Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
miller-motte.eduAnalysis
This Ground Transportation program at Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville 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. The debt load of $7,875 is reasonable, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.17, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with less than three months of gross income.
However, there's a significant red flag: earnings actually decline by 16% from year one to year four, dropping to $39,461. This "early peak" pattern is concerning and suggests either industry dynamics that don't reward experience or potential career transitions that aren't captured in the data. Among North Carolina programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional within the state.
The program does offer a quick entry into the workforce with relatively low debt, which could work for students seeking immediate employment. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many lower-income families who may benefit from this fast-track approach. However, the earnings decline over time is a serious consideration—this appears to be a program that gets you working quickly but may not build toward higher long-term earning potential. For families prioritizing immediate income with minimal debt, this could work, but those expecting career growth should look elsewhere.
Where Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville 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-Fayetteville | $46,909 | $39,461 | -16% |
| Davidson-Davie Community College | $41,081 | $63,256 | +54% |
| Johnson County Community College | $74,114 | $60,000 | -19% |
| Miller-Motte College-Raleigh | $46,909 | $39,461 | -16% |
| Miller-Motte College-Jacksonville | $46,909 | $39,461 | -16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| — | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| — | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| $2,748 | $46,329 | — | — | — | |
| $1,978 | $41,081 | $63,256 | — | — | |
| 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-Fayetteville, approximately 48% 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.