Collision engineering is an in-demand field. This program guarantees students job
placement at a higher starting rate upon graduation. Expedite your career with our
two-year program and earn industry-demanded certifications and experience that typically takes
an entry-level technician six years to achieve. Enter the workforce with an advanced
skill set comparable to an engineer.
- Earn While You Learn: Students participate in paid apprenticeships with local collision repair shops while
completing their coursework, allowing them to earn income while gaining real-world
experience and an associates degree.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Students receive tuition reimbursement for each successfully completed work rotation,
helping reduce out-of-pocket education costs while rewarding progress through the
apprenticeship model.
- Complimentary Tools & Tool Kit: Students receive a professional tool kit as part of the program, supporting hands-on
training during school and helping graduates transition directly into the workforce
with essential equipment.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Coursework is developed in collaboration with industry partners to reflect current
shop practices, repair standards, and evolving technologies.
- Hands-On, Real-World Training: Students gain practical experience using modern equipment and techniques in both
classroom and shop environments.
- Direct Employer Connections: The program connects students with local employers for mentorship, apprenticeships,
and employment before graduation.
- Career Readiness & Personal and Professional Development (PPD): In addition to technical training, students participate in Personal and Professional
Development (PPD) training focused on communication, professionalism, confidence,
and workplace expectations—supporting a smoother transition from student to professional.
- High-Demand Career Path: Collision repair offers strong job demand and opportunities for stable, skilled
employment and advancement.
Students in the program receive hands-on training in key areas of collision repair, including:
- Collision damage analysis and repair planning
- Structural and non-structural repair techniques
- Welding, plastics repair, and refinishing
- Automotive estimating and repair processes
- Use of modern tools, equipment, and technologies
This comprehensive training prepares graduates for entry-level technician roles and
continued professional growth in the industry.
Expenses estimated over the two-year program timeline.
| ITEM |
IN-STATE COST |
OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* |
$4,940.00 |
$17,420.00 |
| Student Activity Fee |
$175.00 |
$175.00 |
| Technology Fee |
$240.00 |
$240.00 |
| General Education Course fees |
$0-100.00 |
$0-100.00 |
| Additional Program Fees |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
| Textbooks |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| Uniforms |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
* Program credit hours: 65 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition.
Cost of Attendance
Tool List
Sandhills is committed to the belief that every student should have an opportunity
to pursue an education, regardless of financial resources. We are here to guide you
through the financial aid system to make costs more manageable and higher education
more accessible.
Steps to Financial Aid
Apply for Scholarships
The Collision Engineering Program seeks people with passion, a strong work ethic,
and a willingness to learn. Upon Admission, students must obtain an apprenticeship
with a qualified collision repair center. The majority of employers will require a valid driver's license and clean driving record, a clean
drug test, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Because hand tools are required of each student, we ask that you make every attempt
to secure tools within the first three weeks of class. In order to ease the financial
burden, the tool list has been divided into two parts—a first semester tool list and
a second semester tool list. The tools listed here represent the minimum selection
necessary in order to effectively fulfill course requirements.
Tool List
* This program is financial aid eligible.
Plan of Study Grid
|
| First Semester (Fall) |
| ACA-115 |
Success & Study Skills |
0 |
2 |
1 |
| AUB-122 |
Non-Structural Damage II |
2 |
6 |
4 |
| AUB-141 |
Mech & Elec Components I |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| AUB-150 |
Automotive Detailing |
1 |
3 |
2 |
| ENG-111 |
Writing and Inquiry |
3 |
0 |
3 |
| WBL-111K |
Work-Based Learning I |
0 |
10 |
1 |
| |
Credit Hours |
8 |
23 |
14 |
| Second Semester (Spring) |
| AUB-111 |
Painting & Refinishing I |
2 |
6 |
4 |
| PSY-118 |
Interpersonal Psychology |
3 |
0 |
3 |
| TRN-110 |
Intro to Transport Tech |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| TRN-180 |
Basic Welding for Transp |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| WBL-121K |
Work-Based Learning II |
0 |
10 |
1 |
| |
Credit Hours |
7 |
22 |
13 |
| Third Semester (Summer) |
| AUB-121 |
Non-Structural Damage I |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| AUB-131 |
Structural Damage I |
2 |
4 |
4 |
| AUB-162 |
Autobody Estimating |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| COM-120 or |
Intro Interpersonal Com or |
|
|
|
|
|
Public Speaking
|
3 |
0 |
3 |
| WBL-131K |
Work-Based Learning III |
0 |
10 |
1 |
| |
Credit Hours |
7 |
20 |
13 |
| Fourth Semester (Fall) |
| AUB-112 |
Painting & Refinishing II |
2 |
6 |
4 |
| AUB-132 |
Structural Damage II |
2 |
6 |
4 |
| MAT*** |
MAT-110 or higher |
2-3 |
2 |
3-4 |
| WBL-211K |
Work-Based Learning IV |
0 |
10 |
1 |
| |
Credit Hours |
6-7 |
24 |
12-13 |
| Fifth Semester (Spring) |
| AUB-114 |
Special Finishes |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| AUB-136 |
Plastics & Adhesives |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| AUB-144 |
Mech & Elec Specialties |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| WLD-110 |
Cutting Processes |
1 |
3 |
2 |
| *** |
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective |
3 |
0 |
3 |
| |
Credit Hours |
8 |
11 |
13 |
| Total Required Minimum
Semester Hours Credit |
|
65 |
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