State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Colorado Ranked For 2026

Explore 18 automotive schools in Colorado, with certificate and degree options, tuition, and facts about automotive training.

Colorado geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Colorado guide
Colorado · Geographic Illustration
Schools Compared
18
Across The State
Annual Tuition From
$3,120
Institution-Wide · 2024–25
Colorado Median Pay
$61,280
Automotive Mechanics · May 2025
Colorado Employment
12,300
Occupation-Wide · BLS OEWS

The best auto mechanic schools in Colorado include 18 schools and 43 automotive certificate and degree options in the published school figures. Those programs report 1,916 awards for 2023-24. Colorado's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $61,280.

Pickens Technical College in Aurora reports a 76% schoolwide graduation rate, $4,110 annual in-state tuition, and 53 awards in a certificate program. Northeastern Junior College reports a 56% schoolwide rate, $5,073 tuition, 32 awards, and associate's and certificates. Trinidad State College adds a broader mix with 126 awards and $4,058 tuition. Colorado Mesa University adds another certificate and associate's example at $8,807 tuition and 155 awards. Variation across award and budget gives the comparison a useful structure.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Colorado

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

SchoolLocationAnnual In-State TuitionAutomotive Awards
Lincoln College of Technology-DenverDenver, CO207
Intellitec College-Grand JunctionGrand Junction, CO103
Emily Griffith Technical CollegeDenver, CO48
Aims Community CollegeGreeley, CO$3,120240
Intellitec College-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO67
Trinidad State CollegeTrinidad, CO$4,058126
Technical College of the RockiesDelta, CO34
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster, CO$4,058302
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora, CO$4,11053
Pueblo Community CollegePueblo, CO$4,058138
Pikes Peak State CollegeColorado Springs, CO$4,058214
Arapahoe Community CollegeLittleton, CO$4,05875
Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, CO$8,807155
Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs, CO$4,992111
Northeastern Junior CollegeSterling, CO$5,07332
Morgan Community CollegeFort Morgan, CO$4,0587
Colorado Northwestern Community CollegeRangely, CO$4,0581
Red Rocks Community CollegeAdult Entry Paused During Program RefreshLakewood, CO$4,0583

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

01

Denver, CO

Lincoln College of Technology-Denver

92.1Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Three Schedules In A Large Denver Training Facility

Lincoln Tech Denver fits you if you need day, afternoon, or evening attendance and want a diploma centered on diagnostic repair, with a separate service-management route on the same campus.

Lincoln Tech's Denver campus offers a 55-credit Automotive Service Technology diploma with day, afternoon, and evening schedules planned for about 57 weeks. The curriculum covers engine performance, electrical systems, diagnostics, drivetrain, heating and air conditioning, and steering and suspension. Denver also offers Automotive Service Management Technology and Mopar CAP training, with instruction in a 60-bay, 18-lift facility.

Automotive Awards
207
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
71%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
55-Credit Diploma

The Denver Automotive Service Technology diploma totals 55 semester credit hours and 1,320 instructional hours. Lincoln estimates approximately 57 weeks to complete the day, afternoon, or evening schedule.

Diagnostic Curriculum

The diploma objective covers testing, diagnosis, replacement, repair, and adjustment of mechanical, electronic, hydraulic, and accessory systems. Named subjects include engines, electrical systems, drivetrains, HVAC, and suspension.

Denver Campus Equipment

Lincoln's Denver campus page identifies 60 bays and 18 lifts, plus engine and chassis dynamometers. The campus address is 11194 East 45th Avenue in Denver.

Manufacturer Options

The Denver campus offers Mopar Career Automotive Program training. Lincoln also identifies Tesla START technician training at Denver, a separate 16-week opportunity for students accepted into that partnership.

02

Grand Junction, CO

Intellitec College-Grand Junction

83.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Grand Junction Access To A Broad ASE Sequence

Grand Junction is a useful fit if you want accelerated certificate or occupational-degree study with a real shop setting and preparation that reaches beyond basic maintenance.

