Ground Transportation at Hagerstown Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Hagerstown Community College's ground transportation certificate starts strong at $53,495—well above Maryland's median of $43,827 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's impressive for a program with minimal debt at just $4,750 (less than 10% of first-year earnings). But here's the catch: by year four, earnings drop to $47,311, a 12% decline that's unusual for career-focused credentials.
That earnings dip likely reflects the realities of commercial driving careers, where income can vary with routes, companies, or industry changes. Even with the decline, graduates still out-earn most ground transportation programs in Maryland, sitting at the 60th percentile statewide by year four. The low debt load is the real advantage here—your child exits with manageable financial obligations and immediate earning power, avoiding the debt trap that plagues many certificate programs.
For families prioritizing quick entry to steady work with minimal financial risk, this program delivers. The strong starting salary provides breathing room, and even if earnings plateau or dip, the tiny debt burden means your child isn't locked into chasing higher pay just to service loans. Just understand this isn't a credential with predictable wage growth—it's about getting employed fast without betting the farm.
Where Hagerstown Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Hagerstown Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hagerstown Community College graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all ground transportation certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Community College | $53,495 | $47,311 | $4,750 | 0.09 |
| North American Trade Schools | $43,827 | $51,759 | $3,403 | 0.08 |
| All-State Career-Baltimore | $43,160 | $44,787 | $6,333 | 0.15 |
| National Median | $41,414 | — | $7,706 | 0.19 |
Other Ground Transportation Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American Trade Schools Baltimore | — | $43,827 | $3,403 |
| All-State Career-Baltimore Baltimore | — | $43,160 | $6,333 |
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 Hagerstown Community College, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 62 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.