Ground Transportation at Butler Technology and Career Development Schools
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
butlertech.orgAnalysis
Butler's ground transportation program estimates $9,280 in debt—higher than both the state median of $6,333 and the national median of $7,706 for similar programs. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 falls within a manageable range, that calculation relies on an estimated first-year salary of $40,922 derived from just four comparable Ohio programs. Without actual graduate outcomes from Butler, you're making a significant assumption that their training leads to similar employment results.
The comparison to other Ohio schools with reported data reveals meaningful variation. Hamrick School graduates earn $47,287 in their first year—over $6,000 more than Butler's estimate suggests—while Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls produces substantially lower earnings at $30,416. Where Butler would land in that spectrum remains uncertain, and that uncertainty matters when you're borrowing nearly $10,000 for a certificate program that should typically cost less.
For a career-focused credential where immediate earnings matter most, consider whether Butler offers clear employment pipelines or employer partnerships that justify both the higher-than-typical debt and the leap of faith required when actual outcomes aren't available. Local transportation companies' hiring practices and starting wages would tell you more than these estimates can.
Where Butler Technology and Career Development Schools Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $40,922* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| — | $47,287* | $46,726 | $6,333* | 0.13 | |
| — | $44,616* | — | —* | — | |
| — | $37,227* | $40,362 | $6,333* | 0.17 | |
| $14,050 | $30,416* | — | $6,333* | 0.21 | |
| National Median | — | $41,414* | — | $7,706* | 0.19 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with ground transportation graduates
Locomotive Engineers
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Pile Driver Operators
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Logging Equipment Operators
Bus Drivers, School
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.