Ground Transportation at Central Georgia Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
centralgatech.eduAnalysis
Central Georgia Technical College's Ground Transportation program shows solid earning power relative to its peers, with first-year earnings of $43,652 placing it above both the state median ($37,668) and national median ($41,414) for this credential. Based on the state median from comparable certificate programs in Georgia, students here likely graduate with around $9,500 in debtβa manageable load that translates to just 22 cents of debt for every dollar earned in the first year.
That debt-to-earnings picture suggests graduates can realistically pay down their loans while building stable careers in transportation and logistics, a sector with consistent demand in Georgia's economy. The 10% earnings growth to nearly $48,000 by year four shows room for advancement, though this isn't a field where salaries typically jump dramatically. The program lands squarely in the middle of Georgia's ground transportation offerings, performing comparably to established programs at South Georgia Technical College and Chattahoochee Technical College.
For families weighing this investment, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a straightforward path to credential completion without financial strain. The 30% Pell grant rate suggests the college serves students who need affordable options, and at under $10,000 in likely debt for a certificate that opens doors to $40,000+ jobs, this program delivers practical value for students ready to enter the workforce quickly.
Where Central Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Central Georgia Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Georgia Technical College | $43,652 | $47,808 | +10% |
| West Georgia Technical College | $43,072 | $52,419 | +22% |
| Albany Technical College | $36,946 | $44,382 | +20% |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | $40,590 | $42,501 | +5% |
| Ogeechee Technical College | $35,427 | $39,599 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,180 | $43,652 | $47,808 | $9,500* | β | |
| β | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875* | 0.17 | |
| $3,212 | $45,696 | β | $8,272* | 0.18 | |
| $3,122 | $43,072 | $52,419 | $9,500* | 0.22 | |
| $3,782 | $42,551 | β | $9,500* | 0.22 | |
| $3,252 | $40,590 | $42,501 | $12,924* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | β | $41,414 | β | $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 Georgia Technical College, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.