Two-year or four-year college? An automotive student makes his choice

Tyler Carmody and man work on Ford F-150 truck in parking lot

Brooklyn Park, March 4, 2021 – Should you earn a two-year degree or a four-year college degree? The answer depends on many factors including your budget and career goals.

College student Tyler Carmody tried both academic paths. After high school, he enrolled in a four-year university as a business major. But with the economic downturn due to COVID-19, he was concerned about the employment outlook for business majors. Student loan debt was another worry.

“Within the last year, it was hard for me to get loans upon loans. I couldn’t get another loan,” said Carmody.

Ultimately, Carmody decided to change his field of study and he left the university.

Currently, he’s a student at Hennepin Technical College (HTC) and studying to become an automotive technician in the Ford ASSET program. While enrolled at Hennepin Tech, he and his classmates will spend time on campus and at internships at dealerships.

The Ford ASSET program at Hennepin Tech has 100% job placement. Recently, GradReports.com ranked Hennepin Tech’s automotive technician programs in the Top 20 in the U.S. based on high salaries for recent graduates and low student loan debt.

“I always have been drawn to cars and automotive. Everything lined up and happens for a reason. That’s why I feel like I’m here,” said Carmody.

Related Content: KARE-11 interviewed Carmody recently; "Local tech college bucking enrollment decline during pandemic".

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college has a diverse student population and offers degree and non-degree courses in over 45 programs. HTC is a member of Minnesota State, which includes 30 colleges and seven state universities.