State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Pennsylvania Ranked For 2026

Explore 24 automotive schools in Pennsylvania, with certificate and degree options, tuition, and facts about automotive training.

Pennsylvania geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Pennsylvania guide
Pennsylvania · Geographic Illustration
Schools Compared
24
Across The State
Annual Tuition From
$7,560
Institution-Wide · 2024–25
Pennsylvania Median Pay
$49,800
Automotive Mechanics · May 2025
Pennsylvania Employment
29,400
Occupation-Wide · BLS OEWS

The best auto mechanic schools in Pennsylvania include 24 schools and 37 automotive certificate and degree options. The state figures report 992 awards in 2023-24. Pennsylvania's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49,800.

Commonwealth Technical Institute in Johnstown reports an 86% schoolwide graduation rate, $7,564 annual in-state tuition, and four awards in a certificate program. Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh reports 59 awards, an 81% rate, and $15,950 tuition across certificates and associate degrees. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology reports 30 awards, a 71% rate, and $9,000 tuition in an associate's program.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Pennsylvania

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.

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

Exton, PA

Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc

92.1Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

A One-Year Diploma With Local Manufacturer Extensions

UTI Exton suits students who want EV topics within an initial diploma and may later add a defined Ford or BMW training sequence at the same campus.

UTI Exton’s Automotive and EV Technology diploma takes 51 weeks and combines instructor-led online study with hands-on laboratories. Coursework includes battery-electric vehicles, advanced hybrids, service advising, and engine performance. Graduates can pursue additional Ford or BMW training offered at the Exton campus.

Automotive Awards
283
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
63%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Length And Format

The 51-week diploma combines instructor-led online coursework with hands-on laboratory training in Exton.

Electric-Vehicle Coverage

The course list includes Battery Electric Vehicle Technology and Advanced Hybrid Vehicles and Systems.

Performance And Service Study

Engine-build, bolt-on performance, and tuning courses accompany technical repair and service-advising instruction.

Optional Manufacturer Training

Exton offers Ford FACT as a 15-week advanced program and BMW FastTrack as a 12-week advanced program.

02

Levittown, PA

Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia

88.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

A Levittown Diploma Or Service-Management Degree

Lincoln’s Levittown program fits students choosing between a repair-focused diploma with evening availability and an associate degree that also addresses managing service work.

Lincoln Tech’s former Philadelphia automotive listing now points to its Levittown campus at 311 Veterans Highway. The campus offers a 1,200-hour Automotive Service Technology diploma and a 1,425-hour Automotive Service Management associate degree. The degree adds repair estimates, workflow, and shop-business instruction to technical training.

Automotive Awards
213
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
58%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Current Teaching Campus

The automotive program is now based at Lincoln Tech’s Levittown campus, 311 Veterans Highway, continuing the former Philadelphia program.

Diploma Hours And Sessions

Automotive Service Technology requires 1,200 hours and offers day, afternoon, and evening classes.

Associate Degree Hours

Automotive Service Management requires 1,425 hours and is offered during day and afternoon sessions.

Service Management Skills

The associate program combines hands-on diagnosis with preparing estimates, managing workflow, and studying shop operations.

03

Exton, PA

Automotive Training Center-Exton

82.0Score

CertificatePrivate for-profit

A Diploma With Half Its Training In The Shop

ATC Exton suits students who want substantial shop practice across foreign and domestic vehicles and access to specialized test equipment during the program.

Automotive Training Center in Exton offers a diploma structured as two years with 64 weeks of daytime instruction. About half of training takes place in specialized shops and labs. The program develops electronic diagnostics and vehicle-system repair skills, with special tools and test equipment supplied for use during training.

Automotive Awards
81
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Daytime Program Length

ATC describes its daytime diploma as a two-year program containing 64 weeks of instruction and explicitly lists Exton as a teaching campus.

Classroom And Shop Balance

Approximately half of the program is spent in specialized labs, applying concepts introduced in class.

Technical Coverage

Coursework includes computer controls, electronic diagnostics, brakes, steering, suspension, transmissions, transaxles, and heating and air conditioning.

