Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Wayne County Community College District

Based on similar automotive technology programs in Michigan, this associate's degree appears positioned to deliver solid first-year earnings of around $45,900—right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $42,900. The estimated $11,425 in debt sits well below what most Michigan automotive programs report (the state median is $16,720), suggesting Wayne County Community College may offer a more affordable path into the field than competitors. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means graduates would owe roughly three months' salary, a manageable burden for entering a skilled trade.

The challenge with these estimates is uncertainty about how this specific program performs compared to peers. Baker College's automotive graduates earn about $48,700 their first year—$3,000 more than the state average—while Washtenaw Community College's program shows considerably lower returns at $37,500. Wayne County's actual outcomes could fall anywhere in that range. The 28% Pell grant rate suggests the college serves students who may be particularly debt-sensitive, making the lower estimated borrowing especially important if accurate.

For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable: automotive technicians enter a field with consistent demand, and the estimated debt load shouldn't be crushing even if earnings come in toward the lower end. But before committing, connect with the college's career services to understand their actual job placement rates and starting salaries—that concrete program data matters more than these state-wide averages.