Ground Transportation at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests manageable borrowing relative to income potential, though the complete picture here relies on national estimates rather than Delaware Tech's actual outcomes. Similar ground transportation certificate programs nationally produce median first-year earnings around $41,400, which would require roughly three months of gross pay to cover the estimated $9,280 in debt—a reasonable entry point for technical training.

The challenge is that Delaware only has three schools offering this certificate, none with publicly reported outcomes, making it difficult to gauge whether local employers value this credential or if graduates face a tighter job market than their peers in states with stronger trucking or logistics industries. Ground transportation certificates typically lead to commercial driving positions, where earnings depend heavily on the type of freight, routes, and employer. National data shows top-performing programs reach $46,900 in first-year earnings, suggesting room for better outcomes with the right job placement.

For a one-year certificate, keeping debt under $10,000 is prudent, but verify what this program actually delivers: CDL training, forklift certification, or something else? The job market for commercial drivers remains strong nationally, but you'll want to confirm Delaware Tech's industry connections and whether graduates reliably move into positions that justify even this modest debt load.