Vehicle Repair Technology at North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

a smaller institution with 1,733 students in Wahpeton, ND.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,659 put North Dakota State College of Science's Vehicle Repair Technology program 47% above the national median of $38,662 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 54.2x 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 9% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

With first-year pay of $56,659 far exceeding the $11,554 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #83 of 409 nationally, this is a top-5% Vehicle Repair Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $63,841 are relatively flat compared to the $56,659 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.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $56,659/yr (47% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$650K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
54.9x
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)
$11,856
Out-of-state: $13,852
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,554
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,841
13% 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

Vehicle Repair Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Dakota State College of Science

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at North Dakota State College of Science?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Vehicle Repair Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. North Dakota State College of Science's score of 70/100 reflects this durability.
What's the typical debt for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from North Dakota State College of Science?
At $11,554 in median debt, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from North Dakota State College of Science carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does North Dakota State College of Science rank so high for Vehicle Repair Technology?
The #83 ranking out of 409 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at North Dakota State College of Science?
Beyond North Dakota State College of Science's classroom route, 64 registered apprenticeships map to Vehicle Repair Technology careers — including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
Job availability for Vehicle Repair Technology is strong — 214,000 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For North Dakota State College of Science graduates specifically, local market conditions in ND may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →