Ground Transportation at Arkansas State University-Newport

Arkansas State University-Newport's Ground Transportation certificate produces graduates earning $45,980 their first year—roughly $6,000 more than the typical Arkansas program and $4,500 above the national median. In a state where the median for this credential sits at $39,576, ASU-Newport's premium reflects strong connections to regional trucking and logistics employers. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and 71st percentile nationally, meaningful gaps that translate to real purchasing power in Newport's lower cost-of-living environment.

The financial structure works exceptionally well. At $11,715 in debt, students borrow about what the state median suggests is typical, but they're getting considerably better outcomes. That 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly three months' salary—manageable on a trucker's schedule. This combination of moderate debt and above-average earnings puts ASU-Newport ahead of every other Arkansas program tracked in the data.

For families needing a quick path to stable income, this certificate delivers. The earnings floor is respectable, the debt burden is reasonable, and completion timelines are measured in months rather than years. It's particularly viable for students who need to start earning quickly while keeping borrowing contained.