Analysis
A certificate in Ground Transportation at Mountainland Technical College estimates first-year earnings around $41,400—the national median for these programs—paired with roughly $9,300 in debt. That 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would need about 11 weeks of gross income to cover their educational costs, which represents a manageable investment for workforce training. The national debt benchmark for these programs sits lower at $7,700, suggesting Mountainland's estimated costs run slightly above typical, though still well within reasonable territory.
Utah's trucking and logistics sector offers steady demand, and the relatively low three percent Pell grant rate at this institution hints at students who may be career-changers or employed adults seeking credentials rather than traditional students taking on first-time debt. Ground transportation certificates aim to fast-track entry into commercial driving or related fields where ongoing industry demand matters more than dramatic salary growth. Peer programs nationally cluster tightly around that $41,000 mark, with top performers reaching the high $40,000s—a narrow range that reflects the standardized nature of commercial licensing requirements.
The estimates here suggest a straightforward value proposition: modest debt for entry into a stable field with immediate earning potential. The real question is whether your child wants this specific career path, since the credential is narrowly focused rather than broadly transferable.
Where Mountainland Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $41,414* | — | $9,280* | — | |
| $2,328 | $74,114* | $60,000 | $5,775* | 0.08 | |
| $4,916 | $67,999* | $49,577 | $8,250* | 0.12 | |
| $6,209 | $64,164* | $59,690 | $10,846* | 0.17 | |
| $4,842 | $59,330* | — | $11,000* | 0.19 | |
| $4,320 | $53,495* | $47,311 | $4,750* | 0.09 | |
| 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 Mountainland Technical College, approximately 3% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 94 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.