Best institutions to study Ground Transportation
Compare 271 U.S. colleges offering Ground Transportation by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 44 states.
Ground Transportation programs report a median of $43,092 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 49.02 and the Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity occupation (BLS SOC).
About Ground Transportation programs
The Ground Transportation program focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for the effective movement of people and goods using land-based routes. This program is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing careers in various transportation sectors, including trucking, rail, and heavy equipment operation. Students in this program will explore various specializations such as truck and bus driving, forklift operation, and traffic control. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a dynamic and growing field, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and customer service in transportation operations.
Core coursework in the Ground Transportation program covers critical skills such as vehicle operation, traffic regulations, and passenger assistance. Students will gain knowledge in areas like transportation safety, customer service, and vehicle maintenance, equipping them with the competencies needed for successful careers in this field.
Top 50 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College Overland Park, KS Public · Certificate degree | $74,114 | 87 | 31% | — | $5,775 |
| 2 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI Public · Certificate degree | $67,999 | 143 | 65% | — | $8,250 |
| 3 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MN Public · Certificate degree | $64,164 | 55 | 53% | — | $10,846 |
| 4 | Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA Public · Associate degree | $60,943 | 6 | 58% | — | — |
| 5 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PA Public · Certificate degree | $59,330 | 30 | 24% | — | $11,000 |
| 6 | Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, MD Public · Certificate degree | $53,495 | 73 | 39% | — | $4,750 |
| 7 | Elgin Community College Elgin, IL Public · Certificate degree | $51,945 | 79 | 41% | — | $4,008 |
| 8 | New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island Pawtucket, RI Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $51,761 | 626 | 81% | $16,684 | $6,333 |
| 9 | New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts North Andover, MA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $51,761 | 396 | 74% | $16,860 | $6,333 |
| 10 | State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MO Public · Certificate degree | $50,941 | 54 | 84% | — | $8,750 |
| 11 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI Public · Certificate degree | $50,682 | 71 | 44% | — | $8,653 |
| 12 | Lincoln Land Community College Springfield, IL Public · Certificate degree | $49,142 | 187 | 48% | — | $5,500 |
| 13 | Alexandria Technical & Community College Alexandria, MN Public · Certificate degree | $48,587 | 30 | 60% | — | — |
| 14 | Hamrick School Medina, OH Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $47,287 | 140 | 86% | $6,855 | $6,333 |
| 15 | Minnesota State College Southeast Winona, MN Public · Certificate degree | $47,171 | 20 | 47% | — | — |
| 16 | Bevill State Community College Jasper, AL Public · Certificate degree | $47,167 | 155 | 38% | — | $12,621 |
| 17 | Miller - Motte College - Berks Technical Institute Wyomissing, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 79 | 76% | — | $7,875 |
| 18 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - McAllen McAllen, TX Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 76 | 78% | $23,260 | $7,875 |
| 19 | Miller - Motte College - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 134 | 60% | $26,425 | $7,875 |
| 20 | Miller - Motte College - Raleigh Raleigh, NC Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 14 | 79% | $19,251 | $7,875 |
| 21 | Miller - Motte College - Berks Technical Institute - Allentown Allentown, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 65 | 83% | — | $7,875 |
| 22 | Miller - Motte College - Fayetteville Fayetteville, NC Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 67 | 78% | — | $7,875 |
| 23 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - San Antonio San Antonio, TX Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 46 | 69% | $23,546 | $7,875 |
| 24 | Miller - Motte College - Jacksonville Jacksonville, NC Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 85 | 75% | $21,837 | $7,875 |
| 25 | Miller - Motte College - Augusta Augusta, GA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 53 | 59% | $21,799 | $7,875 |
| 26 | Miller - Motte College - STVT - Arlington Arlington, TX Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,909 | 106 | 84% | $24,000 | $7,875 |
| 27 | Fortis Institute - Scranton Scranton, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $46,797 | 34 | 46% | $26,301 | $6,333 |
| 28 | Arkansas State University - Newport Newport, AR Public · Certificate degree | $45,980 | 107 | 46% | — | $11,715 |
| 29 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta, GA Public · Certificate degree | $45,696 | 216 | 50% | — | $8,272 |
| 30 | Riverland Community College Austin, MN Public · Certificate degree | $45,619 | 26 | 52% | — | $4,750 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Associate degree | $45,504 | 30 | 53% | — | $12,000 |
| 32 | North American Trade Schools Baltimore, MD Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,827 | 105 | 69% | $12,895 | $3,403 |
| 33 | Hazard Community and Technical College Hazard, KY Public · Certificate degree | $43,818 | 112 | 48% | — | $7,473 |
| 34 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GA Public · Certificate degree | $43,652 | 96 | 47% | — | — |
| 35 | Rosedale Technical College Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,415 | 14 | 81% | $16,696 | $3,325 |
| 36 | New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut Somers, CT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,172 | 430 | 69% | $16,773 | $6,333 |
| 37 | New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT - Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,172 | 483 | 74% | $17,654 | $6,333 |
| 38 | All - State Career - Baltimore Baltimore, MD Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,160 | 241 | 60% | $21,068 | $6,333 |
| 39 | All - State Career School - Pittsburgh West Mifflin, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,160 | 183 | 75% | $14,661 | $6,333 |
| 40 | All - State Career School Essington, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $43,092 | 306 | 53% | $21,443 | $6,333 |
