Ground Transportation at Miller-Motte College-Raleigh

Miller-Motte College-Raleigh's Ground Transportation program delivers strong initial earnings but faces a concerning pattern: graduates earn $46,909 in their first year—ranking in the 75th percentile nationally and 60th percentile in North Carolina—but see their income drop to $39,461 by year four, a 16% decline. This "early peak" pattern suggests graduates may start in higher-paying positions but struggle to advance or maintain those wage levels over time.

The financial fundamentals are solid, with relatively low debt of $7,875 creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17. This means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of gross income, which is excellent. The program serves a predominantly working-class population (66% receive Pell grants) and provides immediate access to decent-paying transportation industry jobs.

However, the earnings decline raises questions about long-term career prospects. While starting salaries are competitive with other North Carolina programs, the inability to grow income over time could limit financial mobility. For families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with minimal debt, this program delivers. But if you're hoping for steady career advancement and wage growth, the data suggests this field may have limitations that warrant careful consideration of your child's long-term career goals.