Even though it is possible to stay employed as an auto mechanic based only on personal experience, the technology used in cars is constantly advancing and becoming more complex. An associate’s degree in automotive technology or a related field is a good way for professionals to ensure their success. In an associate’s degree program for automotive technology, students learn a broad range of skills needed to work with automobiles. Among other things, this includes wheel alignment; brake, fuel and suspension systems; automotive engines; transmission systems and electrical components. Students in these programs focus on the parts and systems that are necessary in modern automobiles. After graduating, they will be qualified for hands-on mechanic work, managerial work or even for work in auto parts sales.
Our list of the top ten affordable automotive technology associate’s degrees began with a list of over 40 programs with a yearly tuition of under $7,500 (based on tuition reported to collegenavigator.gov). These programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program (based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio).
The top 10 affordable automotive technology associate’s degree programs are:
- Clovis Community College
- Amarillo College
- Coahoma Community College
- Athens Technical College
- Lower Columbia College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Big Bend Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
- Fort Peck Community College
- El Paso Community College
10. El Paso Community College
El Paso, Texas
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology
El Paso Community College offers an affordable associate’s degree in automotive technology that can be completed in two years. The curriculum provides the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the automotive field. All of the courses abide by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. The 60-credit curriculum includes the course Automotive Service Consultant, the program’s capstone course.
Tuition: $4,673
9. Fort Peck Community College
Poplar, Montana
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Students can earn an affordable AAS degree in Automotive Technology at Fort Peck Community College by completing a 61-credit program. The associate’s in automotive technology degree program follows automotive industry-wide standards and curriculum. Upon completion of this associate’s degree in automotive technology, students will be able to analyze engine diagnostic problems, perform computerized wheel alignments and steering and suspension repairs, and demonstrate the ability to locate service repair information by different types of media.
Tuition: $4,614
8. Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, Nebraska
Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Metropolitan Community College has led the way in the field of Automotive Technology training, and they offer an exciting associate’s degree in automotive technology program. The 103-credit associate’s degree in automotive technology program utilizes the most current technology and testing equipment. MCC leads the way in NC3 certifications, presently offering more than 19, and in 2017 they finished 2nd in the world for NC3 certifications issued. The automotive technology program department works closely with both the regional and national industry to promote growth and relevant training to prepare graduates for the workplace.
Tuition: $4,196
7. Big Bend Community College
Moses Lake, Washington
Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree

Big Bend Community College offers an AAS program in Automotive Technology that is designed to develop all necessary entry level employment skills. The 6 semester program typically takes 2 years to complete, and students have the option to enter the program in the Fall, Winter, or Spring. Advanced standing can be requested for prior work experience or education. Students receive training in all ACE certification areas, as well as shop safety and environmental training, First Aid certification, and other related skills.
Tuition: $6,880
6. Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, Washington
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

The AAS program in Automotive Technology at Bellingham Technical College prepares students for top jobs in the automotive field by providing instruction in a wide range of high demand skills. The 128-credit associate’s degree in automotive technology program can be completed in 7 quarters, and graduates have a 78% job placement rate. Students graduate from the program with the option to work as a general technician, or to specialize in automatic transmission, brakes, engine performance, or electrical systems.
Tuition: $6,787
5. Lower Columbia College
Longview, Washington
Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Lower Technical College offers a comprehensive AAS degree program in automotive technology that can be completed in as little as 2 years of study. The associate’s degree in automotive technology program is a strong combination of classroom theory and hands-on training, and the courses are based on competencies established by the ASE Education Foundation. Students will learn to diagnose problems and perform necessary repairs in all mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems.
Tuition: $6,363
4. Athens Technical College
Athens, Georgia
Associate Degree in Automotive Technology

Athens Technical College offers various certificates, diplomas, and degrees in automotive technology, including an affordable associate’s degree in automotive technology. The 62-63 credit program accepts new students every fall, and typically takes 4 semesters to complete. The associate’s degree in automotive technology program is certified by the ASE foundation. Graduates of the program will be able to successfully follow a diagnostic process and perform all basic maintenance, as well as be prepared to succeed in the field by pursuing updated training to maintain current and relevant knowledge.
Tuition: $5,782
3. Coahoma Community College
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Coahoma Community College offers a highly affordable AAS degree in Automotive Technology. The 62-credit associate’s degree in automotive technology program usually takes two semesters to complete. The curriculum prepares students to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles, and students will learn to diagnose malfunctions in all 8 major areas of ASE certification.
Tuition: $1,153
2. Amarillo College
Amarillo, New Mexico
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

At Amarillo College, students can earn an affordable, ASE certified associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. The 60-credit associate’s in automotive technology degree program prepares students for work as automotive technicians, as well as for ASE certification. The curriculum combines 15 general education credits with a 15 credit Auto/Diesel Technology Core which must be completed at the beginning of the program, and 30 credits of major related courses. Students receive specialized training in engine repair, transmission repair, and electronic and fuel systems, preparing them for any industry-related entry-level job.
Tuition: $6,005
1. Clovis Community College
Clovis, NM
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Clovis Community College offers the top affordable associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. This 69 credit program can be completed in 5 semesters and 1 summer semester. Students can enter in either the Spring or the Fall, and classes run Monday to Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 12:00. The curriculum combines classroom and laboratory experiences, and students will learn the application of diagnostics, parts inspection, and repair and replacement of failed components. This associate’s in automotive technology degree program is a good springboard for students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree to further their career.
Tuition: $4,961
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