Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Associated Technical College-Los Angeles

This program's numbers tell a troubling story that the 58% earnings growth can't overcome. Starting at just $13,653—barely above minimum wage in Los Angeles—graduates face immediate financial stress, even with relatively modest debt of $9,500. While earnings do climb to $21,594 by year four, that's still roughly $33,000 below what the typical networking certificate earns nationally. The 5th percentile national ranking is particularly concerning for a field where technical skills should translate to consistent entry-level wages.

The California context adds an important wrinkle: this program actually sits at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning most California networking certificate programs produce similarly disappointing outcomes. That's not a defense of this program—it's an indictment of how these short-term tech credentials perform in California's expensive markets. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, the low starting wages hit students who can least afford a credential that doesn't deliver.

For families considering this program, the math is stark: even after four years, graduates earn less than half the national median for this credential. In a city where living costs are among the nation's highest, these wages leave graduates struggling. If your child is committed to networking, a community college associate degree or industry certifications might offer better value. This particular certificate appears to be taking tuition dollars without delivering the career-launching wages that justify the investment.