Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Umpqua Community College

Based on comparable automotive programs in Oregon, this associate's degree appears to follow the typical pattern for the field—modest debt leading to immediate workforce entry with steady earnings potential. The estimated $11,425 in debt would take roughly three months of gross pay to cover, putting it well within manageable territory. Similar programs across Oregon's community colleges show first-year earnings clustering around $45,000, suggesting automotive technicians in the state can find work quickly after graduation.

What makes this estimate particularly relevant is that Oregon has just three reportable automotive programs, meaning the state median is drawn from a limited but representative set of outcomes. The national benchmark of $42,896 provides additional confidence that the Oregon estimate isn't an outlier. However, Portland Community College graduates earn about $3,200 more in their first year, which could reflect either higher wages in the Portland metro area or stronger employer connections—something worth investigating if your student has flexibility in where they attend.

For families considering this path, the numbers suggest automotive technology delivers what it promises: a credential that gets graduates working quickly without crushing debt. The 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio is solid for a two-year program. Just remember these are estimates based on peer schools, not Umpqua's specific track record. If your student is mechanically inclined and prefers hands-on work to a classroom, this represents a practical entry point to a field that consistently needs trained technicians.