Analysis
The $9,280 in estimated debt here—drawn from national patterns at similar community colleges—exceeds what Ohio's ground transportation programs typically produce. Peer schools in the state generally see median debt closer to $6,300, suggesting this certificate might cost more than comparable options nearby. When similar programs lead to earnings around $41,000, borrowing an extra $3,000 makes a difference in how quickly you're clear of that obligation.
Earnings projections based on four Ohio programs put first-year income at roughly $40,900, right in line with state and national benchmarks. Several Ohio schools with reported outcomes cluster in the $37,000-$47,000 range, confirming that transportation credentials generally deliver stable entry-level wages. The 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but that calculation assumes both estimates hold true for Central Ohio Tech's actual graduates.
The real question is whether this program justifies borrowing 46% more than the state median for ground transportation certificates. If Central Ohio Tech offers better equipment, stronger employer connections, or more comprehensive training than cheaper alternatives, that premium could make sense. Otherwise, look hard at the other 21 Ohio schools offering this credential—several report actual outcomes and lower debt loads that make the value proposition clearer.
Where Central Ohio Technical College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,136 | $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 Central Ohio Technical College, approximately 26% 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.