Analysis
A certificate in ground transportation typically leads to first-year earnings around $41,400 nationally, with an estimated debt load here of $9,280—creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22. That means graduates would owe roughly one-quarter of their first year's salary, which positions them to pay down student loans within a reasonable timeframe while earning a living wage. The estimated debt is slightly higher than the national median of $7,700 for these programs, though still well within workable territory for a credential that can be completed relatively quickly.
The constraint here is uncertainty. With only two schools in Idaho offering this certificate and no reported outcomes data available for comparison, it's difficult to assess how College of Eastern Idaho's specific program performs relative to local alternatives or whether the transportation industry demand in the region matches national patterns. The estimates tell us what peer programs typically produce, but they can't capture local factors like employer partnerships, equipment quality, or regional job markets that might make this particular program stronger or weaker than average.
For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound based on national patterns—low debt for a credential that leads to immediate employment. But given the data limitations, talking directly with the school about job placement rates and connecting with local transportation employers would be essential steps before committing.
Where College of Eastern Idaho Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,390 | $41,414* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| $2,328 | $74,114* | $60,000 | $5,775* | 0.08 | |
| $4,916 | $67,999* | $49,577 | $8,250* | 0.12 | |
| $6,209 | $64,164* | $59,690 | $10,846* | 0.17 | |
| $4,842 | $59,330* | — | $11,000* | 0.19 | |
| $4,320 | $53,495* | $47,311 | $4,750* | 0.09 | |
| 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 College of Eastern Idaho, approximately 27% 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.