Ashworth College has been around since 1987, and they're recommended by DegreeDirectory.org. Their auto mechanic diploma takes less than six months to earn, but it thoroughly prepares you to work as an automotive technician. You'll learn from instructors with years of hands-on experience who can teach the repair and business sides of the industry. Ashworth's tuition is $612, but you can pay $29 a month with 0 percent financing if the single payment is too much. Your tuition covers a 10-piece wrench set, all course materials, unlimited instructor support and tutoring, live events with experts, networking opportunities with other students and a socket set when you graduate.
Penn Foster describes itself as "the largest accredited school
of independent study," and it's also recommended by DegreeDirectory.org. As a school that's accredited by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Distance Education and Training Council, its training meets nationally recognized standards. Penn Foster's auto repair technician program covers electrical, fuel, exhaust, braking and computer systems, drivetrain and transmission components and engine disassembly, rebuilding and repair. All course materials are included in the tuition, and your instructors are always available through the Internet, by mail and by phone. Penn Foster's tuition for a single payment is $698 as of 2011, but you can also get 0 percent financing if you qualify.
Stratford has enrolled over 900,000 students in its courses and it claims to be among the "world's most respected distance-learning trade schools." Stratford also say car mechanic training is one of its specialties. If you enroll, you'll get a comprehensive education in everything automotive from exhaust, electronics and fuel systems to engines, batteries and diagnostics. Stratford's tuition includes all the course materials, unlimited contact with your instructors and a professional compression tester, vacuum and fuel pump tester, remote starter switch, tach/dwell tester and timing light when you graduate. The training costs $795 for a single payment or $34.71 a month with 0 percent financing and $20 down.
If you didn't finish high school and you're interested in becoming a mechanic, World Hope Academy's accredited high school diploma with its automotive technology emphasis is worth looking into. All the high school text books and automotive technology courses in this program will be mailed to you, and you'll have unlimited access to tutors throughout the training. If you don't pass the tests to get your diploma, you can repeat any section without paying a fee. Free resume creation and career services are available when you graduate, and you can also apply to over 400 colleges and universities with a single application. It's all covered by a single $800 tuition fee as of 2011.