Ground Transportation at International Air and Hospitality Academy

International Air and Hospitality Academy's Ground Transportation certificate tells an unexpected story about Washington state's market. While earnings start at $36,783—below the national median of $41,414—this program actually performs better than 60% of similar programs in Washington. The state's transportation sector appears to have lower wage floors than the national average, making this a relatively competitive local option despite modest starting salaries.

The program's real strength is its 20% earnings growth trajectory, bringing graduates to $44,074 by year four, and particularly its accessible debt load of just $7,600. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, graduates owe less than three months of first-year salary—manageable by any standard. Given that nearly two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, this low debt burden matters significantly for families without financial safety nets.

For parents evaluating this certificate, the key consideration is geographic mobility. If your child plans to work in Washington's ground transportation industry, this program offers competitive preparation at minimal financial risk. However, if they're willing to relocate after graduation, other states may offer stronger earning potential in this field. The moderate sample size suggests stable outcomes, and the combination of low debt with solid earnings growth creates a foundation that won't constrain future opportunities.