At IntelliTec's Grand Junction campus, you can choose a 15-month Automotive Technician Certificate or an occupational degree planned for 19.5 months. The school describes an on-campus shop with automotive bays, modern equipment, and real vehicles. Its broad systems sequence includes diagnostics, drivetrains, engine performance, emissions, climate control, and nine ASE exam areas.

Automotive Awards
103
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
63%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate And Degree Length

IntelliTec lists the Automotive Technician Certificate at 15 months and the Associate of Occupational Studies at 19.5 months when completed as designed. Both tracks are available through the program overview.

Grand Junction Location

Grand Junction appears among the available IntelliTec locations, with the same published automotive program also listing Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Albuquerque. Training is described as hands-on in lab and bay settings.

Hands-On Systems Practice

The program's skill list covers brakes, suspension, manual and automatic transmissions, engine performance, starting and charging, climate control, emissions, diagnostic routines, and personal and shop safety.

ASE Areas Listed

The page names ASE preparation for engine repair, automatic and manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and light-vehicle diesel engines.

03

Denver, CO

Emily Griffith Technical College

77.7Score

CertificatePublic

Short Vehicle-Repair Program With Transfer Credit

Emily Griffith suits you if you want a concentrated vehicle-maintenance program with a part-time evening option and a stated transfer route into Front Range's automotive associate degree.

Emily Griffith Technical College's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program is a full-time five-month or part-time ten-month route at its Branch Campus. The published cost is $8,500, and the schedule includes daytime and evening options. Emily Griffith says 38 credits will likely transfer to Front Range Community College toward an Automotive Technology AAS.

Automotive Awards
48
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
97%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Program Length And Cost

The program takes five months full time or ten months part time. Emily Griffith lists the current program cost as $8,500 and says the program is eligible for financial aid.

Flexible Weekly Schedule

Full-time classes run Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Part-time options include morning, afternoon, and evening blocks, with the evening route running from 5 to 9 p.m.

Branch Campus Location

Courses meet at Emily Griffith's Branch Campus in Denver.

Front Range Transfer Route

Emily Griffith says 38 of the program's credits will likely transfer to Front Range Community College toward an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.

04

Greeley, CO

Aims Community College

75.7Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Stackable Certificates Alongside A 78-Credit AAS

Aims fits you if you want to start with one automotive system, collect shorter credentials, and keep those certificates connected to a full associate degree.

Aims Community College's Master Automobile Service Technology pathway combines a 78-credit Associate of Applied Science at the Windsor Campus with 12 automotive certificates. The certificate menu covers core technician work, including transmissions, brakes, steering, and electrical systems. Individual classes add engine diagnosis, braking, wiring, emissions, suspension, and shop-safety training, giving you several ways to build toward the degree.

Annual In-State Tuition
$3,120
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
240
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
40%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Certificate Menu

The Master Automobile Service Technology degree is an Associate of Applied Science requiring 78 credits at the Windsor Campus. Aims also lists 12 automotive certificates that can begin a route toward the degree.

Core Service Systems

The Automotive Service Technician certificate teaches core systems and repair work in transmissions, brakes, steering, and electrical systems while omitting the associate degree's general-education requirements.

Diagnostic And Shop Courses

Published courses cover shop safety, equipment care, brake diagnosis and repair, electrical theory and wiring, engine diagnosis, fuel and emissions systems, and suspension and steering service.

Windsor Campus Costs

The degree page places the program at the Windsor Campus and lists estimated lab and course fees of $1,924. It separately publishes institution tuition figures, so the lab estimate is the program-specific cost shown here.

05

Colorado Springs, CO

Intellitec College-Colorado Springs

74.6Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Accelerated Shop Training In Colorado Springs

IntelliTec suits you if you want a shorter certificate or occupational degree built around simulated professional shop work and a broad set of ASE exam areas.

IntelliTec College's Colorado Springs automotive program offers a 15-month certificate or an Associate of Occupational Studies designed for 19.5 months. Training takes place in an on-campus repair shop with bays, current tools, and real vehicles. The curriculum spans brakes, transmissions, engine performance, climate control, emissions, and diagnostic routines, with preparation for ASE exams across nine areas.

