Vehicle Repair Technology at Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE · Public · Associate Degree · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

with a mid-sized student body of 6,235 in Lincoln, NE.

Program Analysis

At $52,556 per year, Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Southeast Community College Area significantly outpace the $38,662 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 78.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Vehicle Repair Technology involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

The median debt load of $10,187 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Southeast Community College Area ranks #46 among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $52,556 to $55,467 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 64 apprenticeship pathways connected to Vehicle Repair Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
73
Low End
73
Score
74
High End
Earnings $52,556/yr (36% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$559K
1.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
78.9x
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)
$7,080
Out-of-state: $8,520
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,187
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,467
6% 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

Explore what Vehicle Repair Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 409 programs nationwide.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeast Community College Area

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Southeast Community College Area?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Vehicle Repair Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Vehicle Repair Technology jobs?
For Southeast Community College Area graduates, AI risk is minimal. Vehicle Repair Technology rated "AI-Proof" — 86% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
How affordable is Vehicle Repair Technology at Southeast Community College Area?
Median debt of just $10,187 against $52,556/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does Southeast Community College Area rank so high for Vehicle Repair Technology?
Among 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Southeast Community College Area's #46 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Southeast Community College Area?
The DOL recognizes 64 apprenticeship pathways related to Vehicle Repair Technology. For students weighing Southeast Community College Area's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Vehicle Repair Technology graduates from Southeast Community College Area find jobs?
At 214,000 annual openings, Vehicle Repair Technology has a very large employment base. Southeast Community College Area graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →