Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Charleston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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 year—well 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Charleston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miller-Motte College-Charleston graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all ground transportation certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-Charleston | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 |
| Miller-Motte College-Conway | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 |
| National Median | $41,414 | — | $7,706 | 0.19 |
Other Ground Transportation Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-Conway Conway | — | $46,909 | $7,875 |
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.