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Compare Auto Mechanic Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Auto Mechanic Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Why This Matters

  • 47% OF AUTO MECHANICS HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

    A high school diploma is the most common level of education for auto mechanics. Beyond that, 20% of mechanics have an associate degree and 9% have a bachelor’s degree.

  • JOBS EXPECTED TO GROW AT A SLOW PACE

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that there will only be a 1% increase in auto mechanic jobs from 2021 to 2031. It is more important than ever to get a degree from a reputable program to get a good job as a mechanic.

  • AVERAGE SALARY OF $46,880

    The top 10 percent of auto mechanics earn over $75,100. You will likely make more money working as a mechanic in an auto dealership where the average salary is $47,950 than at a parts, accessories, and tire store at $37,610 a year.

Our Research


This list features some of the best auto mechanic across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by agencies such as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Alliance, a
reputable organizations that assess auto mechanic programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of auto mechanic schools to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 50 Best Auto Mechanic Schools

Best Auto Mechanic Schools badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Pittsburg State University
01
Best Associate Degree
Ferris State University
01
Best Faith-based Institution
Southern Adventist University
01
Best for Earning College Credits
Rolla Technical Institute
01
Best for Working Adults
Rosedale Technical Institute
01
Best in the Northwest
Walla Walla University
01
Best in the Midwest
Northern Michigan University
01
Best in the Northeast
Bristol Technical Education Center
01
Fastest Path to Employment
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
01
Best Bachelor's Degree
University of Northwestern Ohio
01

Emily Griffith Technical College
01

Montana State University Northern
01

First Coast Technical College
01

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
01

Weber State University
01

Farmingdale State College
01

Moore Norman Technology Center
01

Utah State University
01

Lorenzo Walker Technical College
01

Johnson College
01

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
01

Northeast Community College
01

SUNY Delhi
01

Idaho State University
01

University of Central Missouri
01

Meridian Technology Center
01

Arkansas State University - Newport
01

Dunwoody College of Technology
01

University of Alaska Anchorage
01

Polk Education Pathways
01

SUNY College of Technology at Canton
01

Pontotoc Technology Center
01

Vincennes University
01

Southwest Technology Center
01

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Memphis
01

Indiana State University
01

Eastern Arizona College
01

Minnesota State University at Mankato
01

University of Arkansas Fort Smith
01

Lex La - Ray Technical Center

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Career paths that are similar to auto maintenance include automotive management, marine maintenance, and aviation maintenance. Before you commit to any particular program, make sure it aligns with your specific career goals.

There are many types of auto mechanic certificates you can earn to demonstrate your car knowledge to a prospective employer. For example, ASE offers 52 certification tests, including Collision Repair and Refinish Certification, Damage Analysis and Estimating Certification, and Alternate Fuels Certification.

It is possible to take these certification tests without first going to an auto mechanic school, but you should consider that such schools allow you to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Just because you have passed a written test does not mean you are ready to start working on a car. There is no substitute for the in-person experience of an auto mechanic school, as it gives you the skills to start your career right away.

In addition to preparing you for certification exams, many auto mechanic programs offer associate and bachelor’s degrees. This level of education can open up more opportunities for your career, such as helping car companies develop the latest automotive technology.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching auto mechanic schools.

  • Am I eligible for this program? Generally, you will only need a high school diploma to be accepted into an auto mechanic school.
  • How long does it take to complete this program? The answer to this question will depend on your particular program. Full-time students can expect associate degrees to take two years to complete, and bachelor’s degrees tend to take four years. Certificate programs can usually be completed in about a year.

When you are researching programs, be sure to keep track of deadlines and all other application requirements. Find this information on the school’s website or by contacting their admissions department.

Finance is yet another factor that you will need to consider. To help cover the cost of the auto mechanic school, apply to any available scholarships or grants and consider other financial aid options such as loans and income share agreements.


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