Analysis
Based on comparable ground transportation programs in Texas, this certificate suggests earnings around $47,000 in the first year—a solid figure that puts graduates at the state median and matches the 75th percentile nationally. The estimated debt load of $9,280 translates to a manageable 0.20 ratio, meaning roughly five months of first-year income to cover the full cost. That's a reasonable financial starting point for a credential that can be completed relatively quickly.
The challenge here is visibility. With both earnings and debt figures estimated from peer programs rather than Lee College's actual graduate outcomes, you're making decisions with limited information about this specific program's track record. Other Texas schools in this field show significant variation—top performers match these estimates, but some graduates earn notably less. Ground transportation can encompass different specializations (commercial driving, logistics coordination, fleet management), and what Lee College specifically prepares students for matters.
If your child is mechanically inclined and interested in transportation careers, the fundamentals look workable: modest debt for a credential that potentially leads to middle-income work. But before committing, dig into exactly what certifications this program provides, how it connects to local employers in the Baytown-Houston area, and whether graduates are actually landing jobs that justify even this relatively low investment. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you need more program-specific evidence to know if Lee College delivers it.
Where Lee College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,166 | $46,909* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| — | $46,909* | $39,461 | $7,875* | 0.17 | |
| — | $46,909* | $39,461 | $7,875* | 0.17 | |
| — | $46,909* | $39,461 | $7,875* | 0.17 | |
| — | $34,665* | $38,368 | $6,650* | 0.19 | |
| — | $28,532* | $31,730 | $6,754* | 0.24 | |
| 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 Lee College, approximately 32% 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 median of 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.