Auto Mechanics Technology
Program Summary
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
Auto Mechanic Schools and Training Information

Recent Questions
An automotive mechanics technology program will assist those wishing to learn the intricacies of automobiles and how to repair them. Courses are available in high schools, vocational schools, community colleges and private institutions. Though a degree, diploma, or certificate is not required to work on automobiles, those who pursue an education in the field will be better prepared in the work environment and for certification preparation. Programs in automotive mechanics technology prepare students with the skills necessary to perform basic, advanced and complex repairs in controlled settings where risk of failure does not adversely affect a customer.
A curriculum in automotive mechanics technology may include:
- Electrical Systems Theory
- Brake Systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Internal Combustion Engine
- Automatic Transmission Theory
A program in automotive mechanics technology will assist in the certification process and expose students to the systems being implemented in the current generation of automobiles. If an individual completes a postsecondary program he or she will be able to reduce the 2 year requirement of work experience for ASE certification to a single year. ASE certification is sought after because it demonstrates to customers a level of proficiency in automotive repair.
ASE certification is broken into eight parts for automobiles:
- Engine Repair
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- Manual Drive Train & Axles
- Suspension & Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Heating & Air Conditioning
- Engine Performance
If an individual can pass these eight exams, he will be recognized as an ASE master technician, which can greatly increase the potential income earned by an individual. Certification and master status can also be obtained in other forms of automotive repair such as medium-heavy trucks or school buses. The average wage for automotive mechanic is $16.00 per hour, but can be as high as $30.00 per hour based on experience, quality of service and certification.
Automotive repair shops come in all varieties, from the small local shop to large dealerships. Additionally, specialty businesses exist, such as radiator, transmission, and even salvage. Individuals looking for work in auto repair can pursue careers through these businesses, eventually garnering enough experience to open their own location. The increasing complexity of automobiles can be a limiting factor in opening one's own location, as many modern automobiles require diagnostic tools that are either cost prohibitive or considered proprietary by the manufacturer and only available through dealerships. Tool makers will attempt to provide diagnostic machines for modern vehicles, but availability may not be immediate.
Another facet of auto repair is restoration work, often considered an art form. The taking of classic automobiles and returning them to factory quality standards is a time consuming job, but can be lucrative, especially if one obtains notoriety for their work. Often restoration specialists will focus on a particular type of automobile, such as only working on British automobiles, or only working on Porsches, as the knowledge necessary to put together a vehicle from scratch is extensive, and requires an understanding the minutiae of that particular type of automobile.
Experienced automobile mechanics often demand a premium for service, which usually translates to a higher quality repair. Individuals looking to apprentice under a mechanic should consider the reputation, experience, and quality of work of their possible mentors. By taking the time to research their employer, an aspiring mechanic can ensure longevity in his or her career due to obtaining the proper practical experience necessary to work on vehicles and operating a business.
Those interested in auto mechanics technology programs may also be curious about engine machining, aircraft mechanics and maintenance, and motorcycle maintenance and repair.
