Ground Transportation at Alexandria Technical & Community College

This program delivers first-year earnings of $48,587—well above the national median of $41,414 for ground transportation certificates and close to Minnesota's state median of $47,879. Based on similar programs nationally, graduates likely carry around $9,280 in debt, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 that's manageable by any standard. That's less than three months of first-year salary, suggesting the credential can pay for itself relatively quickly even if actual debt varies somewhat from the estimate.

The concerning element is the negative earnings trajectory: from $48,587 in year one to $45,573 by year four. This 6% decline runs counter to typical career progression and suggests either job instability in the field or that initial placement advantages don't last. While the program ranks at the 85th percentile nationally, it sits at just the 60th percentile within Minnesota—meaning other in-state options like Central Lakes College's program ($64,164) deliver substantially higher returns. The estimated debt figure is also slightly higher than Minnesota's typical $7,798 for these programs.

For a parent, the low estimated debt makes this a relatively safe bet financially, but the earnings decline deserves serious consideration. If your child pursues this path, they should understand that the strong starting salary may not grow as expected, making early financial planning—like paying down that debt quickly—especially important.