Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Baker College

Similar networking programs across the U.S. suggest first-year earnings around $43,300, with four-year outcomes at Baker hovering near $43,700—essentially flat growth that raises questions about career advancement in this field. With estimated debt of $26,700, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, which means your child would owe roughly seven months of their expected salary. That's manageable compared to many programs, though the lack of earnings growth between years one and four is worth noting.

The real challenge here is uncertainty. Because Baker's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, we're relying entirely on what happens at peer programs nationally. This doesn't mean Baker's program is weak—small cohorts are common in specialized technical fields—but it does mean you're investing without clear evidence of what Baker graduates specifically achieve. The networking field itself can be solid for associate degree holders, particularly for those who pursue industry certifications alongside their degree, but stagnant earnings suggest you should investigate whether graduates are moving into higher-paying roles or plateauing early.

Before committing, talk directly with Baker's career services about where recent graduates actually land jobs and what certifications they recommend. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment if networking is truly your child's goal, but you need Baker-specific placement data to know if that holds true here.