Ground Transportation at Crowder College

Crowder College's transportation certificate delivers middle-of-the-pack results with notably low debt—the kind of outcome that makes sense for students looking to enter commercial driving without breaking the bank. At $8,400 in debt against $40,759 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt burden of just 21%, well below concerning thresholds and manageable even on an entry-level trucking salary.

The earnings picture is solid if unspectacular. While Crowder sits slightly below the national median for ground transportation programs, it outperforms most Missouri schools in this field, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The real benchmark here is State Technical College of Missouri, whose graduates earn $50,941—about $10,000 more annually. That gap matters over a career, though Crowder's lower debt load (State Tech's isn't reported but likely higher given their larger program) partially offsets the earnings difference in early years.

For families considering commercial driving careers, this program offers a practical entry point without excessive financial risk. The debt is low enough that even if earnings plateau or a graduate decides trucking isn't for them, they're not trapped by loan payments. It's not the highest-earning option in Missouri, but it's a financially sensible path to a stable working-class income.