Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Washtenaw Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,405

Est. from MI median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$11,000

Est. from MI median (3 programs)

Analysis

Similar programs in Michigan suggest this automotive certificate could deliver solid value, with first-year earnings around $39,400 and estimated debt of $11,000. That 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary—a manageable burden for someone entering a skilled trade. These figures align closely with the national median for automotive programs, though Michigan tends to pay slightly better than most states for this work.

The range among Michigan schools is revealing. Ferris State's graduates earn substantially more at $68,800, while programs at Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University show lower starting pay. Washtenaw's estimated position in the middle of the pack suggests reasonable outcomes without the standout performance of top-tier programs. The lack of actual data for this specific program—a common issue with smaller cohorts in trade certificates—means we can't know whether Washtenaw's local industry connections or curriculum deliver better or worse results than peer schools.

For parents, the key question is whether $39,400 feels like enough for your child's first year in the workforce, knowing they'd start with manageable debt. Michigan's automotive industry offers clear career paths, and starting salaries in this range typically grow with experience and ASE certifications. Just understand you're betting on peer program outcomes rather than Washtenaw's proven track record for this certificate.

Where Washtenaw Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor	$2,736	$39,405*	—	$11,000*	—
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids	$13,630	$68,791*	$80,314	$26,000*	0.38
Baker CollegeOwosso	$12,810	$39,719*	$45,404	$5,500*	0.14
Universal Technical Institute-CantonCanton	$17,252	$39,405*	$52,132	$21,570*	0.55
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids	$4,059	$37,927*	$35,163	$6,460*	0.17
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette	$13,304	$35,338*	—	$11,000*	0.31
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 Washtenaw Community College, 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 5 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.