Equipment Provided For Training

ATC supplies special tools, test equipment, and demonstration units for students to use during its technology programs.

04

Warminster, PA

Automotive Training Center-Warminster

78.7Score

CertificatePrivate for-profit

Evening Automotive Study Alongside Daytime Work

Warminster’s evening route fits students who need to keep daytime commitments and can accept a longer calendar in exchange for part-time study.

ATC’s Warminster campus provides Automotive Technology with a part-time evening route of about 84 weeks. The evening program covers the same kinds of repair topics as the daytime route with fewer total course hours and less repetition of assignments. Students practice on live vehicles and learn alignment, tire-service, brake, and drivetrain procedures.

Automotive Awards
64
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Evening Length

The evening route takes about 84 weeks; the daytime route takes about 64 weeks. ATC identifies both Warminster and Exton as campus locations.

Instructional Tradeoff

Evening training has fewer course hours than the daytime program, achieved by reducing repetition of task assignments.

Live-Vehicle Practice

ASE-certified instructors divide sessions between classroom instruction and shop practice on live vehicles.

Alignment And Tire Service

Suspension and Steering introduces Hunter computerized alignment systems, leverless and run-flat tire changers, and the GSP 9700 wheel-service system.

05

Bristol, PA

Pennco Tech-Bristol

70.8Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

A 39-Week Bristol Program With Diagnostic Tools

Pennco Tech fits students seeking a compact training schedule that includes hybrid vehicles and experience using shop information software alongside physical service equipment.

Pennco Tech’s Bristol campus offers Automotive Technology with day and evening scheduling. Its 39-week program combines vehicle repair with hybrid-vehicle instruction and the information systems technicians use to diagnose faults. Students work with electronic service references, wheel-alignment equipment, and refrigerant recovery machinery.

Automotive Awards
35
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
84%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Program Length And Campus

Pennco Tech lists a 39-week Automotive Technology program offered at Bristol, Pennsylvania, as well as its Blackwood campus in New Jersey.

Day And Evening Options

The program provides daytime and evening class options.

Electronic Service Information

Training uses Mitchell OnDemand and ALLDATA systems to support automotive diagnosis and repair.

Hybrid And Equipment Practice

The program includes hybrid-vehicle training, Hunter laser alignment equipment, diagnostic scanners, and R-134a recovery machines.

06

York, PA

York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education

66.9Score

CertificatePublic

An Evening Diploma For Adult Learners

York fits adults seeking evening automotive training with practical shop instruction and a published breakdown of the diploma’s tuition and related expenses.

York County School of Technology offers Automotive Technology through its Adult and Continuing Education Center, with evening classes and training in less than a year. Students combine theory with practice in a simulated repair shop. Its published 2025–2026 fee schedule identifies the credential as a 900-hour diploma and separates tuition from laboratory and student-supply charges.

Automotive Awards
28
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
90%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma Hours

The school’s 2025–2026 higher-education fee schedule lists Automotive Technology as a 900-hour diploma program.

Class Schedule

The program page offers evening classes and describes completion in less than a year.

Simulated Shop Training

Classes combine theory and practical work with specialty tools in a simulated shop, emphasizing proper equipment use and safe shop procedures.

Published 2025–2026 Charges

The fee schedule estimates $13,550 for the program: $11,925 base tuition, $1,100 lab/technology fees, $75 pre-entrance expenses, and $450 in student-supply and related charges.

07

New Castle, PA

New Castle School of Trades

65.4Score

Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Repair Training That Includes The Service Desk

New Castle suits students who want a relatively compact applied degree and practical exposure to both diagnosing vehicles and communicating through a service department.

New Castle School of Trades offers a 60-week Automotive Technology associate in specialized technology degree. Day and evening classes combine engine, electrical, and chassis repair with service-desk practice. Students learn to use diagnostic and wheel-service equipment while also handling the customer-facing side of repair work.

Automotive Awards
29
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
76%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Duration

Automotive Technology leads to an associate in specialized technology degree over 60 weeks.

Class Scheduling

The New Castle program offers daytime and evening classes.

