Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,307
Est. from OH median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,500
Est. from national median (78 programs)

Analysis

Similar Vehicle Maintenance and Repair programs across Ohio suggest a solid financial foundation, with first-year earnings around $37,300—right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $35,900. With estimated debt of $9,500, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $100, consuming roughly 3% of their gross income. That's a manageable burden for anyone entering the skilled trades.

The comparison to Ohio's top automotive programs is instructive. University of Northwestern Ohio leads at nearly $40,000 in first-year earnings, but Washington State's peer programs land squarely in the middle of the pack. The debt picture looks particularly favorable—the estimated $9,500 is notably below both the state median of $12,000 and the national median of $11,000 for similar certificates.

For parents evaluating this path, the fundamentals work: skilled technicians enter a field with consistent demand, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 suggests students can reasonably service their loans while building careers. The caveat is that these figures come from comparable Ohio programs rather than Washington State's own graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty. But given the school's location in a region where automotive skills remain valuable and the broader pattern of reasonable outcomes statewide, this represents a practical credential with limited financial downside.

Where Washington State College of Ohio Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Washington State College of OhioMarietta$4,128$37,307*$9,500*
University of Northwestern OhioLima$12,930$39,960*$47,972$17,417*0.44
Great Oaks Career CampusesCincinnati$37,307*$45,197$8,250*0.22
Ohio Technical CollegeCleveland$34,312*$38,865$12,000*0.35
National Median$35,905*$11,000*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:
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 Washington State College of Ohio, approximately 27% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.