Ground Transportation at Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
midwesttech.eduAnalysis
This Ground Transportation program at Midwest Technical Institute delivers modest but concerning results for students. With first-year earnings of $36,234, graduates earn significantly less than both the national median ($41,414) and Missouri state median ($40,759) for similar programs. Among Missouri's three ground transportation programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, with State Technical College graduates earning $14,700 more annually.
The program's main advantage is relatively low debt at $6,333, though this still places it in the 75th percentile nationally for debt levels in this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 is manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans. However, the earnings trajectory is troubling—graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than in their first year, suggesting limited career advancement opportunities through this particular program.
For families considering this investment, the numbers tell a clear story: while the debt burden is reasonable, the earning potential lags behind other options in Missouri. State Technical College of Missouri offers the same credential with substantially better outcomes. Given that 60% of students here receive Pell grants, many families are likely seeking affordable career training, but they might achieve better results elsewhere in the state for similar or potentially lower costs.
Where Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri | $36,234 | $35,254 | -3% |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $41,081 | $63,256 | +54% |
| Johnson County Community College | $74,114 | $60,000 | -19% |
| Central Lakes College-Brainerd | $64,164 | $59,690 | -7% |
| State Technical College of Missouri | $50,941 | $52,191 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $36,234 | $35,254 | $6,333 | 0.17 | |
| $7,830 | $50,941 | $52,191 | $8,750 | 0.17 | |
| $6,180 | $40,759 | — | $8,400 | 0.21 | |
| 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 Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri, approximately 60% 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 682 graduates with reported earnings and 716 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.