Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Ferris State University
Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.
Program Analysis
Ferris State University Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates command $68,791/yr out of the gate, well above the $38,662 national median. That 78% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 70.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 14% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,479 in median debt clears fast against $68,791 in annual earnings.
A #23 ranking out of 409 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies programs nationally puts Ferris State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $68,791 to $93,158 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 64 registered apprenticeships mapped to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies 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% |
About Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Careers
Your career starts on the shop floor, grabbing a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint engine trouble or getting your hands dirty with a wrench during a brake job. As an automotive service technician, your day involves solving complex mechanical and electrical puzzles in a busy garage to get cars safely back on the road. You could also specialize in heavy-duty vehicles, working on the powerful diesel engines that keep our country’s trucks and buses running.
Read the full Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies career guide →
Compare & Explore
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Overview
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Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.