Vehicle Repair Technology at Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Public · Certificate · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies

With a 70% acceptance rate, Northern Michigan University is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,338 track close to the $38,662 national median for Vehicle Repair Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 27.8x 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 0% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

At $11,000 in median debt against $35,338 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #317 of 409 Vehicle Repair Technology programs, Northern Michigan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Vehicle Repair Technology offers 64 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
55
Score
55
High End
Earnings $35,338/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (86% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (214,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$370K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.8x
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)
$13,304
Out-of-state: $18,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Vehicle Repair Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering skilled trades.

Read the full Vehicle Repair Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Vehicle Repair Technology Overview

Vehicle Repair Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Michigan University

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Vehicle Repair Technology at Northern Michigan University?
This program scores 55/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Vehicle Repair Technology programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How safe is Vehicle Repair Technology from automation?
Highly resilient. Vehicle Repair Technology careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Northern Michigan University graduates retain 19 of 19 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Vehicle Repair Technology program at Northern Michigan University?
Yes — 64 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Vehicle Repair Technology career paths, including Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mech (Military Only). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Northern Michigan University.
Is there demand for Vehicle Repair Technology workers?
At 214,000 annual openings, Vehicle Repair Technology has a very large employment base. Northern Michigan University 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 →