Automotive Awards
67
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
51%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Two Credential Tracks

The Automotive Technician Certificate is listed at 15 months when completed as designed. The Associate of Occupational Studies track is listed at 19.5 months on the program overview.

Colorado Springs Campus

Colorado Springs is one of the program's listed locations, alongside Albuquerque, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. The page identifies hands-on training in modern automotive lab and bay settings.

Repair Systems Covered

The published skill list includes brakes, suspension, manual and automatic transmissions, engine performance, starting and charging, climate control, emissions, diagnostic routines, and shop safety.

ASE Exam Preparation

IntelliTec identifies preparation for ASE exams A1 through A9, covering engine repair, transmissions, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC, engine performance, and light-vehicle diesel engines.

06

Trinidad, CO

Trinidad State College

74.3Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Stackable Certificates At Two Colorado Campuses

Trinidad State fits you if you want a short certificate that can build into an AAS, with two annual entry points and the choice of Trinidad or Alamosa instruction.

Trinidad State College offers a 69-credit, four-semester AAS alongside stackable one-semester certificates in electrical work, brakes, engine repair, engine performance, HVAC, transmissions, and suspension. Entry courses have no prerequisites, and new semesters start in August and January. Training is available in Trinidad and Alamosa, with Snap-On discounts and concurrent enrollment options.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
126
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
55%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
AAS And Certificate Structure

The AAS in Automotive Service Technology requires 69 credit hours over four semesters. Certificates in electrical, brakes, engine repair, engine performance, HVAC, manual and automatic transmissions, and suspension range from one semester to four.

No-Prerequisite Entry Courses

Trinidad State says its entry-level courses have no prerequisites. New semesters begin every August and January, giving you two stated starting points for the program pathway.

Systems Covered

The published learning areas include shop maintenance, electrical systems, brakes and suspension, engine repair, drivetrain, fuel and emissions, and HVAC. The AAS sequence begins with safety, brakes, electricity, and starting and charging.

Locations And Tool Support

The program is offered at Trinidad and Alamosa. A Snap-On partnership gives enrolled students discounts on hand tools and diagnostic equipment, while concurrent enrollment lets high school students begin coursework early.

07

Delta, CO

Technical College of the Rockies

71.2Score

CertificatePublic

Second-Year Technician Training After MLR

TCR fits you if you want a clearly sequenced second-year program that builds on Maintenance and Light Repair and gives you on-site ASE testing access as you progress.

Technical College of the Rockies places Automotive Service Technician in the second year of its pathway, after Maintenance and Light Repair. The program delivers 611 hours across two semesters and 30 credits in a half-day format. Students work through engines, transmissions, electrical diagnosis, brakes, HVAC, steering, and suspension while becoming eligible for ASE entry-level exams.

Automotive Awards
34
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
95%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Length And Contact Hours

Automotive Service Technician is a 30-credit, two-semester program with 611 hours of hands-on instruction. TCR delivers it in a half-day format with daily in-seat classes from noon to 3:35 p.m.

Required MLR Sequence

Students must pass the Maintenance and Light Repair program before enrolling in Automotive Service Technician. TCR identifies the technician course as Year 2 of its automotive pathway.

Major Repair Systems

The course competencies include automatic and manual transmissions, brakes, electrical systems, engine performance and repair, heating and air conditioning, and suspension and steering.

ASE Eligibility And Cost

Students become eligible for individual ASE Entry-Level Certifications at the end of each program segment, with ASE testing available on-site. TCR lists $4,943.15 in direct tuition and fees across both semesters.

08

Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College

70.1Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Two Campuses And Eleven Certificate Choices

Front Range fits you if you want to compare a full associate degree with certificates that narrow the focus to brakes, engines, electrical systems, transmissions, or other repair areas.

