Ground Transportation at Diesel Driving Academy-Shreveport

This program delivers something surprisingly rare in commercial driving: remarkably low debt exposure. At $6,333, students are borrowing just 16 cents for every dollar they'll earn in their first year—a ratio that puts most bachelor's degree programs to shame. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates means these numbers aren't flukes. While first-year earnings of $38,978 trail the national median by about $2,400, they outperform Louisiana's typical commercial driving program by roughly $3,400, placing this in the 60th percentile statewide.

The challenge shows up over time: earnings grow only 3% over four years, reaching about $40,200. Compare that to the national 75th percentile of $46,900, and you see the ceiling here. This isn't a path to dramatically higher income—you're getting trained for an entry-level position where most of the earning happens immediately. Still, at this debt level, graduates need only about two months' salary to clear their loans, giving them financial flexibility that many four-year degree holders would envy.

For families weighing trade schools versus traditional college, this represents a low-risk credential. Over half the students receive Pell grants, and they're graduating with manageable debt into immediate employment. The earnings aren't exceptional, but neither is the financial burden. If your child wants to drive trucks professionally, this gets them licensed and working without financial anchors.