Ground Transportation at Ogeechee Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College's Ground Transportation certificate lands in the middle of Georgia's offerings—40th percentile statewide—with first-year earnings of $35,427 that trail both the state median ($37,668) and national median ($41,414) by noticeable margins. What partially compensates is remarkably low debt: at $15,116, graduates carry just half of what's typical nationally for this credential, putting this program in the 5th percentile for debt burden. The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face less than six months of income in student loans, a manageable starting point.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, with graduates reaching $39,599 by year four—a 12% increase that suggests room for advancement in transportation careers. However, even with this growth, earnings remain below what students achieve at top Georgia programs like Miller-Motte Augusta ($46,909) or Wiregrass Georgia Tech ($45,696). Given that 42% of students here receive Pell grants, the low debt matters considerably for those from limited financial backgrounds.

For families prioritizing affordability in a transportation career, Ogeechee delivers exactly that: minimal debt and a stable earnings floor. But students capable of accessing stronger programs elsewhere in Georgia might find an extra $5,000-10,000 annually worth exploring, particularly if those programs don't significantly increase borrowing costs.