Location: Austin, TX•In-State Tuition: $2,550•Out-of-State Tuition: $10,590
Median Earnings (1yr)
$46,969
94th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$12,000
45% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.26 ManageableSample: 45 graduates

Analysis

Austin Community College's networking program delivers a rare combination: graduates earn substantially more than the national average while carrying half the typical debt. Starting at $47K and climbing to $63K within four years represents a 35% earnings jump that far outpaces most community college tech programs.

Here's the tradeoff Texas families should understand: while this program ranks in the 94th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Texas networking programs. That's not a weakness—it reflects Texas's unusually strong market for tech talent, where even the state median ($38K) trails Austin CC's outcomes. The program ranks behind DeVry and Houston Community College but ahead of Dallas College, and all of these comparisons matter less than the fundamental economics: at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26, graduates can realistically pay off their $12K in loans within months of starting work.

The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the earnings trajectory from year one to year four suggests this program opens doors to genuine career advancement, not just entry-level positions. For families weighing community college versus four-year options, this represents exactly what an associate's degree should deliver—quick entry into well-paying work without the debt burden that makes bachelor's degrees risky for many students.

Where Austin Community College District Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally

Austin Community College DistrictOther computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Austin Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally

Austin Community College District earns $47k — 94th percentile among computer systems networking and telecommunications associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Austin Community College District$46,969$63,312+35%
Dallas College$40,807$57,422+41%
DeVry University-Texas$44,735$51,108+14%
Hallmark University$31,847$47,836+50%
Texas State Technical College$27,768$39,051+41%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$46,969$63,312$12,0000.26
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$44,735$51,108$32,8820.74
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$42,875—$18,8620.44
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$40,807$57,422$13,1640.32
Remington College-Dallas CampusDallas$23,785$35,702$37,011$22,7000.64
Remington College-Fort Worth CampusNorth Richland Hills$19,341$35,702$37,011$22,7000.64
National Median—$43,276—$21,8740.51

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Austin Community College District, approximately 23% 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 45 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.