Ground Transportation at Ocean County Vocational-Technical School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
ocvts.orgAnalysis
A vocational certificate costing an estimated $9,280 that leads to earnings around $41,000 represents a manageable financial commitment—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates would owe roughly two months of their first-year salary. Based on comparable ground transportation programs nationwide, this kind of training typically delivers quick entry into the workforce without the prolonged debt burden of a bachelor's degree. The field includes commercial driving, vehicle maintenance, and logistics roles that offer steady employment in New Jersey's active transportation corridor.
The estimated debt figure sits slightly above the national median for similar programs ($7,706), though still well within reasonable bounds for a vocational credential. What's harder to assess is how Ocean County VT-Tech's specific program performs relative to others in the state—this is the only school in New Jersey tracked by the Department of Education offering this certificate. That could mean the school serves a unique regional need, or simply that most transportation training in the state happens through different channels like private CDL schools not captured in federal data.
For families considering this path, the core question is whether their student wants hands-on work that starts generating income quickly. The estimates suggest a viable return, but meeting with the school's placement office to understand which specific employers hire their graduates would help confirm whether this particular program delivers on that promise.
Where Ocean County Vocational-Technical School 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 Ocean County Vocational-Technical School, approximately 42% 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.