Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
65
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,286/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Low (14% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 4 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs

Program Analysis

This program at Western Michigan isn't your typical auto repair track; its strength lies in the broader College of Aviation, which cultivates a unique ecosystem for specialized technical roles. You're entering a highly regulated and safety-critical field, where precision and certifications are paramount. Graduates often find themselves in demanding roles supporting aerospace manufacturing, regional airlines, or specialized repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, many of which have a presence in Michigan and the broader Midwest. While initial earnings might reflect regional labor markets and the time it takes to accrue advanced certifications, your foundational skills are highly transferable within aviation. The key is to leverage WMU's strong industry connections and focus heavily on gaining practical experience and specific FAA certifications during your studies. This proactive approach will be crucial for accelerating your career trajectory in this essential and low-AI-risk sector.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $684K $678K $642K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.2x 11.1x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 49% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 65 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,085
63% growth from Year 1

About Western Michigan University

A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment $82,730/yr
Avionics technicians $81,390/yr
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
View all 19 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Western Michigan University's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program score?
A score of 65/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Western Michigan University trails the majority of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Why are Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies earnings lower at Western Michigan University?
Lower starting pay at Western Michigan University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →