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Vehicle Repair Technology at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

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 Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology 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 Repair Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

75 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
71
Low End
75
Score
76
High End
Earnings $68,791/yr (78% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$991K
7.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
72.7x
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
$13,630
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,479
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,158
35% 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

View all 409 schools offering Vehicle Repair Technology →

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach ($76,663) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($76,663) West Los Angeles College ($65,978) Alexandria Technical & Community College ($65,311) San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ($64,326) San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center ($64,326) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($59,441) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($58,745)

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Precision Metalworking ($68,852) Health Administration ($68,630) Quality Control & Safety Technology ($67,753) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($62,282) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($56,819) Precision Metalworking ($56,811) Heavy Equipment Technology ($55,532) Business Administration ($54,060)

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Compare Vehicle Repair Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Vehicle Repair Technology at Ferris State University?
At 75/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Is Vehicle Repair Technology from Ferris State University a future-proof career choice?
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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Ferris State University?
The DOL recognizes 64 apprenticeship pathways related to Vehicle Repair Technology. For students weighing Ferris State University's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Vehicle Repair Technology graduates?
The career paths mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology have roughly 214,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by infrastructure investment and steady replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →