How Much Does Auto Mechanic School Cost?

Mechanic school can be expensive and the costs behind can be confusing. You may be asking, how much does auto mechanic school cost? Here's a start.

Those who graduate from these schools have the adequate professional knowledge to repair, inspect and maintain vehicles. Upon successful graduation, you will have a career working on various types of motor vehicles such as fleet, passenger, marine and heavy-duty vehicles. You can further, due to your training, be able to work on all kinds of vehicles, whether they run on gasoline, alternative fuels or electricity. But, mechanic trade school costs can be quite high and confusing.

For example, those who want to train in vehicles that run on diesel they have to begin their specialized courses at different training programs. Diesel mechanic school cost could be different from the other types of auto mechanic training. On top of that, different programs such as associate’s degrees or certificate programs will cost differently. Therefore, aspiring auto mechanics really need to do their research before enrolling in an auto mechanic program.

Auto Mechanic School Cost

So, how much does auto mechanic school cost? This is a common question many people will ask themselves before they enroll in any of the schools. We shall examine some of the most common auto mechanic schools and learn how much they charge for the various courses. As a general overview, the average cost of training as a mechanic will depend on the kind of training one wants to do, the kind of school they attend and the qualifications they need to attain, such as a certificate or an associate’s degree.

Let us examine some different types of mechanic training that students can receive and its cost. This is a general comparison and estimates of the courses may be different than actual costs in your specific situation.

Online Mechanic School Cost

Online mechanic schools are becoming more and more popular. Giving aspiring mechanics the ability to learn automotive technology from the comfort of their home. First, you need to understand the pros and cons of online automotive training. If so, here is what you can expect for online mechanic training:

Online mechanic school costs anything from $750 to $1000 per course
Online automotive training can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years
Keep in mind there may be other costs such as textbooks and online exams

Cost of Certificate Programs

This training can take from 6 months to 2 years and cost anything from $5000 to $20000. You can also find 18-week programs that go for up to $5,500 in tuition and related costs. If you earn a certificate in automotive technology other than a full degree, you will be limited in job opportunities directly upon graduation. This is because certificate programs generally do not go as in-depth into the details of automotive technology like a degree would.

Associate’s Degree in Auto Tech Cost

Associate’s degrees are longer than certificate programs and typically take up to 2 years to complete. The cost of an associate’s degree can range from $10,000 to $25,000. For this kind of training, the cost can vary based on the demand and reputation of the college or the degree program. Just like other types of degree programs, the cost may also be determined by the esteem associated with the learning institution where you enroll.

Cost of Specific Automotive Training

Diesel Mechanic School Cost

A diesel mechanics certificate program on average will cost costs $1,000-$5,000 and lasts from 6 to 12 months. An associate’s degree will cost in the ranges of $27,300 for tuition for the 70-week program. Even though this may be a little more expensive, it will likely pay off. Becoming a diesel mechanic is one of the most lucrative of the auto mechanic careers.

Motorcycle Mechanic School Cost

The motorcycle mechanic school cost ranges up to $10,000 per year on average. This is for the associate degree, which can be offered by most community colleges. Certificate courses from the same schools in motorcycle tech will cost less. Going to a motorcycle mechanic school is a great idea if you really love motorcycles. If not, it can cost a lot of money and it is harder to make a good living just as a motorcycle mechanic.

Specific Mechanic Trade School Cost

Cost of Albany Technical College

Based in Albany GA, this college offers an undergraduate course in vehicle maintenance and repair technologies where one will have to pay $1,033 in annual fees. Here, the rate of graduation is 48% and salaries after completion range from $12,900 to $42,900.

Cost of Ivy Tech Community College

Based in Indianapolis, IN, this school has more than 61, 700 in undergraduate students and also offers studies in Auto mechanics. The graduation rate here is 20% and the average cost of courses annually is $7,025. Salaries after graduation range from $17,400 to $75,900.

Cost of University of Rio Grande

Based in the Rio Grande, OH, this is a college that has over 900 undergraduate students. It also offers education on Auto mechanics and related courses. The average graduation rate here is 35% and will cost you an average of $32,597 in annual fees.

Interested in the big names?

If you have a strong desire to attend one of the bigger names in the automotive industry such as Universal Technical Institute, be ready to pay more. Schools like this will likely cost around $20,000 annually but will have great relationships with amazing manufacturers. Perhaps you are set on one of these, find one in your state or see where UTI is located.

Cost of Additional Mechanic Certifications and Licensing

Once you finish school, there are many other certifications and licensing you will want to receive. Of course, these all have costs to them as well.

Cost of Additional Certifications

One can get further certificates on a voluntary basis from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. With these courses, one can expect to pay from $30 to $60 for a test as well as $36 for registration. Our guide on how to get ASE certified will break down the costs in more detail.

Cost of Licensing

Some states require auto mechanics to be licensed so that they can practice as a qualified mechanic. This will definitely add to the mechanic trade school cost even though this should be the last cost in as far as auto mechanic training is concerned. In Michigan for instance, one would need to pay a $25 application fee and $6 for each test. These costs will vary from state to state and some states will not require it although any tests you can take to prove you are a qualified mechanic will benefit you in the long run.