Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at University of Northwestern Ohio
Associate's Degree
Analysis
University of Northwestern Ohio's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program offers something increasingly rare: very manageable debt paired with solid earning potential. With just $20,332 in median debt, graduates face one of the lowest debt burdens nationwide—ranking in the 5th percentile among similar programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within two years of working.
The earnings picture tells a steady growth story. Starting salaries of $42,338 climb to over $50,000 by year four, representing solid 19% growth in a field where hands-on skills command respect. While the program performs right at the national median for earnings, it ranks in the 60th percentile within Ohio, meaning it outperforms most in-state alternatives. Among Ohio's 12 programs, only Cuyahoga Community College shows notably higher earnings.
For parents worried about their child taking on debt for a technical degree, this program offers a compelling proposition: below-average debt with above-average Ohio outcomes in a recession-resistant field. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise.
Where University of Northwestern Ohio Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Northwestern Ohio graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Northwestern Ohio graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northwestern Ohio | $42,338 | $50,342 | $20,332 | 0.48 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | $46,249 | — | — | — |
| Ohio Technical College | $35,553 | $43,450 | $12,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $42,896 | — | $12,000 | 0.28 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland | $3,736 | $46,249 | — |
| Ohio Technical College Cleveland | — | $35,553 | $12,000 |
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 University of Northwestern Ohio, approximately 32% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 486 graduates with reported earnings and 507 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.