Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,072
58th percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$9,500
23% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.22
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

Analysis

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

West Georgia Technical CollegeOther ground transportation programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How West Georgia Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

West Georgia Technical College graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all ground transportation certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
West Georgia Technical College$43,072$52,419$9,5000.22
Miller-Motte College-Augusta$46,909$39,461$7,8750.17
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College$45,696—$8,2720.18
Central Georgia Technical College$43,652$47,808——
South Georgia Technical College$42,551—$9,5000.22
Chattahoochee Technical College$40,590$42,501$12,9240.32
National Median$41,414—$7,7060.19

Other Ground Transportation Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Miller-Motte College-Augusta
Augusta
—$46,909$7,875
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta
$3,212$45,696$8,272
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins
$3,180$43,652—
South Georgia Technical College
Americus
$3,782$42,551$9,500
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta
$3,252$40,590$12,924

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.