Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Charleston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
miller-motte.eduAnalysis
This Ground Transportation program at Miller-Motte College-Charleston delivers strong initial earnings that rank in the 75th percentile nationally, with graduates earning $46,909 in their first yearβwell above the national median of $41,414. However, there's a concerning pattern: earnings actually decline by 16% over four years to $39,461, which suggests this may be an "early peak" career path where initial job prospects are solid but advancement opportunities are limited.
The debt picture is reasonable at $7,875, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17, meaning graduates can expect to earn about six times their debt load in their first year. Among South Carolina's limited options for this program (only 4 schools statewide), this ranks at the 60th percentile, performing respectably within the state. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.
The key concern is that earnings trajectory: while your child would likely land decent-paying work immediately after graduation, they shouldn't expect significant salary growth over time in this field. This program works best for students seeking quick entry into stable employment rather than long-term career advancement. Given the low debt burden and strong initial placement, it's a reasonable choice for students who value immediate earning potential over future growth prospects.
Where Miller-Motte College-Charleston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Charleston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-Charleston | $46,909 | $39,461 | -16% |
| 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% |
| Miller-Motte College-Conway | $46,909 | $39,461 | -16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (4 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| National Median | $41,414 | β | $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 Miller-Motte College-Charleston, approximately 38% 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 615 graduates with reported earnings and 499 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.