Service-Desk Practice

Customer service and service-desk training are integrated with the automotive instruction.

Diagnostic And Chassis Equipment

Training equipment includes computer information systems, four-wheel alignment equipment, wheel balancers, brake lathes, gas analyzers, and scan tools.

08

Pittsburgh, PA

Rosedale Technical College

56.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate nonprofit

Four-Day Weeks With Day Or Evening Classes

Rosedale is a useful option for students who need a defined weekly schedule and want equipment-based training alongside preparation for several credentials used in service work.

Rosedale Technical College offers an Automotive Technology diploma or associate in specialized technology degree in less than two years. A four-day weekly schedule is available during the day or evening. Students train on vehicles and shop equipment while working toward automotive service, inspection, emissions, and tool-related credentials.

Annual In-State Tuition
$15,950
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
59
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
81%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Credential And Schedule

Rosedale lists a diploma and an AST completed in less than two years, with four days of classes per week and daytime or evening options.

Training Equipment

Students work in person with vehicle lifts, Snap-on equipment, and other automotive diagnostic and repair tools.

Instructor Credentials

The automotive program is taught by ASE-certified instructors.

Certification Opportunities

Training includes opportunities related to ASE, Pennsylvania safety inspection and emissions, and Snap-on multimeter certification through NC3.

09

Lancaster, PA

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

47.6Score

Associate DegreePublic

A Degree That Connects Diagnosis With Shop Operations

Thaddeus Stevens fits students who want a full associate curriculum combining diagnostic equipment, independent repair work, and the paperwork and customer relations used in a shop.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology teaches its 73-credit Automotive Technology associate degree at the Transportation Center. The four-semester course model moves into independent diagnosis, advanced powertrain controls, and Pennsylvania inspection training. Students use scan tools, lab scopes, and a chassis dynamometer while learning to document tests and write repair orders.

Annual In-State Tuition
$9,000
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
30
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
71%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Location

The model associate-degree schedule totals 73 credits across four semesters at the college’s Transportation Center.

Independent Diagnostic Work

The third semester includes a three-credit Independent Diagnosis and Repair course alongside advanced engine and chassis study.

Testing Equipment

Program outcomes include using digital storage lab scopes, onboard scan tools, and a chassis dynamometer.

Inspection And Shop Management

The sequence includes a three-credit Pennsylvania inspection and emissions course. Program outcomes also cover customer relations, shop procedures, and repair-order writing.

10

Williamsport, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology

46.6Score

Associate DegreePublic

A Four-Semester Technical Certificate

Penn College suits students who want a substantial certificate with newer vehicle systems and a clear equipment list, while accounting for the stated Spring 2027 waitlist.

Penn College’s Automotive Service Technician certificate requires 59 credits across four semesters. It includes electric and hybrid vehicle technology, extensive chassis service, and state inspection coursework. Students provide tools and a laptop. The program’s current notice says the Spring 2027 intake is waitlisted, with technical courses delayed for applicants admitted beyond capacity.

Annual In-State Tuition
$15,450
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
40
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
53%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate Size

The published certificate plan contains 19 courses, 59 credits, and four semesters.

Electric And Hybrid Study

A three-credit Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology course appears in the third-semester plan.

Advanced Chassis And Inspection

The final semester includes six credits of Automotive Chassis and Wheel Service and one credit of Vehicle Safety Inspection.

Student Equipment

Students must obtain their own tools and a laptop computer. The program prohibits Chromebooks for the required computer.

Spring 2027 Waitlist

The current program notice says Spring 2027 is at capacity. Students can apply before the deadline but may begin without technical coursework in their first semester.

11

Willow Street, PA

Lancaster County Career and Technology Center

33.2Score

Associate DegreePublic

Full-Time Adult Training With Shop Management

Lancaster CTC fits adults available for a daytime schedule who want repair study to include both an externship and the way a service department operates.

Lancaster County CTC runs its adult Automotive Technology AST at Willow Street over 16 months and four terms. Weekday daytime training extends from basic repair into powertrain management, light-duty diesel and hybrid technology, and service-department operations. An automotive externship appears in the degree curriculum.

