Mechanics are trained professionals who understand how heavy machinery, such as automobiles of various kinds, work. They inspect, maintain and repair vehicles such as cars and light trucks. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics made an annual median income of $40,710 in 2018. Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics made an annual median pay of $47,350 in 2018. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians made an annual median income of $63,060 in 2018.
If you are interested in becoming a mechanic, there are numerous colleges and technical schools you can enroll in. To become an automotive service technician and mechanic, you will need a postsecondary nondegree award in most cases. However, employers may show preference towards those with a bachelor’s degree in this field. The following Top 15 Mechanic Schools are worth considering in this regard:
Note: The following list has been compiled after data collection from various sources. However, you are advised to conduct a detailed search on the college of your choice.

Featured Programs and Schools

  1. Pennsylvania College of Technology

The Pennsylvania College of Technology offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology Management, in both online and on campus formats. The college also offers an Automotive Sales and Marketing AAS degree, and Automotive Technology AAS degree along with multiple certificate options. Students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology learn from master mechanics in state-of-the-art labs, with the option of earning up to eight industry certifications. With a maximum of two students per project, aspiring mechanics can gain hands-on experience in the most inclusive way possible.

  1. Vermont Technical College

The Vermont Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in Automotive Technology, including a 10-week long summer cooperative education requirement. The program provides students with an understanding of dealerships, manufacturers, independent repair facilities and equipment manufacturers. Students are given a broad understanding of the industry through practical experience and hands-on training in the real world.

  1. SUNY Morrisville College

The SUNY Morrisville College offers a variety of programs for aspiring mechanics. These include the Auto Body Technology A.A.S., the Automotive Management B.B.A., the Automotive Technology A.A.S., the Automotive Technology B.Tech, the Automotive Technology Ford Asset A.A.S., the Mechanical Technology A.A.S. and Diesel Technology Degrees. The degrees at SUNY Morrisville prepare you to understand every part of a vehicle through hands-on experiences and apprenticeships.

  1. Lewis-Clark State College

The Lewis-Clark State College offers a variety of programs for automotive technology enthusiasts. It offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Auto Mechanics Technology and Diesel Technology, among others. The college also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Auto Mechanics Technology, Collision Repair Technology and Diesel Technology. In addition to these, there are multiple certificates available. These degrees are all available under the Technical and Industrial Division at the Lewis-Clark State College, which ensures that students are taught all the necessary skills that are needed to get the job done.

  1. Southern Adventist University

The Southern Adventist University offers an outstanding industrial technology degree, at both the bachelor’s and associate’s level. Part of these programs is a detailed study of automotive technologies. These courses ensure that students understand the fundamentals of auto repairs with hands-on experience. During the last semester, students are required to spend 8-10 hours a week working in a local shop as part of the course. Students are taught how automobiles and their systems work and how to fix them in case of malfunctions.

  1. McPherson College

The McPherson College offers an Automotive Restoration Technology Program, which was first established in 1976 through funds gifted by the local entrepreneur Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue. In 1997, the program caught the attention of car enthusiast, Jay Leno, who established the Fred S. Duesenberg Scholarship and the Jay Leno Popular Mechanics Scholarship. The McPherson College is the only college that provides a highly recognized bachelor’s degree in Restoration Technology.

  1. Weber State University

The Weber State University offers an Associate of Applied Science Program and a Bachelor of Science Program in Automotive Technology. With program partners such as Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler and General Motors, Weber State’s program is considered to be one of the best in the country. Graduates from these programs are most often recruited by some of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers. The programs allow students to get certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

  1. Pittsburg State University

The Department of Automotive Technology at the Kansas Technology Center at the Pittsburg State University offers some of the most sought-after programs in this field. It offers 2-year programs such as the Automotive Service Technology Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The university also offers Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Programs in various majors and 4-year long Bachelor of Science (BST) programs. With its highly accomplished faculty and various opportunities for industry experience, the Pittsburg State University is one of the best options available for those interested in this field.

  1. New England Institute of Technology

The New England Institute of Technology offers four Associate in Science Degrees in Automotive Technology, which offer an in-depth study of the latest trends in the automotive field. The four programs include: Automotive Technology and Advanced Automotive Technology, High Performance and Advanced Automotive Technology with High Performance and Automotive Technology. Students are taught about the designs, operations and servicing of the various components, as well as systems in modern automobiles.

  1. University of Northwestern Ohio

The College of Applied Technologies at the University of Northwestern Ohio offers diploma, associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in Automotive Technology. 70% of the coursework at UNOH is hands-on training, which ensures that students get firsthand experience when it comes to dealing with various kinds of automobiles. The university also regularly updates its curriculum to ensure it covers the latest trends in an ever-changing industry. 80% of the Automotive Technology graduates from UNOH are employed or continuing education, as per the official website of the college.

  1. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology’s (BFIT) Automotive Technology program dates back to 1908 and has consistently been ranked among the top 50 in the US. It is the oldest program of its nature in the country and has been certified by the National Automotive Technician Educational Foundation (NATEF). As a student at BFIT, you will learn how to repair various automotive components and systems, using state-of-the-art equipment and a full-service working garage. The institute offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Automotive Technology and a Certificate of Proficiency in Automotive Technology.

  1. South Texas College

The South Texas College offers an Automotive Technology Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science Degree for those interested in this field. These programs are designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the automotive industry. Students are given an understanding of automotive heating and cooling systems, fuel injection, electrical systems, brake systems, steering and suspension systems, engine performance measures and computerized automotive control systems. Graduates of this program are usually placed in dealerships, specialty automotive repair facilities, quick service shops and independent garages.

  1. Stark State College

The Stark State College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology, which is a two-year long program, designed to give students a strong understanding of automotive technical skills. While importance is given to academics, a lot of emphasis is placed on technology and hands-on learning experiences. Students are taught the use of the latest tools and equipment in the automotive industry. The automotive curriculum is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, which prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

  1. Walla Walla University

The Walla Walla University offers multiple programs in Automotive Technology, including a Bachelors Degree in Automotive Technology and a Bachelors Degree in Automotive Management. It also offers an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. The Walla Walla University uses an updated curriculum to make sure its students are on top of the industry as soon as they graduate. The university also boasts of a 100% placement rate all over the US. The Walla Walla University has a highly qualified faculty and offers first-hand experience to its students. The small class size and access to an auto lab make the learning experience here all the more impressive.

  1. Ferris State University

The Ferris State University offers various degrees and certificates in Automotive Service Technology. The university has been educating automotive students for more than 50 years. Students here are required to complete 1,080 hours of instruction on more than 100 manufacturer donated vehicles. The Associate in Automotive Service Technology degree offered at Ferris State is a highly recognized qualification.