Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Conway
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Miller-Motte College-Conway's Ground Transportation program offers strong initial earning potential but comes with a significant red flag that parents need to understand. Graduates earn $46,909 in their first year—ranking in the 75th percentile nationally and matching the state median—which is impressive for a certificate program. The debt load of $7,875 is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17.
However, this program follows an "early peak" pattern where earnings actually decline over time. By year four, median earnings drop to $39,461, representing a concerning 16% decrease when most careers should be advancing. This suggests graduates may be entering roles with limited growth potential or facing industry challenges that cap long-term earning power.
While the immediate financial picture looks solid—graduates can realistically pay off their debt within a few years given the low debt burden—the declining earnings trajectory raises questions about career sustainability. This might work for someone seeking quick entry into the workforce with manageable debt, but parents should consider whether their child would be better served by programs that offer more upward mobility over time, even if they require slightly more initial investment.
Where Miller-Motte College-Conway 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-Conway graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miller-Motte College-Conway 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-Conway | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 |
| Miller-Motte College-Charleston | $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-Charleston Charleston | — | $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-Conway, approximately 53% 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.