Ground Transportation at Bevill State Community College

Bevill State's ground transportation certificate costs nearly double the national median debt for this credential, yet graduates earn above-average wages that outpace both state and national benchmarks. First-year earnings of $47,167 place this program in the 77th percentile nationally—significantly above the $41,414 national median—while the $12,621 in debt maintains a manageable 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio. Among Alabama's three programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, well ahead of Bishop State's $35,619.

The concern is where earnings go from there. Graduates see a 3% decline to $45,629 by year four, suggesting wage stagnation in Alabama's transportation sector. However, even with this dip, earnings remain solid and the debt load stays reasonable—you're looking at roughly three months of gross income to pay off the credential. For students seeking quick entry into steady work, particularly those from families eligible for Pell grants (30% of Bevill State students), this represents accessible training with immediate payoff.

The higher-than-average debt reflects what you're getting: training that translates to earnings that exceed 75% of similar programs nationally. If your child is committed to transportation work and willing to accept flat wage growth, the front-loaded earnings justify the slightly elevated borrowing. This isn't a path to dramatic income increases, but it's a stable foundation that pays for itself quickly.