Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,909
75th percentile (60th in NC)
Median Debt
$7,875
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17
Manageable
Sample Size
615
Adequate data

Analysis

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

Miller-Motte College-FayettevilleOther ground transportation programs

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-Fayetteville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville 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 North Carolina

Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville$46,909$39,461$7,8750.17
Miller-Motte College-Raleigh$46,909$39,461$7,8750.17
Miller-Motte College-Jacksonville$46,909$39,461$7,8750.17
Cape Fear Community College$46,329———
Davidson-Davie Community College$41,081$63,256——
National Median$41,414—$7,7060.19

Other Ground Transportation Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miller-Motte College-Raleigh
Raleigh
—$46,909$7,875
Miller-Motte College-Jacksonville
Jacksonville
—$46,909$7,875
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington
$2,748$46,329—
Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville
$1,978$41,081—

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.