Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Bellevue College
Associate's Degree
bellevuecollege.eduAnalysis
The estimated $15,832 in debt sits comfortably between Washington's state median ($10,759) and the national figure ($21,874), suggesting Bellevue College falls in the middle range for cost among networking programs. Paired with projected first-year earnings around $43,300—consistent with what both state and national peers report—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates manageable repayment for a two-year technical credential.
What's worth noting is how narrow the earnings band is across all networking associate's programs: nationally, the difference between median and top-quartile programs is barely $1,500. This suggests the credential itself—and the skills it validates—matters more than where you earn it. Washington's tech sector offers strong entry points for network administrators and support specialists, and the Seattle metro area's concentration of tech employers could provide internship and job placement advantages that aren't reflected in these estimated figures.
The low Pell grant enrollment (10%) hints that many students here may be working professionals adding credentials rather than traditional students taking on their first debt. For families financing this program from scratch, the combination of reasonable estimated debt and solid projected entry-level earnings makes this a defensible choice, particularly if proximity to Bellevue's tech corridor translates to actual job connections.
Where Bellevue College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,305 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $5,103 | $43,380* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Health Informatics Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Bellevue College, approximately 10% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.