Automotive Awards
4
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
91%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Adult Degree Schedule

The AST takes 16 months across four terms, with classes Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willow Street.

Diesel And Hybrid Coursework

The technical sequence includes a dedicated Light Duty Diesel/Hybrid course alongside the core automotive systems.

Management And Advanced Diagnosis

Service Department Management, Powertrain Management, and advanced electrical study extend the curriculum beyond introductory repair.

Automotive Externship

An Auto Externship is included in the AST course sequence.

12

Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg Area Community College

33.1Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

A Certificate With Extensive Cooperative Work

HACC suits students who want a substantial repair-facility placement within a certificate and a defined route into additional automotive credentials.

HACC’s Automotive Technology certificate pairs in-person Harrisburg instruction with 480 hours of cooperative work at an approved repair facility. Admission is selective and includes a mechanical aptitude test. Graduates can continue into HACC’s automotive associate degree or Advanced Specialty Skills diploma, while documented prior training may reduce repeated coursework.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,995
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
32
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
21%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Delivery And Work Experience

Certificate classes take place in person at Harrisburg, with 480 hours of cooperative experience at an approved automotive repair facility.

Selective Admission

Applicants must complete a mechanical aptitude test and hold a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Credit For Previous Training

Documented career-and-technical education or related work experience may qualify for up to nine credits.

Continuation Options

The certificate can lead into HACC’s Automotive Technology AAS or Automotive Technology Advanced Specialty Skills diploma.

13

Pleasant Gap, PA

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

30.0Score

CertificatePublic

A Nine-Month Diploma With A Capstone

CPI fits students who can commit to a concentrated diploma and want defined laboratory hours, a final applied project, and a published program tuition-and-fee total.

CPI’s Automotive Technology diploma takes nine months and 900 hours in its 2026–27 plan. Electrical systems and engine performance receive substantial lecture and laboratory time before a final capstone. The program combines gasoline, electric, and ethanol vehicle study with preparation for inspection, refrigerant, and automotive service credentials.

Automotive Awards
2
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
95%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Length And Start

The 2026–27 diploma lists nine months, 900 hours, and a September 2, 2026 start date.

Electrical And Performance Hours

Electrical Systems takes 150 hours, including 100 laboratory hours. Engine Performance takes 200 hours, evenly divided between lecture and lab.

Final Applied Work

The 100-hour capstone allocates 75 hours to laboratory work and 25 hours to lecture.

Published Program Costs

CPI lists $9,484 in tuition and fees for the 2026–27 Automotive Technology program.

14

Media, PA

Delaware County Community College

29.3Score

CertificatePublic

A 20-Credit Foundation In Automotive Repair

DCCC fits beginners who want a compact credit-bearing certificate centered on major repair tasks before taking on a longer technical program.

Delaware County Community College’s Automotive Technology I certificate concentrates on 20 credits of introductory service and repair. Electricity, engines, brakes, and steering each receive a four-credit course. The certificate develops practical tasks such as inspecting engine components and servicing electronic braking systems, with a minimum GPA and college-residency requirement for graduation.

Annual In-State Tuition
$8,400
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
24
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
24%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Certificate Credit Total

The Automotive Technology I certificate requires 20 credits across six automotive courses.

Course Allocation

Electricity and Electronics, Automotive Engines, Brake Systems, and Steering and Suspension each carry four credits; shop practices and fuel systems each carry two.

Engine-Service Outcomes

Students learn to disassemble and inspect engines, measure crankshafts, install internal components, and service timing and lubrication parts.

Completion Standards

Students need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and must complete at DCCC at least six credits or half the certificate’s credits, whichever is greater.

15

Somerset, PA

Somerset County Technology Center

28.0Score

CertificatePublic

Daytime Adult Study Alongside Secondary Students

SCTC suits adults available during the high-school academic day who want practical vehicle repair training in an intergenerational classroom.

Somerset County Technology Center includes Automotive Technology in its published adult-education catalog. Adults in its intergenerational day-school model attend technical classes alongside high-school students. The automotive program combines gasoline-engine repair with chassis, electrical, and climate-control work, plus a route to Pennsylvania inspection testing and automotive safety credentials.

