Analysis
Warren County Career Center's ground transportation program delivers first-year earnings of $44,616—solidly above both the state median ($40,922) and national median ($41,414) for similar certificate programs. That positions graduates in the 60th percentile within Ohio, suggesting the program prepares students well for the local transportation industry. While the debt figure is estimated based on similar certificate programs nationally rather than this school's actual outcomes, the projected $9,280 burden translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of first-year salary.
The estimate sits above both state and national medians for ground transportation programs, which could reflect Warren County's specific program structure or simply the limitations of the estimation method. What matters most is the relationship between that debt and earnings: even if actual debt runs somewhat higher or lower, the core value proposition appears sound. Comparable programs in Ohio show wide earnings variation—from over $47,000 down to around $30,000—making Warren County's mid-$40s outcome competitive.
For families considering this certificate, the numbers suggest a practical pathway into transportation careers without excessive financial risk. The program appears to deliver market-relevant training that translates into decent first-year wages, though confirming actual graduate debt with the school would help clarify the full cost picture.
Where Warren County Career Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Warren County Career Center graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $44,616 | — | $9,280* | — | |
| — | $47,287 | $46,726 | $6,333* | 0.13 | |
| — | $37,227 | $40,362 | $6,333* | 0.17 | |
| $14,050 | $30,416 | — | $6,333* | 0.21 | |
| 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 Warren County Career Center, approximately 20% 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.