Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Vincennes University
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Vincennes University's auto tech program reports impressive numbers—$51,226 in first-year earnings against just $12,841 in debt—but the small sample size here (fewer than 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly with different cohorts. That said, if representative, this program substantially outperforms the national median of $35,905 and even exceeds Indiana's already-strong state median of $42,634. Among Indiana's four automotive programs, it trails only Aviation Institute of Maintenance but beats the state's largest provider, Ivy Tech, by nearly $14,000.
The 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent for any credential, particularly a certificate or diploma program that gets students into the workforce quickly. With debt just shy of $13,000, graduates could reasonably pay this off within a year or two if they prioritize it. The catch is stability: you're making this investment based on limited track record data.
For families comfortable with some statistical uncertainty, this looks like a strong path into skilled trades work that pays immediately. If your child is mechanically inclined and wants to start earning rather than accumulating four years of bachelor's degree debt, the economics here—assuming they hold—are compelling. Just recognize you're betting on a smaller dataset than you'd have at a program like Ivy Tech with hundreds of annual graduates.
Where Vincennes University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate'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 Vincennes University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Vincennes University graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vincennes University | $51,226 | — | $12,841 | 0.25 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Indianapolis | $47,951 | $42,703 | $31,263 | 0.65 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | $37,317 | $42,137 | $7,000 | 0.19 |
| Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis | $35,905 | $42,123 | $13,560 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Indianapolis Indianapolis | $16,757 | $47,951 | $31,263 |
| Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis | $4,912 | $37,317 | $7,000 |
| Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis Indianapolis | — | $35,905 | $13,560 |
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 Vincennes University, approximately 9% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.