Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Washington State College of Ohio
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
wsco.eduAnalysis
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,128 | $37,307* | — | $9,500* | — | |
| $12,930 | $39,960* | $47,972 | $17,417* | 0.44 | |
| — | $37,307* | $45,197 | $8,250* | 0.22 | |
| — | $34,312* | $38,865 | $12,000* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $35,905* | — | $11,000* | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Avionics Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Motorcycle Mechanics
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.