Front Range Community College offers a 70-credit, four-semester AAS at Larimer and Westminster, plus 11 shorter certificates. The degree covers engines, drivetrains, brakes, steering, electronics, HVAC, fuel, ignition, and emissions. You can also choose a 27-credit entry-level certificate or a 54-credit comprehensive certificate if you want more automotive coursework with fewer general-education classes.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
302
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
35%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
AAS Credits And Locations

The Automotive Technology AAS requires 70 credits over four semesters and is offered at the Larimer and Westminster campuses. The degree addresses mechanical and electronic equipment in modern automobiles.

Eleven Shorter Certificates

Certificate choices include comprehensive and entry-level service technician, general maintenance and repair, transmission, brakes, electrical and electronics, engine performance, engine repair, HVAC, manual drivetrain, and suspension and steering.

Comprehensive Certificate

The Comprehensive Automotive Technician Certificate requires 54 credits over four semesters and includes nearly all automotive classes in the AAS. It leaves one general-education elective, with additional general education needed for the degree.

Master Technician Instructors

Front Range says its instructors are ASE-Certified Master Automotive Technicians with professional experience. The program uses hands-on teaching with state-of-the-art equipment, and the college does not perform public vehicle work.

09

Aurora, CO

Pickens Technical College

69.0Score

CertificatePublic

Half-Day Classes With Internship And Industry Add-Ons

Pickens suits you if you want a structured four-semester schedule, equal classroom and shop time, and an internship built into a broad Master Automotive Service Technician curriculum.

Pickens Technical College's Master Automotive Service Technician program runs four semesters with morning or afternoon weekday blocks. The 58-credit, NATEF-certified curriculum divides time between classroom concepts and shop practice, includes an off-site internship, and prepares students for ASE student certification. Students can also earn industry certificates in safety, alignment, Ford, Subaru, and Snap-On systems.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,110
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
53
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
76%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Four-Semester Schedule

The Master Automotive Service Technician program runs four semesters. Pickens lists morning classes from 8:40 to 11:30 and afternoon classes from 12:10 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

NATEF And ASE Preparation

Pickens describes the program as NATEF certified and says students experience all eight automotive specialty areas while preparing for ASE testing and certification.

Classroom And Shop Balance

Students spend 50% of their time learning concepts in class and 50% doing hands-on work in a simulated shop with industry-grade equipment. An off-site internship is part of the curriculum.

Industry Certificates

The program lists additional opportunities including SP/2 safety certificates, Ford Service Online Training, Hunter Alignment, Snap-On Certification, and Subaru Web-Based Training.

10

Pueblo, CO

Pueblo Community College

64.8Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

ASE-Aligned Training With Hybrid And EV Exposure

Pueblo suits you if you want broad service-system training with manufacturer web courses, emerging vehicle technology, and hands-on lab work shaped by dealership and independent repair experience.

Pueblo Community College's Automotive Service Technology program combines ASE and NATEF-aligned training with dealership and independent-shop experience among its faculty. Labs use advanced equipment and industry-provided vehicles, and students can study conventional systems alongside hybrid and battery-electric technology. Subaru and Ford web training, SkillsUSA participation, internships, and a special admissions process add context to the classroom and lab work.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
138
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
31%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Accredited Systems Training

PCC says the program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and certified by ASE. Named areas include transmissions, brakes, electrical systems, engine performance and repair, HVAC, and suspension and steering.

Hybrid And Electric Vehicles

Alongside conventional maintenance and repair, coursework introduces Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Battery Electric Vehicles. The program describes this as foundational knowledge of emerging vehicle technologies.

Industry Training Partners

Subaru and Ford partnerships allow students to complete each company's web-based training as part of the basic curriculum. Snap-On and Matco also support student tool and diagnostic-equipment programs.

Admissions And Experience

Entry requires a special admissions process, including an Accuplacer test with college-ready reading, writing, and math scores plus screening. The program also describes internships, mentoring, and advanced hands-on equipment.

11

Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak State College

63.7Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Stackable Certificates With A Colorado Springs AAS

Pikes Peak suits you if you want to enter through one repair specialty and add certificates toward broader automotive study, with hands-on instruction across mechanical and electrical systems.

