Vehicle Repair Technology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

with a smaller student body of 1,700 in Granite Falls, MN.

Program Analysis

At $39,165/yr, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Minnesota West Community and Technical College land near the $38,662 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 72.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 14% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

The median debt load of $8,597 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

At #126 of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Minnesota West Community and Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $46,376 are relatively flat compared to the $39,165 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Vehicle Repair Technology offers 64 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
65
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $39,165/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$477K
4.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
73.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
19 of 19
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$6,484
Out-of-state: $12,332
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,597
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,376
18% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment $82,730 +6.1% 76%
Avionics technicians $81,390 +8.2% 76%
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830 +8.1% 68%
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment
$82,730
+6.1% growth 76% AI-proof
Avionics technicians
$81,390
+8.2% growth 76% AI-proof
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830
+8.1% growth 68% AI-proof

View all 19 career paths with full salary data →

Vehicle Repair Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Vehicle Repair Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Minnesota West Community and Technical College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Minnesota West Community and Technical College's Vehicle Repair Technology program score?
At 67/100, Minnesota West Community and Technical College's Vehicle Repair Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
How AI-proof is a career in Vehicle Repair Technology?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 14% of Vehicle Repair Technology tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 19 of 19 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Minnesota West Community and Technical College?
At $8,597 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Minnesota West Community and Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Minnesota West Community and Technical College?
There are 64 registered apprenticeships connected to Vehicle Repair Technology occupations, such as Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only) and Air Conditioning Mechanic (Auto Serv). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Vehicle Repair Technology from Minnesota West Community and Technical College?
The very large job market (214,000 annual openings) works in favor of Vehicle Repair Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →