Best Mechanic Schools

Last Updated on May 31, 2023

Do you possess a passion for cars and want to make a living working on them? If so, becoming a mechanic could be a great career choice for you. According to indeed.com, automotive mechanics have an average base salary of about $25 per hour, which works out to be around $50,000 per year! 

Without a doubt, mechanics are in high demand, and there are plenty of schools across the US that can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. But with so many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the list to only the best mechanic schools.

We’ll take a look at these top schools and answer some frequently asked questions about becoming a mechanic.

ASE Certification & School Degrees

Before becoming a mechanic, we recommend you train at a certified school and acquire an ASE (automotive service excellence) certification. This accreditation comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. As part of the process, recipients must pass a test, and then have the choice between two years of on-the-job training or one year plus a two-year degree in automotive repair. After passing, recipients are required to retest every five years, with the intention of keeping professionals well-versed in industry standards.

In addition to the ASE, you can also earn an associate degree by completing two years of secondary education. This degree prepares students for mechanical, technical, and supervisory roles. If you want to go further, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. With this option, you will find coursework offering more in-depth and hands-on experiences, along with opportunities for customer service and management. 

In contrast with the degrees, a standard certificate in automotive technology provides a shorter, less informative option in preparing for ASE certification.  

Mechanic License and Degree Requirements

Keep in mind that while mechanic schools can provide valuable education and training, not all states require a license or degree to work as a mechanic. However, having a license or degree can improve your job prospects and may be required by certain employers. In states where a license or degree is required, attending a mechanic school may be necessary to meet the requirements.

For example, California requires mechanics to have an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or a license from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). To obtain a license from BAR, mechanics must have completed a training program that meets BAR’s requirements or have two years of work experience as a mechanic. Attending a mechanic school that is recognized by BAR can help you meet these requirements.

Top 20 Mechanic Schools

We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 schools for mechanics, plus the state in which they’re located.

Top Mechanic Schools: At a Glance

Now, let’s look at the top mechanic schools on the list.

1. Ferris State University

This university offers undergraduate and graduate automotive programs, which are ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) and NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) accredited. The program includes 550 practical hours, including learning about diagnosis, calibration, dynamometers, emissions testing, and more. A student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 means more individual attention. 

Tuition is around $13,000 and 96 percent of the 14,000+ student population receive some kind of financial assistance. There’s plenty of fiscal aid for prospects and current students and in order to be considered, applicants just have to submit their high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. 

Here are some other helpful stats according to collegetuitioncompare.com.

Tuition (2 Years): $26,000

Graduation Rate: 47%

Retention Rate: 77%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

2. University of Northwestern Ohio

Diplomas at this institution consist of both associate and bachelor’s degrees in automotive technology and in automotive technology supervision. Two-thirds of class time is focused on practical training using the latest automotive equipment, tools, and technologies. Students can focus on either diesel, high-performance motorsports, robotics and automation, or alternative fuels. The university also boasts its own seven-acre motorsports training complex and a school motorsports team that participates in dirt track racing and drag racing events.

Enrollment is limited to 4,000 students each year and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. Tuition is around $12,000 and 92 percent of students receive financial assistance.

Tuition (2 Years): $24,000

Graduation Rate: 60%

Retention Rate: 56%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1

3. Northwest Iowa Community College

There are several two-year programs offered at this college, and its transportation department provides more training options than most other schools. In the automotive and light-duty diesel technology program, students learn essential diagnostic and shop management skills. In the diesel technology program, students learn about repair and maintenance of semi-trucks, trailers, and about construction and agricultural equipment. The student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 offers a lot of opportunity for one-on-one learning. 

Tuition costs of about $7,000 per year make the school more affordable than numerous other schools. Nearly 90 percent of all students receive financial aid. 

Tuition (2 Years): $14,000

Graduation Rate: 62%

Retention Rate: 67%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

4. Walla Walla University

The automotive program at Walla Walla University provides a competitive and hands-on curriculum designed to help students develop real-world experience. They accomplish this through the operation of state-of-the-art tools in an on-campus, student-run auto shop. Automotive programs include associate and bachelor’s degrees in automotive technology and a bachelor’s degree in automotive management.