Automotive Awards
1
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
87%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Adult Training Model

SCTC’s adult catalog includes Automotive Technology. The current intergenerational model allows adults to attend programs taught primarily to high-school students.

Full-Time Day Schedule

Intergenerational study runs for 180 days, with sessions from 8:15 to 10:50 a.m. and 12:15 to 2:40 p.m. Students receive a diploma after completing requirements.

Repair Curriculum

Automotive instruction covers brakes, steering, suspension, electrical systems, HVAC, transmissions, and engine performance through classroom and hands-on work.

Inspection And Safety Preparation

The program describes Pennsylvania inspection testing in the graduating year and S/P2 courses in automotive safety, pollution prevention, and electric-vehicle safety.

16

Johnstown, PA

Commonwealth Technical Institute

26.3Score

CertificatePrivate nonprofit

Small Automotive Classes With Vocational Support

CTI fits students who want a yearlong diploma in a small cohort and may benefit from vocational evaluation, residential services, or support offered at the Hiram G. Andrews Center.

Commonwealth Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology diploma at the Hiram G. Andrews Center takes 1,350 hours over three terms. The program limits enrollment to 15 students and includes practical shop operations and Pennsylvania inspection study. CTI serves students with and without disabilities, with vocational evaluation and support services available through the center.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,564
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
4
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
86%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Hours And Class Size

The diploma lists 1,350 hours, 50 credits, and three terms over 12 months, with a maximum of 15 students.

Applied Shop Coursework

The curriculum includes Practical Shop Operations, career preparation, and Pennsylvania safety inspection alongside electrical, engine performance, brake, and steering courses.

Equipment Used

Training equipment includes an engine analyzer, alignment equipment, starter and alternator testing equipment, brake lathes, and computers.

Admission And Access

Diploma applicants need a high school diploma or GED. CTI’s admissions FAQ states that training is open to all students, including people without disabilities.

17

Leesport, PA

Berks Career & Technology Center

24.4Score

CertificatePublic

Adult Day-School Training With Live Repair Work

Berks fits adults who can attend daytime classes alongside secondary students and want a long-form technical certificate with practical vehicle repairs.

Berks Career and Technology Center offers adult Automotive Technology through its day-school program. The 15-month, 1,590-hour course places adults in secondary technical classes as space permits and leads to a certificate of competency. Live repair work includes automotive systems, welding processes, and use of technical service information.

Automotive Awards
2
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
63%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Program Length

The adult Automotive Technology program lists 15 months and 1,590 hours.

Adult Enrollment Model

Adult Day School students join secondary programs on a space-available basis and earn a certificate of competency after completing program requirements.

Live Work And Welding

Students perform live automotive repairs and learn welding processes and safety alongside engine, chassis, electrical, and climate-control service.

Inspection Preparation

Training uses technical service information systems and prepares students for Pennsylvania safety inspection and emissions certification.

18

Pittsburgh, PA

Community College of Allegheny County

24.2Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Alternating College And Paid Dealership Work

CCAC’s manufacturer route suits students who want recurring paid shop experience during an associate degree and prefer to build familiarity with a particular vehicle family.

CCAC offers a general automotive associate degree and certificate alongside manufacturer programs with paid cooperative employment. Its five-semester manufacturer route alternates classroom blocks with work at dealerships. GM ASEP, Ford ASSET, and Mopar CAP provide brand-specific choices, while the department also addresses hybrid, plug-in electric, and natural-gas vehicles.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,560
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
17
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
24%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Certificate Routes

CCAC lists a two-year general automotive associate degree and a certificate, plus manufacturer associate programs completed in five semesters over two years.

Cooperative Schedule

Manufacturer students alternate approximately 10 weeks of college instruction with 10–12 weeks of paid cooperative employment.

Manufacturer Choices

The department offers GM ASEP, Ford ASSET, and Mopar CAP, as well as Toyota TECS instruction in basic service procedures.

Inspection And Emissions Training

CCAC provides preparation and test administration for Pennsylvania safety inspection and emissions credentials.

