Ground Transportation at Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College's ground transportation program launches graduates into impressively high starting salaries—$68,000 puts them well above the Wisconsin state median of $59,340 and crushes the national average of $41,414. The $8,250 debt load is remarkably manageable, requiring just 7 weeks of first-year earnings to pay off. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin (suggesting several competitors achieve even higher outcomes), it still outearns every other Wisconsin program in our database, including Waukesha County Technical College's $50,682 median.

The significant concern here is the sharp earnings decline to $49,577 by year four—a 27% drop that's unusual for trade programs. This pattern suggests graduates may be moving from higher-paying long-haul or specialized routes into different roles, or that the initial salary premium doesn't hold as careers progress. Even with this decline, year-four earnings still exceed national benchmarks, but the trajectory raises questions about long-term career stability in this field.

For families weighing this option, the math remains compelling: the combination of minimal debt and strong initial earning power creates financial breathing room even if earnings plateau. The key is understanding that this program appears optimized for immediate employability rather than long-term wage growth. If your child needs to start earning quickly with minimal student debt, this delivers exactly that.