Top Schools That Offer an Auto Mechanics Technology Degree or Program
4-Year Colleges and Universities
| Arkansas Tech University | |
- Russellville, AR
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| Baker College of Flint | |
- Flint, MI
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| Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology | |
- Boston, MA
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| Bismarck State College | |
- Bismarck, ND
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| Bob Jones University | |
- Greenville, SC
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| Boise State University | |
- Boise, ID
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| Brazosport College | |
- Lake Jackson, TX
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| Broward College | |
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
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| Chipola College | |
- Marianna, FL
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| College of Central Florida | |
- Ocala, FL
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| College of Southern Nevada | |
- Las Vegas, NV
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| Colorado Mountain College | |
- Glenwood Springs, CO
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| Columbia Basin College | |
- Pasco, WA
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| Daytona State College | |
- Daytona Beach, FL
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| Dixie State College of Utah | |
- Saint George, UT
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| Dunwoody College of Technology | |
- Minneapolis, MN
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| Ferris State University | |
- Big Rapids, MI
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| Florida State College at Jacksonville | |
- Jacksonville, FL
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| Idaho State University | |
- Pocatello, ID
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| Indian River State College | |
- Fort Pierce, FL
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| Lake Washington Institute of Technology | |
- Kirkland, WA
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| Lewis - Clark State College | |
- Lewiston, ID
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| Lincoln College of Technology-West Palm Beach | |
- West Palm Beach, FL
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| Madison Area Technical College | |
- Madison, WI
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| Mesa State College | |
- Grand Junction, CO
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| Midland College | |
- Midland, TX
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| Montana State University - Billings | |
- Billings, MT
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| Montana State University - Northern | |
- Havre, MT
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| Morrisville State College | |
- Morrisville, NY
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| New England Institute of Technology | |
- Warwick, RI
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| Northern Michigan University | |
- Marquette, MI
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| Olympic College | |
- Bremerton, WA
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| Palm Beach State College | |
- Lake Worth, FL
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| Peninsula College | |
- Port Angeles, WA
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| Pennsylvania College of Technology | |
- Williamsport, PA
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| Pittsburg State University | |
- Pittsburg, KS
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| Ranken Technical College | |
- Saint Louis, MO
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| Santa Fe Community College | |
- Gainesville, FL
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| Seattle Community College - South Campus | |
- Seattle, WA
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| Seminole State College of Florida | |
- Sanford, FL
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| Siena Heights University | |
- Adrian, MI
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| South Texas College | |
- McAllen, TX
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| Southern Adventist University | |
- Collegedale, TN
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| Suny College of Technology at Alfred | |
- Alfred, NY
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| Suny College of Technology at Canton | |
- Canton, NY
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| Suny College of Technology at Delhi | |
- Delhi, NY
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| The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College | |
- Brownsville, TX
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| United Tribes Technical College | |
- Bismarck, ND
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| University of Alaska Anchorage | |
- Anchorage, AK
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| University of Alaska Fairbanks | |
- Fairbanks, AK
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| University of Alaska Southeast | |
- Juneau, AK
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| University of Arkansas - Fort Smith | |
- Fort Smith, AR
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| University of Arkansas at Monticello | |
- Monticello, AR
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| University of Hawaii Maui College | |
- Kahului, HI
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| University of Northwestern Ohio | |
- Lima, OH
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| Utah Valley University | |
- Orem, UT
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| Valdosta State University | |
- Valdosta, GA
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| Vermont Technical College | |
- Randolph Center, VT
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| Vincennes University | |
- Vincennes, IN
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| Walla Walla University | |
- College Place, WA
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| Weber State University | |
- Ogden, UT
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| West Virginia University at Parkersburg | |
- Parkersburg, WV
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| Western Nevada College | |
- Carson City, NV
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| Westwood College - Denver North | |
- Denver, CO
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Community Colleges
| Acadiana Technical College - Lafayette | |
- Lafayette, LA
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| Aims Community College | |
- Greeley, CO
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| Albany Technical College | |
- Albany, GA
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| Atlanta Technical College | |
- Atlanta, GA
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| Cedar Valley College | |
- Lancaster, TX
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| Central Georgia Technical College | |
- Macon, GA
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| Central New Mexico Community College | |
- Albuquerque, NM
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| Central Oregon Community College | |
- Bend, OR
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| Chattahoochee Technical College | |
- Marietta, GA
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| Citrus College | |
- Glendora, CA
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| City College of San Francisco | |
- San Francisco, CA
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| Cosumnes River College | |
- Sacramento, CA
