Automotive Technology Degrees

Top 30 Schools for Automotive Technology Degrees 2025

January 13, 2025 | Admin

Interested in getting a degree in automotive technology, but not sure where to start? Deciding on just one auto mechanic school in a swirling pool of options can be daunting… but not impossible. Whether you want to be a mechanic, service tech, field engineer, customer service rep, or multiple options in between, start by asking yourself a few questions to narrow down the options.

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What are the factors to consider when deciding on a school for automotive technology?

Is location important? What about the size of the student population or campus? Does the cost play a major or minor role? What about housing? Consider all the possibilities to determine the best fit.

What’s better: an associate degree in automotive technology or bachelors of automotive technology degree?

Depending on career goals, one is not necessarily better than the other. An associate degree generally provides a basic foundation for entry-level understanding, is less costly, takes less time, but might limit some job opportunities. A bachelor’s, on the other hand, is more comprehensive and may open more career possibilities, but requires more money and years of study/training.

What’s the difference between an associate in applied science and associate of science degree?

An associate in applied science is usually a two-year program and considered a “terminal” degree, giving graduates immediate entry into the workforce. An associate of science is also a two-year program, but is typically used to build toward a bachelor’s degree. Students can transfer to a university with an associate of science degree, but not an associate in applied science.

Which school offers the best automotive technology degree?

Check out the names, links, and curriculum information for 30 colleges, universities, and technician schools below that offer an associate degree in automotive technology, bachelors in automotive technology, certificate, or diploma. We ranked them based on tuition (lowest is best) and enrollment (lowest is best = lower student-to-teacher ratio).

30 Schools for Automotive Technology Degrees

1

McPherson College

• McPherson, Kansas
• Points: 55

Although McPherson College doesn’t offer a degree in automotive technology, it provides an automotive restoration program — the only one on this list and the only school in the country with a bachelor’s degree for this field. During the program, students work on a wide range of makes and models — Model T’s to muscle cars. Once completed, the vehicles are displayed at shows and events, then auctioned off to help pay for the next round of projects.

South Seattle College offers an associate of applied science degree, along with a transfer degree (with an additional nine general education electives), plus a maintenance and light repair certificate. The hands-on curriculum teaches mechanical, electrical, math, and problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.

For those wanting a career as a technical representative, service manager, or specialized diagnosticians, Montana State University-Northern offers an associate degree in automotive technology, a bachelors in automotive technology, and an automotive technology minor. While enrolled, students can also participate in technician programs and earn Ford or Subaru credentials.

Tuition: $2,977

In the Green River College ASE-certified associate degree in automotive technology program, students can learn to diagnose and repair engines, along with electrical and other systems, at their own pace. This six-quarter degree also includes courses in oral communication for trades, leadership skills, and human relations and work readiness. Five certificates are also available.

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

• Points: 42

Since 1908, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology has been teaching students how to diagnose, maintain, and repair all makes and models of cars in their full-service working garage. Students can earn a certificate of proficiency, ASE certification, or an associate degree in automotive technology that can then be applied…