With tuition north of $30,000, this is the most costly program on the list. This university has operated in affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church since its founding in 1892, and it’s regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Tuition (2 Years): $60,000

Graduation Rate: 64%

Retention Rate: 77%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1

5. Southern Adventist University

This university was also established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Within their automotive technology programs, students can achieve either a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The university provides a full-service, on-campus automotive shop, and programs to prepare learners to take certification exams offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Tuition is about $24,000 and the student-to-faculty rate is 13:1 The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Tuition (2 Years): $48,000

Graduation Rate: 48%

Retention Rate: 82%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1

6. Montana State University-Northern

Montana State University-Northern offers four automotive degree options. For those enrolled in the graduate program of automotive technology, the school also offers a graduate program in diesel technology. A 15-month fast track option is available for both.

Tuition is less than $7,000 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Applied Associate of Science Degree and the Bachelor’s of Science Degree in automotive technology are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Foundation (NATF), and the school is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Tuition (2 Years): $14,000

Graduation Rate: 31%

Retention Rate: 70%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

7. Pittsburg State University

Aspiring mechanics will find programs at this university devoted to learning the ins and outs of modern automotive technology. Among other things, they will learn advanced diagnostic skills to apply with modern vehicles. Students have the option of training with the latest gadgets and equipment in one of seven of the school’s labs. There is an associate degree for automotive service technology, and a bachelor’s degree for automotive technology.

Prospective students can expect to pay around $18,000 for tuition and see 15:1 as the student-faculty ratio.

Tuition (2 Years): $36,000

Graduation Rate: 52%

Retention Rate: 75%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

8. Universal Technical Institute

This university offers programs that can be completed in as little as 11 months, and students can earn certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) upon completion. With locations in different states, the cost of tuition varies depending on the program and campus, but financial aid is available for those who qualify. Some of the subjects covered in UTI’s programs include engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and suspension and steering.

Tuition is generally $40,000 per year and the average student-faculty ratio is 50:1.

Tuition (2 Years): $80,000

Graduation Rate: 57%

Retention Rate: 68%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 50:1

9. Lincoln Technical Institute

Lincoln Tech is another well-known name in the field of mechanic schools. With campuses located throughout the US, Lincoln Tech offers programs in automotive technology, diesel technology, and collision repair. Programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, and students can earn ASE certification upon completion. The cost of tuition varies depending on the program and campus, but financial aid is available for those who qualify. Some of the subjects covered in Lincoln Tech’s programs include engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, and transmission repair.

Expect the student-to-faculty ratio to be 17:1 and the tuition is around $30,000 a year, but that depends on your major.

Tuition (2 Years): $60,000

Graduation Rate: 69%

Retention Rate: 70%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1

10. WyoTech

WyoTech is a specialized mechanic school that focuses on providing students with hands-on training in automotive technology, diesel technology, and collision and refinishing technology. With campuses located in California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, WyoTech offers programs that can be completed in as little as nine months. The cost of tuition varies depending on the program and campus, but financial aid is available for those who qualify. Some of the subjects covered in WyoTech’s programs include engine performance, advanced diagnostics, and welding and fabrication.

At this school tuition costs $29,000. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

Tuition (2 Years): $58,000

Graduation Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 88%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

11. New England Institute of Technology (NEIT)

New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit college located in Rhode Island. NEIT offers a variety of programs in automotive technology, including an Associate in Science Degree program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including engine repair, brakes, electrical systems, and advanced diagnostics. The cost of tuition varies depending on the program, but financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Students pay an average tuition of $34,000 and have an average student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.

Tuition (2 Years): $68,000

Graduation Rate: 49%

Retention Rate: 70.4%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1

12. Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School is an online school that offers a variety of programs in automotive technology, including a diploma program that can be completed in as little as seven months. The program covers a range of subjects, including engine repair, brakes, and electrical systems. The cost of tuition varies depending on the program, but financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Tuition is on average $34,000 and the average student-faculty ratio is 11:1.