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| Cypress College | |
- Cypress, CA
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| Durham Technical Community College | |
- Durham, NC
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| Elgin Community College | |
- Elgin, IL
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| Front Range Community College | |
- Westminster, CO
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| Gateway Community and Technical College | |
- Florence, KY
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| Gateway Community College | |
- Phoenix, AZ
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| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | |
- Rome, GA
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| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | |
- Clarkston, GA
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| Glendale Community College | |
- Glendale, AZ
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| Green River Community College | |
- Auburn, WA
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| Greenville Technical College | |
- Greenville, SC
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| Gwinnett Technical College | |
- Lawrenceville, GA
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| Hazard Community and Technical College | |
- Hazard, KY
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| Jackson Community College | |
- Jackson, MI
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| Jefferson Community and Technical College | |
- Louisville, KY
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| John a Logan College | |
- Carterville, IL
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| Long Beach City College | |
- Long Beach, CA
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| Louisiana Technical College - Alexandria Campus | |
- Alexandria, LA
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| Louisiana Technical College - Baton Rouge Campus | |
- Baton Rouge, LA
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| Louisiana Technical College - Delta - Ouachita Campus | |
- West Monroe, LA
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| Louisiana Technical College - Northwest Louisiana Campus | |
- Minden, LA
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| Macomb Community College | |
- Warren, MI
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| Midlands Technical College | |
- West Columbia, SC
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| Northshore Technical Community College - Sullivan | |
- Bogalusa, LA
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| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | |
- Orangeburg, SC
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| Pueblo Community College | |
- Pueblo, CO
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| Rend Lake College | |
- Ina, IL
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| Rock Valley College | |
- Rockford, IL
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| San Juan College | |
- Farmington, NM
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| Santa Rosa Junior College | |
- Santa Rosa, CA
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| Savannah Technical College | |
- Savannah, GA
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| Shoreline Community College | |
- Shoreline, WA
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| Skyline College | |
- San Bruno, CA
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| South Central Louisiana Technical College - Young Memorial Campus | |
- Morgan City, LA
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| Southern Crescent Technical College | |
- Griffin, GA
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| Sowela Technical Community College | |
- Lake Charles, LA
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| West Georgia Technical College | |
- Waco, GA
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| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | |
- Valdosta, GA
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Career Colleges
| Abram Friedman Occupational Center | |
- Los Angeles, CA
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| Adult Center for Education | |
- Zanesville, OH
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| Advanced Technology Institute | |
- Virginia Beach, VA
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| American Advanced Technicians Institute | |
- Hialeah, FL
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| American Auto Institute | |
- Gardena, CA
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| Apex Technical School | |
- New York, NY
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Arizona Automotive Institute | |
- Glendale, AZ
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus | |
- Jefferson, OH
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| Ati Career Training Center-Garland | |
- Garland, TX
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| Ati Career Training Center-Houston | |
- Houston, TX
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| Ati Career Training Center-Miami | |
- Miami, FL
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Ati Career Training Center-North Richland Hills | |
- North Richland Hills, TX
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| Ati Career Training Center-Oakland Park | |
- Oakland Park, FL
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Ati Career Training Center-Oklahoma City | |
- Oklahoma City, OK
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| Ati Career Training Center-Waco | |
- Waco, TX
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| Ati Technical Training Center | |
- Dallas, TX
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Auburn Career Center | |
- Concord Twp, OH
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| Automotive Training Center | |
- Exton, PA
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| Automotive Training Center | |
- Warminster, PA
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| Avtec-Alaska's Institute of Technology | |
- Seward, AK
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| Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education | |
- Baldwin Park, CA
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| Bristol Technical Education Center | |
- Bristol, CT
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Buckeye Joint Vocational School | |
- New Philadelphia, OH
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| California Career School | |
- Anaheim, CA
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| Canadian Valley Technology Center | |
- El Reno, OK
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| Capitol City Trade and Technical School | |
- Austin, TX
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Career Institute of Health & Technology | |
- Garden City, NY
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Central Technology Center | |
- Drumright, OK
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| Cet - Sobrato | |
- San Jose, CA
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| Commonwealth Technical Institute | |
- Johnstown, PA
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| Community Services Division - Alliance City | |
- Alliance, OH
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| Delta Montrose Technical College | |
- Delta, CO
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| Emily Griffith Technical College | |
- Denver, CO
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| First Coast Technical College | |
- Saint Augustine, FL
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| Garnet Career Center | |
- Charleston, WV
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| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education | |
- La Puente, CA
