Ground Transportation at Fort Hays Tech North Central

A debt load of $9,280 might seem manageable, but the earnings picture here tells a more complicated story. While comparable ground transportation programs across Kansas typically produce median earnings of $74,114, this program's estimated first-year figure of $41,414 falls substantially short—tracking closer to the national median instead. By year four, earnings climb to $46,302, but that's still barely above what many Kansas graduates in this field earn right out of the gate at programs like Johnson County Community College.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 looks reasonable on paper, and $9,280 borrowed for a certificate is hardly crushing. But when similar programs in your own state are associated with earnings nearly 80% higher, you have to question what's creating such a gap. Transportation and logistics credentials should open doors to solid middle-class work, especially in a state where trucking and distribution are economic staples. Something about this program's outcomes—whether it's the specific training focus, employer connections, or student employment patterns—isn't producing the Kansas norm.

Before committing, dig into what makes this program different from higher-earning Kansas alternatives. The certificate itself might be fine, but if your child could access training elsewhere in the state that peer data suggests leads to significantly stronger earnings, that's worth the extra planning. In a field where licensing and CDL credentials matter more than prestige, location and employer pipelines often determine outcomes.