19

Frackville, PA

Schuylkill Technology Center

23.0Score

CertificatePublic

Evening Adult Training With A Weekly Online Component

Schuylkill fits adults who want a part-time schedule covering core vehicle systems and can meet the program’s age, academic-record, and background-clearance requirements.

Schuylkill Technology Center’s adult Automotive Technology program combines evening shop classes at North Campus in Frackville with three virtual hours per week. The 12-month course totals 600 hours and leads to a certificate of completion. Its next listed cohort runs January through December 2027, with an application deadline in December 2026.

Automotive Awards
1
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
63%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Length And Schedule

The program lists 12 months, 600 hours, and 48 course credits. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m., with three virtual hours per week.

Next Published Cohort

The next class begins January 5, 2027 and ends December 23, 2027. Applications are due December 8, 2026.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18, submit a high school transcript or GED, and have a clean State Police Clearance. Registration requires a $40 nonrefundable fee.

Completion And Certification

Students need an overall grade of at least 80%, compliance with attendance requirements, and paid tuition and fees to receive the certificate. Graduates can sit for Pennsylvania inspection and EPA 609 credentials.

20

Scranton, PA

Johnson College

21.7Score

Associate DegreePrivate nonprofit

An AAS With A Final Internship Choice

Johnson suits students who want a structured degree with dedicated lab courses and a choice between a final applied automotive course and supervised workplace experience.

Johnson College’s 2026–27 Automotive Technology AAS totals 65 credits. Separate lectures and labs develop repair skills, and the course plan adds driver assistance systems to the traditional vehicle systems sequence. Students finish with either Applied Automotive Principles and Applications or a 200-hour internship.

Annual In-State Tuition
$18,900
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
7
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
55%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree Credit Mix

The 65-credit AAS includes 43 technical credits, 21 core credits, and a one-credit first-year course.

Separate Technical Laboratories

The curriculum pairs lecture and lab courses in subjects including brakes, chassis, electrical systems, engines, transmissions, and climate control.

Driver Assistance Instruction

Driver Assistance Systems is a required two-credit course in the automotive sequence.

Final Applied Requirement

The four-credit final requirement can be met through Applied Automotive Principles and Applications or a 200-hour internship.

21

Bethlehem, PA

Northampton County Area Community College

21.0Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

A Shorter Diploma Or A Sponsored Dealership Degree

Northampton gives students a useful choice between an initial diploma with substantial practicum time and a longer associate route built around a dealership sponsor.

Northampton’s Automotive Technology options include a 30-credit diploma and a 72-credit AAS at Bethlehem. The diploma takes two semesters and includes more than 200 hours of practicum; the degree extends through five semesters with supervised training at a sponsoring dealership. GM, Mopar, and Subaru partnerships connect the program with manufacturer instruction.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,800
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
14
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
24%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma And AAS

The diploma requires 30 credits across two semesters. The AAS requires 72 credits over five semesters at Bethlehem.

Diploma Practicum

Diploma students complete more than 200 hours of practicum, and the credential can lead into the degree or service-consultant study.

Dealership Sponsorship

The associate program includes supervised training at a sponsoring dealership.

Manufacturer Programs

Northampton identifies GM ASEP, Mopar CAP, and Subaru University as automotive training partnerships.

22

Philadelphia, PA

Community College of Philadelphia

15.3Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

An AAS With A Defined Electrical Sequence

CCP fits students who want an associate degree that builds electrical knowledge progressively and can accommodate automotive classes during summer terms.

Community College of Philadelphia’s Automotive Technology AAS requires at least 62 credits at its Career and Advanced Technology Center. The sequence builds from automotive fundamentals and electrical principles into advanced electrical work and engine performance. Summer automotive courses are part of the published plan, along with general education and ASE-accredited technical training.

Annual In-State Tuition
$7,632
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
9
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
24%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Graduation Requirements

The AAS requires at least 62 credits and a minimum 2.0 grade-point average.

Teaching Location

Automotive Technology is taught at CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center.

