Frequently Asked Questions

The best program for you depends on the type of job you want after graduation.

General Automotive Technology, Associate of Applied Science (S956)

This degree is ideal if you want broad training that applies to many makes and models of vehicles. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles, including positions with fleet service companies, oil service centers, automotive parts businesses, warehouses and independent repair shops. This program offers the most flexibility—students can attend full time or part time, during the day or evening. Courses are offered each semester, but early registration is recommended to secure one of the 16 available seats.

Ford ASSET, Associate of Applied Science (S960), and GM ASEP, Associate of Applied Science (S957)

These programs are designed for students who are certain they want a manufacturer-specific career with Ford/Lincoln or Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick/GMC dealerships. Students must complete an application, interview and hiring process to join a cohort that starts each fall. Ongoing employment at a sponsoring dealership is required throughout the 22-month program. Students receive administrative permission to enroll in their specialized courses each semester. Dealership employment standards typically include drug testing, criminal background checks and a valid driver’s license, ideally with no points. Upon graduation, students earn both an associate degree and manufacturer-specific credentials recognized nationwide.

In summary:

Choose General Automotive Technology if you want flexibility and preparation for a variety of automotive careers. Choose Ford ASSET or GM ASEP if you want manufacturer-specific training and plan to work at a Ford or GM dealership after graduation.

Western Campus only

Cuyahoga Community College's Advanced Automotive Technology Center is located on the College's Western Campus in Parma, Ohio. This 26,500 square foot building houses classrooms and laboratories that are equipped with the latest automotive service equipment. Twenty-six bay service areas, nine classrooms, ultra-modern diagnostic equipment, and more than 60 late model automobiles ensures our students receive "hands-on" training in a modern facility. General academic courses may be taken at any of the Tri-C campuses.

Ohio’s Lowest Tuition. A Reputation Second to None. 

Students train using late‑model automobiles, advanced diagnostic equipment and industry‑standard tools in modern facilities, guided by experienced faculty.

Explore the Advanced Automotive Technology Center by viewing photos or planning a visit during Open House.

For Cuyahoga County residents, tuition and program costs at Tri‑C are substantially lower than similar programs at many private schools and colleges. County tax support helps keep tuition costs affordable for local students.

To estimate tuition costs:

1. Review the Tuition and Fees information.
2. Multiply your total credit hours by your assigned tuition rate.

Tuition rates are provided in your initial acceptance letter. 

Financial assistance may be available through scholarships, grants, loans, and, in some cases, part-time employment opportunities. Eligibility and approval for financial aid should be determined at least four weeks prior to registration. Students are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the start of classes.

At minimum, students should complete both the:

• FAFSA
• Tri-C Scholarship application

Completing both applications may qualify students for additional aid opportunities through the Tri-C Foundation and other programs.

Students may also qualify for the following programs and incentives:

• Choose Ohio First
• TechForce Foundation
• Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealer's Association Scholarship
• Tri-C Tuition Incentives
• Tri-C Student Lap Top Program
• Tri-C Loan Forgiveness Programs
• CTAG (Career-Technical Assurance Guides for qualifying high school coursework)
• ITAG (Industry-Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guides) For ITAG consideration, students should submit passing ASE Exams scores to: registraroffice@tri-c.edu

Traditional Waitlist Options

Selecting “Waitlist” from the Registration Dashboard drop-down menu and clicking “Submit” places you on a prioritized waitlist for the course. If a seat becomes available, you will receive an email notification and have 17 hours to respond and register for the class. Be sure to monitor your Tri-C email regularly, as all waitlist notifications and updates will be sent there.

“Flexibly Scheduled” Classes and Waitlists

Flexibly scheduled” classes do not support official waitlists. If you would like to be considered for a seat in a four-week class, email the program director with your S-Number (student ID), course name and CRN. Submitting this request does not guarantee placement in the class, but it may allow the director to contact you if a seat becomes available.

Students are also encouraged to monitor the course schedule regularly, especially around Payment Deadlines when most enrollment changes occur: late April, late July and mid-December. Seats may open as students are dropped for nonpayment or adjust their schedules.

Are ASE Exams Required?

While all Tri-C Automotive Technology programs (three degrees, two certificates) have curriculum that is accredited by ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence), ASE exams are not a requirement of the program. ASE certifications are a way to demonstrate proficiency and skill. Students must find a testing center, schedule and pay for their own exams. Study guides are available. 

Can passing ASE Exams result in college credit?

Yes! We are excited to announce that students can complete ASE exams and submit their test scores to the Registrar's Office (registraroffice@tri-c.edu) and their exams will translate into academic credits towards certificates of degrees.

Traditionally "applied degrees" are meant to prepare students for the workforce, but there are have been expansions in course credits transferring to most schools offering a four-year baccalaureate degree in Automotive Technology. Contact a Tri-C Transfer Specialist at transfercenter@tri-c.edu or 216-987-5085.

Watch this six minute Automotive Technology Transfer Presentation from our Transfer Specialist.

Automotive employment is an integral component of each degree program that provides the opportunity to gain on-car experience in a supervised work situation while earning income. To see the industry demand, just check the Employer Job Openings page to view all the partners who want to hire our students.

For Ford ASSET and GM ASEP, these field experiences are satisfied at the same dealership. Upon graduation, 100% of the time, these graduates continue employment at their dealerships after negotiating for higher wages with their earned associate's degrees and credentials.

For the General Program, field experience can be satisfied at the same or multiple locations including dealerships, independent shops and/or any automotive-related business. General Students are eligible to submit an application with the secured employer after completing AUTO 1101, -1502, -1450, -1400. Currently, "Auto Electives" in Grad Plan/Degreeworks are unavailable and instead can be satisfied with five credits of field experience.

No Tri-C class requires students to have their own tools.

All tools are supplied by Tri-C to complete required lab and shop assignments.

However, employment expectations may differ. Students enrolled in the GM ASEP and Ford ASSET programs are expected to have a basic set of hand tools for their dealership field experience assignments. Students who already own the required tools will not need to purchase an additional set.

Students may also take advantage of student discount opportunities when tool vendors visit campus to demonstrate and showcase their products. The College does not endorse any specific tool manufacturer and does not sell tools directly.

Points on License (Speeding Tickets, Violations, Accidents) 

To work at most dealerships or automotive shops, students are required to have a valid driver's license. Those dealerships/shops insure their employees through various insurance companies which may have different requirements unique to that employer. Most employers require a license with zero points. Students interested in obtaining a Driver’s License Abstract may visit Ohio BMV.

Prior Convictions 

Most dealers allow students misdemeanors, but felonies will eliminate dealership employability.