Pikes Peak State College's Automotive Technology program offers an AAS and stackable certificates in air conditioning, brakes, electrical systems, engine performance, gasoline engine repair, manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, and automotive technology. Hands-on instruction covers diagnosis, engines, transmissions, fuel and electrical systems, emissions, ignition, brakes, air conditioning, and suspension at the Colorado Springs campus.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
214
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
21%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
AAS And Certificate Options

Pikes Peak lists an Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science plus certificates in air conditioning and heating, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, gasoline engine repair, manual drivetrain, and suspension and steering.

Hands-On Systems Training

The program describes hands-on instruction from industry leaders. Students learn to diagnose problems, replace engine components, service transmissions, and work on fuel and electrical systems.

Additional Repair Areas

Beyond engines and transmissions, Pikes Peak says Automotive Technology covers emissions, ignition, brakes, air conditioning systems, and suspensions. The program points toward repair, service, sales, and supply work.

Colorado Springs Campus

The Automotive Technology contact location is Pikes Peak State College's campus at 5675 South Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The page identifies the program within Technical and Professional Studies.

12

Littleton, CO

Arapahoe Community College

58.4Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Apprenticeship And Manufacturer Tracks

Arapahoe fits you if you want an AAS tied to paid or dealership-based work, with a choice between a general apprenticeship and manufacturer-specific training.

Arapahoe Community College's Automotive Service Technology AAS totals 79 credits and combines general education with a long technical sequence. You can enter through ATEC's general apprenticeship or a manufacturer-linked track such as GM ASEP, Honda PACT, Mopar CAP, or Subaru University. Each route includes hands-on or web-based training, and the college requires an apprenticeship position for the degree tracks.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
75
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
29%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
79-Credit AAS

The Automotive Service Technology AAS lists 16 credits of general education and 63 credits of major courses, for a 79-credit total. The technical sequence includes brakes, engines, drivetrains, electronics, HVAC, and diagnosis.

ATEC Apprenticeship

ATEC lets degree-seeking students obtain an apprenticeship with a dealership or independent repair facility. Incoming freshmen may begin in summer, fall, or spring and must maintain the apprenticeship during the program.

Manufacturer Tracks

ACC lists GM ASEP, Honda PACT, Mopar CAP, and Subaru University among its corporate-sponsored tracks. These require a manufacturer-dealership apprenticeship and include web-based technician training.

Admission Screening

Applicants must be admitted to ACC and pass an industry-standard motor-vehicle-record, criminal-background, and urinalysis review. The college also requires a clean driving record and valid driver's license because students drive customer vehicles.

13

Grand Junction, CO

Colorado Mesa University

57.2Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Advanced Certificate After Light-Duty Foundations

This pathway suits you if you want foundational light-duty training first, then a technical certificate that adds engine controls, alignment, electrical work, and a targeted elective.

Colorado Mesa University's Automotive Service Technician certificate starts with a light-duty technician certificate before moving into advanced repair. The 35-credit plan covers electronics, climate control, brakes, chassis, engine controls, alignment, and workplace skills, with four credits of restricted electives. Hybrid vehicles, engine reconditioning, and ABS diagnostics are among those elective directions.

Annual In-State Tuition
$8,807
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
155
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
41%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Prerequisite Certificate

Colorado Mesa requires students to complete the Light Duty Technician Technical Certificate before enrolling in the Automotive Service Technician certificate. The advanced certificate is a 35-credit program in Transportation Services.

Systems Curriculum

Required courses include electronics, starting and charging systems, brakes, climate control, engine control services, alignment and suspension, vehicle inspection, industrial safety, and workplace skills.

Restricted Electives

Students choose four restricted-elective credits from subjects such as manual or automatic drivetrains, hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles, engine performance and emissions, engine reconditioning, job shop, and ABS diagnostics.

Tools And Safety Gear

The catalog says students entering the program may need hand tools, appropriate clothing, and safety gear costing approximately $2,500. Textbooks are separate, and the final amount varies by equipment choices.

