Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Alexandria Technical & Community College

This networking program stands out for its unusually strong first-year earnings of $49,706—significantly above Minnesota's median of $45,559 and placing it near the top nationally for this degree. With estimated debt around $15,832 based on comparable community college programs, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $180, manageable at this salary level. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable affordability, particularly compared to the national median debt of nearly $22,000 for similar programs.

The catch is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see their income drop 12% by year four to $43,736, which is unusual for technical fields where skills typically command growing premiums. This could reflect local labor market dynamics in Alexandria, career pivots, or perhaps that some graduates use this as a stepping stone to four-year degrees. It's worth noting that while first-year outcomes look excellent, by year four this program's earnings align more closely with typical Minnesota programs in this field.

For families considering this investment, the low estimated debt load matters more than the earnings dip. Even if your child's salary follows this downward pattern, they're unlikely to face financial hardship with debt this manageable. The strong placement outcomes suggest good employer connections, but have honest conversations about whether staying in the Alexandria area long-term aligns with career growth, since the earnings pattern hints at potential limitations in the local market.