Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Ventura College

Ventura College's automotive program carries an estimated debt load of $11,425—substantially lower than the $18,788 typical for California automotive programs and below the national median as well. That's the good news in a field where costs can vary dramatically. Based on comparable programs in California, first-year earnings hover around $39,836, which translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. You'd be paying back roughly three months of income, which is reasonable for a technical credential.

The challenge is that these earnings lag behind what graduates from several California programs achieve. San Joaquin Valley College locations report first-year earnings exceeding $64,000—over $24,000 more than what peer programs suggest Ventura graduates might earn. Even other UTI campuses cluster around $39,000-$40,000, putting Ventura's estimates at the lower end of the state range. Nationally, the median automotive associate's graduate earns about $42,896, suggesting California's market may not fully reward this credential compared to other states.

For families weighing this investment, the lower debt matters—you won't be crushed by payments early in your career. But the earnings gap means slower wealth building compared to stronger programs in the state. If your child is committed to staying in Southern California and values community college affordability, this path makes sense. If they're open to relocating or considering alternatives with stronger earning trajectories, explore those programs reporting significantly higher outcomes.