Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Vaughn College graduates start below average for auto technicians, but the story shifts dramatically by year four. While first-year earnings of $40,857 trail both New York's median ($43,046) and national benchmarks, earnings jump 48% to $60,585 within four years—a trajectory that outpaces nearly every comparable program in the state. Most community colleges offering this degree see graduates plateau in the mid-$40,000s; Vaughn's graduates blow past that ceiling. The specialized aviation and aerospace focus at this institution likely explains the trajectory, as graduates may transition into higher-paying aircraft maintenance roles.

The debt picture makes this upward trajectory more accessible than it first appears. At $20,000, graduates borrow nearly double the national median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means they owe less than half their starting salary—manageable territory. By year four, when earnings hit $60,585, that debt becomes a much smaller burden relative to income. Given that 53% of students receive Pell grants, this program appears to deliver meaningful upward mobility for working-class families.

This is a bet on growth rather than immediate returns. If your child can weather slightly lower starting wages and the higher debt load, the four-year earnings suggest strong potential. The aerospace-adjacent training appears to open doors that traditional auto tech programs don't, but verify that career path aligns with your child's interests beyond just turning wrenches.