Ground Transportation at Fortis Institute-Scranton

Fortis Institute's ground transportation certificate hits an unusual sweet spot: near-top earnings with rock-bottom debt. At $46,797 in first-year earnings and just $6,333 in debt, graduates face a debt burden they could realistically pay off in three months of work—a 0.14 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats three-quarters of similar programs nationally. Among Pennsylvania's 18 ground transportation programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings while matching the state median for debt, meaning your child gets above-average outcomes without the premium price tag that top programs like Community College of Allegheny County ($59,330 earnings) typically command.

The flat earnings trajectory tells an important story about the transportation industry rather than this program's quality. Graduates earn essentially the same amount four years out ($46,186) as they do initially, which is typical for CDL-focused careers where compensation peaks quickly. The high Pell grant percentage (80%) suggests this program successfully serves working-class students who need credentials fast and can't afford to gamble on debt.

For a student entering the trucking or logistics industry who wants solid immediate earnings without financial risk, this certificate delivers exactly what it promises. The lack of earnings growth means your child won't build wealth through this career alone, but the minimal debt leaves room for them to pivot, supplement income with side work, or eventually transition to dispatcher or management roles.