Ground Transportation at Henderson Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
henderson.kctcs.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 would position this program favorably if these numbers hold, but the complete absence of reported outcomes from Henderson Community College means families are operating blind. Similar ground transportation programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $41,000 with debt near $9,300—figures that would typically make financial sense for a short-term credential. However, Kentucky's own data tells a more promising story: Hazard Community and Technical College reports $43,818 in earnings for its ground transportation graduates, with the state median debt sitting below $7,500.
The gap between estimated and actual Kentucky outcomes raises important questions. Henderson serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (33%), yet provides no verified data on graduate earnings or typical debt loads. This isn't necessarily a red flag—small cohort sizes often trigger data suppression—but it leaves parents guessing whether their student will match the stronger Kentucky outcomes or fall short of even the national baseline.
Before committing, contact Henderson's financial aid office directly for specifics on what students in this program actually borrow and whether the college tracks graduate employment in transportation roles. If they can't provide concrete numbers, the nearby Hazard program offers a documented track record worth considering as an alternative.
Where Henderson Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,656 | $41,414* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| $4,656 | $43,818* | — | $7,473* | 0.17 | |
| National Median | — | $41,414* | — | $7,706* | 0.19 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with ground transportation graduates
Locomotive Engineers
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Pile Driver Operators
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Logging Equipment Operators
Bus Drivers, School
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
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 Henderson Community College, approximately 33% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 94 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.