| 41 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GA Public · Certificate degree | $43,072 | 143 | 35% | — | $9,500 |
| 42 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GA Public · Certificate degree | $42,551 | 127 | 61% | — | $9,500 |
| 43 | New Castle School of Trades New Castle, PA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $41,747 | 106 | 76% | $7,553 | $7,544 |
| 44 | Davidson - Davie Community College Thomasville, NC Public · Certificate degree | $41,081 | 30 | 46% | — | — |
| 45 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GA Public · Certificate degree | $40,590 | 70 | 38% | — | $12,924 |
| 46 | Athens Technical College Athens, GA Public · Certificate degree | $40,571 | 92 | 51% | — | $9,500 |
| 47 | Advanced Technology Institute Virginia Beach, VA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $40,332 | 107 | 79% | $19,848 | $14,125 |
| 48 | North Arkansas College Harrison, AR Public · Certificate degree | $39,576 | 16 | 42% | — | — |
| 49 | Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA Public · Certificate degree | $39,383 | 69 | 32% | — | $6,464 |
| 50 | Diesel Driving Academy - Shreveport Shreveport, LA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $38,978 | 264 | 73% | $17,713 | $6,333 |
Offered across 44 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 53-3052, Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity, and its national outlook.
The job outlook for careers in Ground Transportation is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.3% and approximately 20,900 annual openings. Positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, and the median wage in this field is around $57,440, making it a viable option for those seeking stable employment opportunities.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Ground Transportation
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 49.02.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 49.02 (Ground Transportation) maps to 31 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 45-4022 | Logging Equipment Operators |
| 47-2071 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators |
| 47-2072 | Pile Driver Operators |
| 47-2073 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators |
| 47-4051 | Highway Maintenance Workers |
| 47-4061 | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators |
| 47-5022 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining |
| 47-5023 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas |
| 47-5032 | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters |
| 47-5041 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators |
| 47-5049 | Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other |
| 47-5099 | Extraction Workers, All Other |
| 53-1043 | First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators |
| 53-1049 | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation Workers, All Other |
| 53-3032 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers |
| 53-3033 | Light Truck Drivers |
| 53-3051 | Bus Drivers, School |
| 53-3052 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercityprimary |
| 53-3053 | Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs |
| 53-4011 | Locomotive Engineers |
| 53-4013 | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers |
| 53-4022 | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers |
| 53-4031 | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters |
| 53-4041 | Subway and Streetcar Operators |
| 53-4099 | Rail Transportation Workers, All Other |
| 53-7021 | Crane and Tower Operators |
| 53-7031 | Dredge Operators |
| 53-7041 | Hoist and Winch Operators |
| 53-7051 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators |
| 53-7199 | Material Moving Workers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Ground Transportation programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Drive vehicles over specified routes or to specified destinations according to time schedules, complying with traffic regulations to ensure that passengers have a smooth and safe ride.
- Park vehicles at loading areas so that passengers can board.
- Inspect vehicles and check gas, oil, and water levels prior to departure.
- Announce stops to passengers.
- Assist passengers, such as elderly or individuals with disabilities, on and off bus, ensure they are seated properly, help carry baggage, and answer questions about bus schedules or routes.
- Collect tickets or cash fares from passengers.
Concentrations within Ground Transportation
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment OperationCIP 49.0202
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as a crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, riggi
- Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and InstructorCIP 49.0205
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to drive trucks and buses, delivery vehicles, for-hire vehicles and other commercial vehicles, or to instruct commerical veh
- Mobil Crane Operator/OperationCIP 49.0206
A program that prepares individuals to hoist and swing loads via complex rotating machinery that is driver operated
- Flagging and Traffic ControlCIP 49.0207
A program that prepares individuals to control the movement of traffic through construction and maintenance zones and to protect the safety of work crews, drivers, and pedestrians
- Railroad and Railway TransportationCIP 49.0208
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the operation of railroads and other aspects of the railway industry, including railroad and railyard service
- Forklift Operation/OperatorCIP 49.0209
A program that prepares individuals to operate forklifts in a variety of work environments
- Ground Transportation, OtherCIP 49.0299
Any instructional program in vehicle and equipment operation not listed above.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available in the Ground Transportation program?+
Specializations include Truck and Bus Driver, Heavy Equipment Operation, and Railroad Transportation, among others.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and vehicle operation, among others.
What is the typical education required for careers in this field?+
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
What is the job outlook for Ground Transportation careers?+
The field is expected to grow at a rate of 4.3% with about 20,900 annual job openings.
How much do Ground Transportation graduates earn?+
Ground Transportation graduates report median earnings of $43,092 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity occupation pays about $60,280 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Ground Transportation?+
Ground Transportation maps to CIP 49.02 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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