Summer Technical Courses

The model sequence places four-credit Advanced Automotive Electrical and four-credit Advanced Engine Performance courses in summer terms.

Diagnostic Information Skills

Program outcomes include using electronic service information, technical service bulletins, and diagnostic procedures to identify and repair vehicle faults.

23

Nanticoke, PA

Luzerne County Community College

14.0Score

Associate DegreePublic

An AAS With Successive Diagnostic Courses

Luzerne suits students who want electrical and transmission topics revisited at increasing levels of difficulty within a two-year degree.

Luzerne County Community College’s Automotive Technology AAS takes two years and 65 credits. Electrical and fuel-injection study progresses into chassis electronics and driveability, while automatic transmissions receive basic and advanced courses. Applied mathematics, physics, and communication courses support the technical sequence.

Annual In-State Tuition
$9,000
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
9
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
23%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree Requirements

The Automotive Technology AAS totals 65 credits across two years.

Electrical Progression

The first-year plan moves from Basic Electricity to Specialized Electronics and Fuel Injection; later courses address chassis and body electrical systems and EFI driveability.

Transmission Sequence

Basic and advanced automatic transmission courses each carry three credits.

Supporting Academic Work

The degree includes applied mathematics, physics, English, and technical communication, with additional business or computer study.

24

Schnecksville, PA

Lehigh Career & Technical Institute

7.3Score

CertificatePublic

Evening And Monthly Saturday Adult Training

LCTI’s course suits adults seeking a part-time laboratory schedule. The September 2026 cohort is full, so its published dates describe that existing class rather than an open seat.

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute’s adult Auto Service Technician course runs for 300 hours in Lab C110 at Schnecksville. The September 2026 cohort meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings plus one Saturday per month. Its registration page lists the course as full and publishes a $7,095 total charge covering tuition and mandatory fees.

Automotive Awards
4
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Course Hours And Dates

The course lists 300 hours from September 9, 2026 through May 17, 2027.

Weekly Schedule

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., plus one Saturday per month from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Lab C110.

Tuition And Mandatory Fees

The $7,095 total includes $6,295 tuition, a $100 nonrefundable application fee, a $500 lab fee, and $200 for books.

Current Cohort Availability

The official registration listing marks the September 2026 Auto Service Technician course as full.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's 992 awards cover 37 programs, and the named schools show a wide range of listed scale. Commonwealth Technical Institute has four awards in a certificate program, Rosedale has 59, and Pennsylvania College of Technology has 40 in an associate's program.

Pennsylvania's examples show a wide range of award scale and tuition. Commonwealth Technical Institute reports the 86% schoolwide rate and four awards in its certificate program. Rosedale Technical College reports 59 awards and an 81% rate at $15,950, with certificates and associate degrees. Thaddeus Stevens College reports 30 awards and a 71% rate at $9,000. Pennsylvania College of Technology reports 40 awards, a 53% rate, and $15,450 tuition in an associate's program.

These numbers describe different institutions and cannot be reduced to a single winner. Commonwealth Technical Institute reports an 86% schoolwide rate and four certificate awards; Rosedale reports 59 awards and an 81% rate at $15,950; Thaddeus Stevens reports 30 awards at $9,000; Pennsylvania College of Technology reports 40 awards and $15,450 in an associate degree program. The cost guide explains how tuition relates to transportation and living costs.

The statewide wage and schoolwide graduation rate provide context. Credential type, institution tuition, and the automotive award figures distinguish each college.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Pennsylvania

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $49,800 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Pennsylvania, across 29,400 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile
$35,600
Median
$49,800
90th Percentile
$77,630

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.

Pennsylvania Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Pennsylvania Wage Median?
The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Pennsylvania is $49,800. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $35,600 and the 90th percentile at $77,630.
Where Does Pennsylvania Report Associate Degree Awards?
Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc (certificate and associate degree, 283 awards), Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia (certificate and associate degree, 213 awards), Rosedale Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 59 awards), Pennsylvania College of Technology (associate degree, 40 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.
How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 37 automotive options and 992 awards in 2023-24. Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc has the largest listed award count at 283. Community College of Allegheny County lists $7,560 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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