How Much Does Automotive School Cost

Pursuing a career in automotive maintenance and repair can be a smart investment, especially given the growing demand for skilled technicians (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 21,200 new jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics between now and 2033).

While training won’t come without costs, it is generally more affordable to attend a career college or trade school than many four-year degree programs, making an automotive program an accessible path for those eager to enter the workforce quickly.

Before enrolling in an automotive school, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. Tuition costs can vary depending on the type of program, the school’s location, and whether you choose a technical institute, career college or manufacturer-sponsored training. Factoring in expenses like tools, textbooks and certification exams will also give you a clearer picture of the total investment.

Since hands-on experience is essential in the automotive field, finding a program that offers practical training and industry connections is just as crucial as considering the cost. The sooner you complete your training, the sooner you can start building your career, earning a steady income, and gaining valuable experience in a high-demand industry.

Earning a living as an auto tech

Today’s automotive technicians are trained to inspect, maintain and repair a variety of vehicles that operate on gasoline, electricity or even alternative fuels. Mechanics who want to specialize in diesel-fueled vehicles should receive specialized training courses and usually enroll in a separate training program.

The process for becoming an automotive technician can begin in high school through a vocational program, or the path could begin in college, where you can earn a college-level certificate or complete an associate degree program.

So, how much does automotive school cost?

The following estimates can help you determine which educational path is best for you, as you explore becoming an automotive technician.

Online automotive training programs

Online automotive training programs typically cost less than $1,000. Some schools offer online automotive technician correspondence courses for about $750. Of course, you may also need to factor in other expenses, such as textbooks, study guides, online exams and other resources, and will need to ensure you have reliable internet access for the duration of your program.

These courses can be completed in as little as six months (although some take up to two years) entirely through remote learning.

Certificate programs

Expect to pay anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 for automotive technology certificate programs’ tuition and fees. With a wider variety in how these programs are set up, you may pay less for a basic certificate or more for one that includes specialized instruction in specific brands, technologies, or equipment. Cost is also dependent on where you’re located and which school you choose to enroll in.

Certificate programs can be as short as 18 weeks or take as long as two years.

Associate degrees

An associate degree program in auto technology generally costs between $10,000 and $25,000. Tuition costs at automotive schools can vary greatly based on the demand and reputation of the associate degree program. Like other college programs, sometimes you pay extra for the name or esteem of a given learning institution.

Associate degrees are typically designed to be completed in about two years.

Voluntary certifications

You can also anticipate additional charges for voluntary certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Examples of certifications include those for automobiles/light trucks, collision and refinishing, service consulting and parts. ASE certification tests cost $47 (or $94 for advanced level tests), plus a $34 registration fee.

Licensing requirements

Last but not least, automotive technicians must also take into account licensing requirements that vary by state.

For example, auto mechanics in Michigan are required to take a licensing test for each type of repair they’ll be doing. The exams cost $6 each, and there’s a $25 fee for the certification application.

Additional costs

What does the cost of your education get you besides the tuition itself? Online certificate programs often include automotive tools and related study materials as part of their fees. For classes that can be taken in person, your tuition will cover classroom lectures, instruction, and hands-on training with equipment.

As with any college-level course or certificate program, you can expect to pay additional fees for books, tools, and other enrollment costs that can raise the total program expense by as much as $1,000–$3,000. These should be factored in before you enroll so you aren’t caught off guard!

Living away from home — if you haven’t lived on your own before — can also add significant expenses to your college budget. Room and board, for example, could add $10,000 or more to your annual cost.

Automotive school scholarships

Worried about affording your education? You aren’t alone. That’s why there are so many resources available to help you make the investment in your future!

Check out national automotive industry associations and regional groups to see if you can apply or qualify for scholarship funds. You can also search for lists of available scholarship programs online to help make the cost of your education more affordable.

And, of course, you can apply for a scholarship worth up to $1,000 toward the cost of your tuition at schools that participate in the Imagine America scholarship programs.