Location: Lafayette, LA•In-State Tuition: $4,210
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,588
Est. from LA median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,280
Est. from national median (39 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 suggests manageable borrowing for what peer programs in Louisiana indicate is a modest but stable income stream. Similar ground transportation programs in the state produce first-year earnings around $35,600, which falls about 15% below the national median of $41,400. The estimated $9,280 in debt sits slightly above both state and national averages for this credential, though it could be repaid within reasonable timeframes given consistent employment.

Louisiana's ground transportation training landscape shows considerable variation—comparable programs produce anywhere from $24,500 to nearly $39,000 in first-year earnings. Where South Louisiana Community College sits within this range remains unclear without actual graduate outcomes, but the statewide pattern suggests that location, employer connections, and specific certifications obtained matter significantly. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, accessibility appears strong, though families should verify exactly which endorsements and licenses this particular program delivers.

The core question is whether this program offers the specific training pathways—CDL classifications, hazmat endorsements, specialized equipment certifications—that lead to the higher end of Louisiana's earnings distribution. Request placement rates and details about which transportation sectors (oil and gas logistics, port operations, long-haul trucking) graduates typically enter, since these factors drive the considerable variation seen across state programs.

Where South Louisiana Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally

South Louisiana Community College (estimated ±10%)Other ground transportation programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
South Louisiana Community CollegeLafayette$4,210$35,588*—$9,280*—
Diesel Driving Academy-ShreveportShreveport—$38,978*$40,226$6,333*0.16
Diesel Driving Academy-Baton RougeBaton Rouge—$35,588*$35,133$6,333*0.18
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community CollegeMinden$4,109$24,514*$51,376—*—
National Median—$41,414*—$7,706*0.19
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with ground transportation graduates

Locomotive Engineers

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

$75,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

$75,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

$75,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

$75,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.

$62,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

$58,320/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Pile Driver Operators

Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.

$58,320/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

$58,320/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

$57,440/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Logging Equipment Operators

Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories, such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush. Includes operating stand-alone logging machines, such as log chippers.

$49,540/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Bus Drivers, School

Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.

$48,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.

$48,370/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 South Louisiana Community College, 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.

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 median of 3 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.