Ground Transportation at Hazard Community and Technical College

At just over $7,400 in debt to launch a career paying nearly $44,000, Hazard Community and Technical College's Ground Transportation program offers one of the clearest return-on-investment propositions in vocational training. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means graduates owe roughly two months' salary—manageable debt that shouldn't prevent them from building financial stability quickly. With earnings landing at the 60th percentile among Kentucky's ground transportation programs, this performs solidly within the state's trucking and logistics training landscape.

The first-year salary of $43,818 exceeds the national median for these certificates by about $2,400, suggesting the program connects students to decent entry-level opportunities in Kentucky's transportation sector. That said, ground transportation earnings often plateau quickly, so graduates shouldn't expect dramatic salary growth over time. The moderate sample size indicates steady program enrollment, which usually means employers in the region actively hire these graduates.

For families seeking an affordable pathway to stable employment without a four-year commitment, this program delivers. The low debt burden is particularly important for the 37% of students receiving Pell grants, who often can't absorb financial mistakes. If your child wants to enter trucking or logistics and values immediate earnings over a traditional college experience, this represents a practical choice with minimal financial risk.