Tuition (2 Years): $68,000

Graduation Rate: 49%

Retention Rate: No info available

Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1

Top of their category 

When considering schools, wich metrics are the most important? Below are some of the top 20 mechanic schools, which are either the best or the worst in specific key metrics. 

Least Expensive Tuition (for academic year 2021): 

1. Northeast Community College ($3,750) 
2. Brigham Young University ($4,300)
3. Montana State University–Northern ($5,955)

Most Expensive Tuition (for academic year 2021):

1. Walla Walla University ($30,531)
2. Southern Adventist University ($23,210)
3. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale ($15,240)

Best Student-to-Faculty Rates:

1. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale (10:1)
2. University of Alaska Anchorage – Community & Technical College (12:1)
3. (Tied) Walla Walla University and Southern Adventist University (13:1)

Worst Student-to-Faculty Rates:

1. Brigham Young University – Idaho (19:1)
2. Alexandria Technical and Community College (20:1)
3. University of Northwestern Ohio (23:1)

Best Graduation Rates:

1. Walla Walla University (64%)
2. Alexandria Technical and Community College (62%) 
3. Brigham Young University – Idaho (56%) 

Worst Graduation Rates:

1. University of Alaska Anchorage – Community & Technical College (30%)
2. Montana State University–Northern (31%) 
3. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale (45%)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn to be a car mechanic?

The length of time it takes to become a car mechanic depends on a few factors, including the school you attend and the program you choose. Some programs may take as little as six months to complete, while others can take up to two years or more. Generally, shorter programs will only cover the basics of auto repair, while longer programs will provide a more comprehensive education.

Is mechanic school worth it?

Whether or not mechanic school is worth it depends on your personal goals and circumstances. Attending mechanic school can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to start a career in the field, but it can also be expensive. Before enrolling in a mechanic school, it’s important to consider the cost of tuition, as well as the potential return on investment in terms of future earning potential.

Is an auto mechanic a good job?

Being an auto mechanic is a great job for anyone who enjoys working with their hands and has a passion for cars. The job can be challenging and rewarding, and there is always something new to learn. Additionally, mechanics are in high demand, which means there are plenty of job opportunities available.

Can you be a mechanic without a license?

In most states, you do not need a license to work as a mechanic. However, many employers prefer to hire mechanics who have completed a formal education program and obtained certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

How much do mechanics make? Do auto mechanics make 6 figures?

The salary for mechanics can vary depending on a few factors, such as their level of experience and the region they work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $44,050 as of May 2020. While it is possible for experienced mechanics to make six figures, it is not common.

What is the highest paid auto mechanic?

The highest paid auto mechanics are typically those who specialize in a particular area of auto repair, such as diesel engines or high-performance vehicles. Additionally, those who work for government agencies or in specialized industries may earn more than those who work in general automotive repair shops.

What is the best degree for auto mechanic?

While there is no one “best” degree for auto mechanics, there are a few programs that are highly regarded in the industry. These include programs offered by technical schools, community colleges, and vocational schools. Additionally, obtaining certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can be highly beneficial for auto mechanics.

What is the fastest way to become a mechanic?

The fastest way to become a mechanic is to attend a trade school or vocational school that offers a certificate or diploma program. These programs can typically be completed in as little as six months to a year, and they provide students with the basic skills and knowledge they need to start a career in the field. However, keep in mind that these programs may not provide as comprehensive an education as longer programs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, becoming a mechanic can be a great career choice for anyone with a passion for cars and a desire to work with their hands. There are plenty of mechanic schools throughout the US that can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. When choosing a mechanic school, it’s important to consider factors such as the length of the program, the cost of tuition, and the subjects covered. With the right education and training, you can become a skilled and successful mechanic.In the meantime, if you’re looking to learn more about all things automotive, or looking to get a car or truck for yourself, then have a look at our government surplus catalog. You can find vehicles you may want to turn into a commuter and others that could prove useful for tinkering.