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| Indian Capital Technology Center - Sallisaw | |
- Sallisaw, OK
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| Indian Capital Technology Center - Stilwell | |
- Stilwell, OK
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| Intellitec College - Colorado Springs | |
- Colorado Springs, CO
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| Intellitec College - Grand Junction | |
- Grand Junction, CO
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| James Rumsey Technical Institute | |
- Martinsburg, WV
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| Johnson College | |
- Scranton, PA
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| Kiamichi Technology Center - Idabel | |
- Idabel, OK
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| Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau | |
- Poteau, OK
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia | |
- Columbia, MD
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Denver | |
- Denver, CO
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie | |
- Grand Prairie, TX
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis | |
- Indianapolis, IN
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park | |
- Melrose Park, IL
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln Technical Institute - East Windsor | |
- East Windsor, CT
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia | |
- Philadelphia, PA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union | |
- Union, NJ
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lorain County Joint Vocational School District | |
- Oberlin, OH
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| Madison Adult Career Center | |
- Mansfield, OH
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| Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center | |
- Los Angeles, CA
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| Michigan Career and Technical Institute | |
- Plainwell, MI
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| Mid - America Technology Center | |
- Wayne, OK
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| Monmouth County Vocational School District | |
- Neptune, NJ
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| Motoring Technical Training Institute | |
- Seekonk, MA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Nascar Technical Institute | |
- Mooresville, NC
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Nashville Auto Diesel College | |
- Nashville, TN
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| New Castle School of Trades | |
- New Castle, PA
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| New York Automotive and Diesel Institute | |
- Jamaica, NY
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Northeast Technology Center - Kansas | |
- Kansas, OK
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| Northeast Technology Center - Pryor | |
- Pryor, OK
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| Northwest Technical Institute | |
- Springdale, AR
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| Northwest Technology Center - Fairview | |
- Fairview, OK
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| Northwest Technology Center-Alva | |
- Alva, OK
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| Ocean County Vocational - Technical School | |
- Toms River, NJ
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| Ohio Technical College | |
- Cleveland, OH
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Oklahoma Technical College | |
- Tulsa, OK
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Onondaga Cortland Madison Boces | |
- Liverpool, NY
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| Pennco Tech-Blackwood | |
- Blackwood, NJ
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| Pennco Tech-Bristol | |
- Bristol, PA
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| Perry Technical Institute | |
- Yakima, WA
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| Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District | |
- Chillicothe, OH
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| Pickens Technical College | |
- Aurora, CO
| Tuition and Fees
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| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education | |
- Pomona, CA
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| Pontotoc Technology Center | |
- Ada, OK
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| Porter and Chester Institute of Branford | |
- Branford, CT
| Tuition and Fees
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| Porter and Chester Institute of Stratford | |
- Stratford, CT
| Tuition and Fees
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| Red River Technology Center | |
- Duncan, OK
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| Rosedale Technical Institute | |
- Pittsburgh, PA
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| South Central Career Center | |
- West Plains, MO
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| South Texas Vocational Technical Institute-Corpus Christi | |
- Corpus Christi, TX
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| South Texas Vocational Technical Institute-San Antonio | |
- San Antonio, TX
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| Southern Oklahoma Technology Center | |
- Ardmore, OK
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| Southwest Applied Technology Center | |
- Cedar City, UT
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Suwannee - Hamilton Technical Center | |
- Live Oak, FL
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| Tctc Adult Training Center | |
- Warren, OH
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| Technical Career Institutes | |
- New York, NY
| Tuition and Fees
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| Technical Education Center - Osceola | |
- Kissimmee, FL
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| Tidewater Tech - Trades | |
- Norfolk, VA
| Tuition and Fees
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| Tri County Technology Center | |
- Bartlesville, OK
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| Union County Vocational Technical School | |
- Scotch Plains, NJ
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| Universal Technical Institute - Automotive Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics | |
- Orlando, FL
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc | |
- Avondale, AZ
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc | |
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc | |
- Glendale Heights, IL
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Massachusetts Inc | |
- Norwood, MA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc | |
- Sacramento, CA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc | |
- Exton, PA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc | |
- Houston, TX
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Washburn Institute of Technology | |
- Topeka, KS
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Western Technical College | |
- El Paso, TX
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Western Technology Center | |
- Burns Flat, OK
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| Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center | |
- Fishersville, VA
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| Wyo Tech - Blairsville | |
- Blairsville, PA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Wyotech - Fremont | |
- Fremont, CA
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Wyotech - Long Beach | |
- Long Beach, CA
| Tuition and Fees
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| Wyotech - West Sacramento | |
- West Sacramento, CA
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| Wyotech-Laramie | |
- Laramie, WY
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