Ground Transportation at CET-El Paso

CET-El Paso's ground transportation certificate costs less than most competing programs, but graduates earn significantly below what they could at other Texas schools. At $34,665 initially, earnings sit in just the 25th percentile statewide—meaning three-quarters of Texas graduates in this field start with higher pay. The gap is substantial: the state median is $46,909, nearly $12,000 more annually.

The modest debt load of $6,650 is a genuine advantage, representing only 19% of first-year earnings. This makes the program manageable to repay even with below-average wages. Earnings do climb 11% to $38,368 by year four, but that still falls well short of what graduates from Miller-Motte's various Texas campuses earn right out of the gate. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, many here have limited financial cushion to absorb earning less than their peers.

For families considering this certificate, the critical question is location and alternatives. If El Paso-area employment is a must and ground transportation is the clear career path, the low debt provides some protection. But students willing to attend programs in San Antonio, Arlington, or McAllen could potentially graduate earning $10,000-$12,000 more annually—a difference that compounds significantly over a career. That earnings gap deserves serious consideration before enrolling.