Ground Transportation at West Georgia Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
westgatech.eduAnalysis
West Georgia Technical College's Ground Transportation certificate produces graduates earning $43,072 in their first year—roughly $5,400 above Georgia's median for this program and placing it 60th percentile statewide. That's solid positioning in a state with 21 programs, though it trails top performers like Miller-Motte College-Augusta by about $3,800. The $9,500 in typical debt sits right at Georgia's median but comes in at just 22 cents per dollar of first-year earnings, which is manageable for a technical credential.
The 22% earnings growth over four years tells an encouraging story about career progression. Starting at $43,072 and climbing to $52,419 suggests graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions—they're advancing into better-paying roles within the transportation sector. This upward trajectory matters because it shows the certificate opens doors beyond just getting that first job.
For families looking at technical training in Georgia's ground transportation sector, this program offers a reasonable middle ground: below-average debt, above-average starting earnings compared to state peers, and demonstrated income growth. It won't match the outcomes of the state's top two or three programs, but it substantially outperforms the lower half of Georgia options while keeping borrowing minimal.
Where West Georgia Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How West Georgia Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Georgia Technical College | $43,072 | $52,419 | +22% |
| Central Georgia Technical College | $43,652 | $47,808 | +10% |
| Albany Technical College | $36,946 | $44,382 | +20% |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | $40,590 | $42,501 | +5% |
| Ogeechee Technical College | $35,427 | $39,599 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,122 | $43,072 | $52,419 | $9,500 | 0.22 | |
| — | $46,909 | $39,461 | $7,875 | 0.17 | |
| $3,212 | $45,696 | — | $8,272 | 0.18 | |
| $3,180 | $43,652 | $47,808 | — | — | |
| $3,782 | $42,551 | — | $9,500 | 0.22 | |
| $3,252 | $40,590 | $42,501 | $12,924 | 0.32 | |
| 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 West Georgia Technical College, approximately 39% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.