Analysis
Nebraska's ground transportation training landscape shows significant variation, with Central Community College's program potentially outpacing state norms. While peer programs in Nebraska typically produce first-year earnings around $31,000, comparable certificate programs nationally suggest earnings closer to $41,000—which would put this program well ahead of nearby Southeast Community College's reported outcomes. With estimated debt of $9,280, graduates might face payments of roughly $100 monthly on a standard repayment plan against income that could support it comfortably.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Transportation certifications are heavily influenced by local employer relationships and specific skill emphases—CDL training produces different outcomes than logistics management coursework, for instance. The national figure this estimate draws from spans everything from diesel mechanics to supply chain operations, making it difficult to know where Central's specific curriculum lands. What matters most is whether this program connects directly to Nebraska's transportation employers, particularly the trucking and distribution companies along the I-80 corridor.
For parents, the estimated debt load is manageable enough that even if earnings lean closer to the state median than the national one, your child wouldn't face financial hardship. But before committing, get specifics: What credentials does this program award? Which local companies hire its graduates? The difference between $31,000 and $41,000 in starting pay represents real money—roughly $10,000 annually—so understanding which outcome is realistic for Central's particular program matters substantially.
Where Central Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,360 | $41,414* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| $3,540 | $30,980* | $31,829 | $8,196* | 0.26 | |
| 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 Central Community College, approximately 19% 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 national median of 94 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.