14

Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College

55.5Score

CertificatePublic

Specialty Certificates Across Mountain Campuses

CMC fits you if you want a focused automotive certificate close to one of its mountain-area locations, with the option to build toward a broader multi-occupational associate degree.

Colorado Mountain College organizes Automotive Service Technology as specialty certificates offered in Rifle, with concurrent options connected to Glenwood Springs, Salida, and Vail Valley. You train on real vehicles and can focus on brakes, electrical systems, engine repair, HVAC, suspension, or automatic transmissions. The certificates can feed into the AAS in Multi-Occupational Trades.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,992
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
111
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
27%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Real-Vehicle Practice

The program says students work on real vehicles, including personal or family cars, while practicing maintenance, repair, diagnostics, HVAC, and electrical systems with instructor guidance.

Specialty Certificate Areas

Certificate choices include brakes, electrical systems, facility operations and vehicle maintenance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, and automatic transmissions.

Teaching Locations

Colorado Mountain College identifies Rifle as the Automotive Service Technology location, with mostly in-person delivery there. Concurrent enrollment options are also listed for Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Salida, and Vail Valley.

Degree Progression

After completing a specialty certificate, students can choose to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Multi-Occupational Trades. The page says these certificates may also apply toward a BAS in Leadership and Management.

15

Sterling, CO

Northeastern Junior College

52.8Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Focused Engine Repair And Machining Sequence

Northeastern fits you if your immediate goal is engine work, from diagnosis and cylinder-head service through rebuilding and machining, rather than a general technician curriculum.

Northeastern Junior College's Automotive Engines option is a focused 14-credit sequence rather than a broad all-systems program. It starts with shop orientation, then moves through engine diagnosis, engine repair, engine service, rebuild work, and automotive machining. The course descriptions emphasize measurement, disassembly, reassembly, cooling systems, and reconditioning engine components.

Annual In-State Tuition
$5,073
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
32
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
56%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Fourteen-Credit Sequence

The published Automotive Engines requirements total 14 credits. The sequence begins with Auto Shop Orientation before students move into the named engine courses and machining work.

Engine Diagnosis And Repair

General Engine Diagnosis addresses engine condition and support systems. Automotive Engine Repair then covers cylinder heads, valve-train components, cooling systems, engine removal, reinstallation, and mounting.

Rebuild Coursework

Automotive Engine Repair and Rebuild covers disassembly, diagnosis, and reassembly, including repair procedures for engine blocks and cylinder-head assemblies. The course meets the catalog's Master Automotive Service Technician requirements.

Automotive Machining

Automotive Machining uses current machines and equipment to recondition connecting rods, engine blocks, cylinder heads, valves, flywheels, and crankshafts, with brake-drum and rotor service included.

16

Fort Morgan, CO

Morgan Community College

33.4Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

ASE-Certified AAS With Work-Based Learning

Morgan fits you if you want a full service-technology degree with certified faculty, work-based learning, and a clearly stated academic floor rather than separate admission prerequisites.

Morgan Community College's Automotive Service Technology AAS is a 75-credit, ASE Education Foundation-certified program taught by ASE Master-certified faculty. The curriculum moves from electrical and engine diagnosis into brakes, engine repair and rebuild, fuel systems, drivetrains, and chassis work. Morgan includes work-based learning, has no degree prerequisites, and requires at least a C in each course and a 2.0 GPA to graduate.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
7
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
45%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
75-Credit AAS

Morgan lists Automotive Service Technology as a 75-credit Associate of Applied Science. The program description identifies general, light- or heavy-duty, and drivability technician directions.

ASE Certification

The program meets ASE Education Foundation standards and is ASE Education Foundation certified. Morgan says all program faculty are ASE Master certified.

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is part of the program. Students must purchase the applicable textbooks before class to meet ASE Education Foundation requirements, while tools are not required for completion but will be needed for employment.

Academic Requirements

Morgan lists no degree prerequisites. Students need a minimum C in each course, a 2.0 cumulative MCC GPA to graduate, and at least 25% of program credits taken at Morgan Community College.

