Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Conway
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
miller-motte.eduAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Conway 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-Conway | $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-Charleston | $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)
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| 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 | — | $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-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.