Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Beaufort County Community College

A first-year salary around $37,000 for a networking certificate isn't spectacular, but the debt load matters more here. Based on peer programs nationally, graduates typically carry about $14,700 in debt—substantially higher than the $9,500 median for similar North Carolina programs and well above the national median of $11,588. That 40-cent debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly five months of gross income goes toward paying off this credential, which is manageable but not impressive for a short-term certificate.

The concerning part is how Beaufort County's estimated debt compares to what other North Carolina community colleges achieve. When similar networking programs across the state produce comparable earnings with 35% less debt, it raises questions about whether this program structures its curriculum efficiently or helps students minimize borrowing. The career outlook for network technicians remains stable, but starting at $37,000 in rural eastern North Carolina means those debt payments will feel heavier than they might in Charlotte or Raleigh where tech wages run higher.

Your child could reasonably pay this off within a few years if they land steady IT work, but the smarter move is confirming whether Beaufort County has strong employer connections in the area and understanding why their debt estimate runs so much higher than state peers. A networking certificate only makes financial sense if it leads directly to employment—otherwise that $15,000 becomes an expensive detour.