Ground Transportation at Flagler Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
flaglertech.eduAnalysis
This short-term credential in ground transportation presents an interesting contrast: peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $41,000, which would be solid for a certificate program, but similar programs in Florida typically produce notably lower outcomes at $34,562. That $7,000 gap matters when you're evaluating a vocational credential designed for quick workforce entry. The estimated debt load of $9,280 is manageable either way—higher than the national median but reasonable for any earnings scenario—but the wide range between state and national figures underscores real uncertainty about what graduates from this specific program can expect.
The bigger question is market positioning. With only 6% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to serve a different demographic than most technical colleges. That could signal strong industry connections and placement support, or it might simply reflect local enrollment patterns. Without actual graduate outcomes from Flagler Technical, you're making a bet on whether this program aligns more with the national average or follows Florida's lower pattern. Given that other Florida schools with reported data sit at the lower end, treat the higher national figure with caution. If your child has specific employment lined up or you can verify strong employer partnerships in the Palm Coast area, the modest debt makes this a low-risk option. Otherwise, the uncertainty around actual outcomes makes direct communication with the school about placement rates essential.
Where Flagler Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $41,414* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| $2,878 | $34,562* | — | $15,001* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Flagler Technical College, approximately 6% 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.