Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Take your passion for "Big Yellow" machines into the classroom to become a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician. This associate degree program will prepare you for direct employment with a Caterpillar dealership after graduation or to transfer to a bachelor's degree program.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
The Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology program enjoys strong support from the Altorfer and Boyd Cat dealerships, and Caterpillar.
Admissions Office
The program is accredited by the AED Foundation, putting dealers, manufacturers, and educators together to fill the need for skilled professionals in the equipment distribution industry.
The ThinkBIG Power Club allows members to interact at a professional level within the Caterpillar industry.
Caterpillar Dealer, Shop Technician, Field Technician
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
5 Semesters62 Total Credit Hours
Is this a full-time program?
Yes, classes are 7:30 am – 4:30 pm everyday.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,920
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
20 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
The ThinkBIG program has a 96% completion rate and a 93% job placement rate.
Mark Matthews, Program Coordinator, CAT Dealer Service Technology
How Do I Get Into the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Program?
Think BIG about becoming a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician and work on some of the biggest, hardest-working machines in the world. Talk to a program representative to learn how to get started by calling 309-694-5716.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- Make the appropriate scores on the required placement tests.
- Applicants must be accepted for sponsorship by a supporting Caterpillar dealership by applying to that dealership and meeting all requirements for employment.
What Can I Expect As a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Student?
- Semesters are split between time in the classroom with hands-on lab experience and time at an internship with a Caterpillar dealership.
- Successful students not only earn an Associate in Applied Science degree, but also can earn AED (Associated Equipment Distributors) certification and an ASE Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Certificate.
- Paid internship each semester with Altorfer and Boyd Caterpillar dealership partners.
- ICC has transfer agreements with Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.