Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at United Education Institute-Las Vegas

United Education Institute's automotive program starts graduates significantly behind the pack—$27,550 is well below both Nevada's typical $33,760 and the national median of $35,905. Even within Nevada's small automotive training market, this ranks just 25th percentile. However, the compelling story here is what happens next: earnings jump 30% to nearly $36,000 by year four, essentially catching up to where most programs start their graduates.

That growth trajectory suggests graduates may be entering the field in entry-level positions but advancing quickly once they prove themselves. The $9,500 debt load is manageable—lower than both state and national medians—which gives graduates breathing room during those initial lower-earning years. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, this program is clearly serving students who need affordable pathways into skilled trades.

The practical question is whether your child can weather that first year or two on $27,550 in Las Vegas, where cost of living isn't negligible. If they can live at home or keep expenses lean initially, this becomes a reasonable bet: modest debt, steady income growth, and solid four-year earnings that match stronger programs. But if immediate earning power matters—say, they need to support themselves right away—Aviation Institute of Maintenance starts graduates $12,000 higher out of the gate, which could make a meaningful difference in those crucial first years.