials.

The debt picture looks manageable based on peer programs. With an estimated $9,500 in borrowing—derived from similar certificate programs nationally—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests graduates would owe roughly three months of their first year's salary. That's well below the $11,000 national median and $11,833 state median for automotive programs. Even with Nashville's cost of living, this leaves room for loan payments while building a career. The 40% Pell grant rate indicates the school serves working-class students who need affordable pathways into skilled trades.

The modest 3% earnings growth from year one to year four deserves attention. While some automotive technicians see income jumps as they gain ASE certifications or specialize in diagnostics, these numbers suggest relatively flat early-career progression. Given that stronger programs in Tennessee like North Central Institute report first-year earnings above $47,000, parents should understand their child would be entering the field at a solid but not exceptional starting point. For students serious about automotive work and comfortable with hands-on careers, the combination of below-average estimated debt and above-average earnings makes this a defensible choice—just don't expect dramatic salary growth in the first few years.