17

Rangely, CO

Colorado Northwestern Community College

21.1Score

CertificatePublic

Basic-To-Advanced Training With Workplace Expectations

CNCC suits you if you want a staged certificate pathway that treats customer service and work habits as part of technician preparation alongside complex automotive systems.

Colorado Northwestern Community College takes students from a basic automotive introduction into advanced certificate work and preparation for ASE certification. Its page emphasizes both technical ability and the habits expected in a shop, including dependability, accountability, quality work, and customer service. The program is taught by automotive professionals with extensive industry experience.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
1
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
34%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Basic And Advanced Certificates

The Automotive Technology program offers Basic and Advanced Automotive Technology certificate courses. CNCC describes the sequence as moving from an introduction to the industry toward preparation for ASE certification.

Experienced Instructors

CNCC says automotive professionals with extensive industry experience teach the program. Instruction is framed around developing dependable, accountable, quality technicians rather than technical knowledge alone.

Customer Service Training

The program explicitly includes work ethic and customer service in its technician expectations. CNCC presents those habits as equally important to understanding complex automotive systems.

ASE Preparation

The published program description says its advanced training takes students toward ASE certification level. That gives the certificate sequence a stated assessment destination beyond completing automotive coursework.

Automotive Programs With Paused Admissions

Lakewood, CO

Red Rocks Community College

Associate DegreePublic

Adult Entry Paused During Program Refresh

Red Rocks says the program is currently being refreshed and redesigned, with adult participants welcomed in the future. The page directs high school students to continue through Warren Tech or other participating high schools.

High-School Pathway During Adult Program Refresh

The listed credentials show the program's intended scope, but the current page directs high school students to Warren Tech or participating schools while adult participation is being refreshed.

Red Rocks Community College lists a 76-credit Automotive Service Technology AAS, a 20-credit Auto Service Technician certificate, a 23-credit Master Auto Service Technician certificate, and Maintenance Light Repair. The current page says the program is being refreshed and redesigned: high school students may continue through Warren Tech or participating schools, while adult participation is planned for a future reopening.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,058
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
3
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
32%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Four Credential Choices

The program page lists Auto Service Technician at 20 credits, Automotive Service Technology AAS at 76 credits, Maintenance Light Repair, and Master Auto Service Technician at 23 credits.

National Certification

Red Rocks describes the program as nationally certified through NATEF. It says instructors are ASE Certified Technicians and that demonstrated mastery of skills is required.

Technician Career Coverage

The page names possible directions including emissions analysis and repair, retail service, industrial repair, service writing, advising, shop management, fleet management, and parts management.

Current Program Status

Red Rocks says the Automotive Technology program is being refreshed and redesigned. The page identifies high school exploration through Warren Tech or participating high schools while that work continues.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Colorado

Colorado's school reports show why the credential deserves equal billing with the tuition. Pickens Technical College is a focused certificate example with the 76% schoolwide graduation rate. Northeastern Junior College combines associate's and certificates with 32 awards. Trinidad State College reports 126 awards across several certificates and an associate's program, with a 55% schoolwide graduation rate. The figures describe each institution's schoolwide rate and its automotive awards, not every automotive student's result.

Short certificates place more weight on the lab sequence and award length.

The named campuses span different communities, making travel and living costs part of the decision alongside tuition, credentials, and each schoolwide rate.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Colorado

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $61,280 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Colorado, across 12,300 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile
$39,550
Median
$61,280
90th Percentile
$93,830

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

Colorado Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Colorado Wage Median?
The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Colorado is $61,280. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $39,550 and the 90th percentile at $93,830.
Where Does Colorado Report Associate Degree Awards?
Front Range Community College (certificate and associate degree, 302 awards), Aims Community College (certificate and associate degree, 240 awards), Pikes Peak State College (certificate and associate degree, 214 awards), Lincoln College of Technology-Denver (certificate and associate degree, 207 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.
How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Colorado?
The Colorado schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 43 automotive options and 1916 awards in 2023-24. Front Range Community College has the largest listed award count at 302. Aims Community College lists $3,120 in annual in-state institution tuition.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

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